We are always in charge of the turkey for Thanksgiving Day and I swear it’s because no matter how we cook our turkey, we coat it in a thick layer of this homemade turkey seasoning.
Our favorite thing to do is to make homemade turkey gravy out of the drippings because the spices create the most amazing gravy flavor. So good that my grandma said it tastes like her favorite gravy from the grocery store deli
Whether you’re cooking a full Thanksgiving turkey or a smaller turkey tenderloin for Thanksgiving, we’ve used this very turkey seasoning on almost all cuts of turkey and they always come out some flavorful!
This turkey seasoning recipe is one of our most popular Thanksgiving recipes and rightfully so. We use this turkey seasoning every year to season our Thanksgiving turkey and it’s truly what makes it so amazing.
It’s savory, a little bit smokey, and slightly sweet. It combines some of the best common spices such as garlic powder, thyme, and oregano to create one amazing turkey dry rub.
“This dry rub was AHHHMAZING! the house smelled divine and the turkey tasted even better! Can’t wait to share this (and impress) my family next Thanksgiving! Also appreciated that all of the ingredients were already in my cupboard!” – Erica
We’re betting that the following spices for turkey are already in your cupboard. And, we can guarantee you that this seasoning will be more flavorful than any store-bought turkey seasoning + all the benefits of actually being able to pronounce the ingredients:
Turkey is a lean, mild-tasting meat that can benefit immensely from creative seasoning. Whether roasting a whole bird for a holiday feast or cooking up ground turkey for weeknight dinners, it’s worth exploring flavors that complement and accentuate the meat.
With the right combinations of herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients, you can take turkey from bland and boring to rich, complex, and mouthwatering. Read on for 12 fantastic ways to make turkey sing with flavor.
Traditional Herbs and Spices
Sage
The earthy, lightly peppery flavor of sage brings out the best in turkey It adds moisture while reducing any gaminess in the meat. Use it dried in a rub or fresh leaves under the skin or in the cavity. The traditional pairing is perfect for holiday roasts.
Fruity Accents
Cranberry
The classic tang of cranberry makes an ideal foil for turkey’s mildness. Whole cranberries can be used to stuff poultry cavities, or try adding cranberry chutney, sauce, or jelly as a glaze, in stuffing, or alongside roasted, grilled or pan-fried turkey. Dried cranberries also lend chewy bursts of flavor.
Savory and Aromatic Companions
Garlic
Garlic ramps up flavor and moisture in turkey while also adding fantastic aroma. Mince it and combine with butter or oil for a flavorful baste. Or place whole peeled cloves inside the cavity and tossed in the roasting pan. Roasted garlic can be blended into mashed potatoes or other sides too.
Citrus Zest
Citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, offers a bright and refreshing dimension. Use finely grated zest in dry rubs, herb butters and stuffings. Large strips of zest can also be tucked into cavities. The acidity helps cut through turkey’s fat while allowing the meat’s flavor to shine.
Spice It Up
Warm spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne, coriander, cloves and chili powder can add excitement. Use them in marinades, rubs or stuffings. Start with small amounts and adjust to avoid overwhelming the turkey. Ground ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon lend comforting warmth.
Nutty Notes
Chopped toasted nuts augment texture and richness. Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts and pine nuts all pair beautifully with poultry. Use them in stuffings or sprinkle over the bird toward the end of roasting for some crunch. Nut oils and butters also impart delicious flavor.
Umami Enhancers
Ingredients like soy sauce, miso and mushrooms contain savory umami flavors that complement turkey’s natural savoriness A quick soy or miso marinade provides lots of flavor impact. Sautéed mushrooms lend meaty texture and taste excellent in gravy and stuffing too
Fresh Herbs
Herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram and parsley lend layered aromas and freshness. Chop them and add to butters, rubs or stuffings. Or place herb sprigs and leaves inside the cavity and under skin. Heartier herbs like rosemary can be layered on a roasting rack to infuse the turkey.
Sweet Contrasts
A touch of sweetness wonderfully offsets turkey’s natural dryness. Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, applesauce and jellies all add sheen, moisture and flavor. Use them in marinades, glazes or sauces. Dried fruit like apricots, apples, plums and figs lend sweetness too.
Savory Vegetables
Onions, carrots, celery and mushrooms all provide fantastic flavor and texture. Sauté them for rich homemade gravy and dressing. Or use them as a bed for roasting turkey, allowing their juices to infuse the meat. Hearty chunks also make excellent additions to stuffing.
Zesty Finishers
Fresh citrus, pungent mustard and peppery arugula add brightness when used near the end of cooking or as condiments. Spritz roasted turkey with juice from oranges, lemons or limes. Stir plenty of zest into gravy. Make arugula-citrus salad or slaw to cut the meat’s richness.
Dynamic Duos
Some can’t-miss combinations include maple syrup + pecans, cranberry + orange, thyme + lemon, garlic + pepper, sage + onion, chili powder + cumin + lime, ginger + soy sauce, and rosemary + mushrooms. Get creative and layer flavors with herbs, spices, oils, acids and sweeteners.
With an array of herbs, spices, fruits, veggies and other lively ingredients at your disposal, the flavor potential for turkey is nearly endless. Avoid bland bird by experimenting with new seasoning and sauce ideas. Your holiday or family dinners will never be the same!
How to Season a Turkey
Seasoning a turkey is simple and our #1 tip is to put it everywhere! After mixing up the spice blend, simply sprinkle it on top of the skin and in between the legs. Then, use your hands to rub it in. You can even rub it under the skin for optimal flavor. Not only will it flavor the turkey itself, but it will help create the most flavorful turkey drippings, which will eventually be your turkey gravy.
How to Store Homemade Turkey Seasoning
This recipe yields 1/3 cup. If you have leftover turkey seasoning, transfer it into a jar and tightly seal it shut. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
While these turkey spices are specifically for turkey, they make for a great all-purpose poultry seasoning so don’t be afraid to use it for other cuts of meat!
Organize your homemade spices with this empty glass spice jar set!
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FAQ
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