Which Herbs Go Well With Turkey? A Guide to Perfectly Seasoning Your Holiday Bird

Turkey is a staple of holiday meals, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for flavorful herbs and spices that can transform an ordinary turkey into a mouthwatering centerpiece. However, with so many herbs and spices to choose from, it can be overwhelming deciding which ones will go well with turkey. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you figure out which herbs complement turkey best.

Why Use Herbs and Spices on Turkey?

While turkey has a pleasant flavor on its own it tends to be relatively bland without any seasoning. Herbs and spices are an easy way to add lots of extra flavor without too much effort. The right combinations of herbs and spices enhance the natural flavor of the turkey rather than overpower it. They bring out the savory, sweet and nutty notes while adding another layer of aroma and taste. Herbs and spices make your turkey anything but boring!

Most Popular Herbs and Spices Used for Turkey

When seasoning a turkey, it’s best to opt for herbs and spices that complement the flavor rather than clash with it. Overly strong or acidic seasonings can be jarring and throw off the balance. Some of the most commonly used herbs and spices include:

Rosemary

Rosemary has become nearly synonymous with roasted turkey thanks to its quintessential holiday flavor. It has a distinctive piney aroma and strong woody flavor that holds up well to the hearty taste of turkey. Using fresh rosemary will provide the biggest flavor punch, but dried works well too.

Thyme

Thyme strikes the perfect balance between subtle and savory It has grassy, herbal notes with light citrus and mint undertones Lemon thyme also brings a brightness from the addition of citrus. Both dried and fresh thyme pair nicely with turkey.

Sage

The soft yet peppery flavor of sage blends wonderfully with turkey. It adds subtle flavor depth without being overbearing. The earthy, slightly bitter taste helps counteract any gaminess in the turkey meat too. Fresh or dried sage leaves work equally well.

Marjoram

Marjoram is like a milder version of oregano with a sweet, woodsy taste. Its pleasantly floral aroma makes it a great addition to turkey seasoning. Dried marjoram provides a more concentrated flavor than fresh.

Oregano

Common in Italian cooking, oregano has a pleasant bitterness and subtle spice. A little goes a long way since it has a robust flavor. Dried oregano tends to have the strongest taste. Use it sparingly in turkey seasoning to avoid it overpowering the other herbs.

Parsley

Parsley brightens up any dish with its fresh, grassy flavor. It adds balance to richer meats like turkey and serves as an excellent palate cleanser. Both curly and flat-leaf parsley pair well with turkey, whether dried or fresh.

Garlic & Onion Powder

Garlic powder and onion powder are seasoning staples that give an extra flavor boost to turkey. Garlic powder has an unmistakable roasted garlic taste while onion powder provides a sweetness. Sprinkle them generously on turkey along with the other herbs.

Paprika

Paprika offers a touch of warmth and smokiness. The sweet variety provides rich undertones while smoked paprika has a more robust flavor. Use a light hand with paprika, as it can quickly make foods bitter if overused.

Black Pepper

You can never go wrong finishing off a dish with freshly cracked black pepper. The sharp, spicy taste cuts through the fattiness of turkey. It adds another layer of flavor without overshadowing the herbs.

Herb and Spice Pairings That Work Well with Turkey

Some herbs and spices complement each other even better than they do alone. Certain classic combinations balance out nicely when seasoning turkey. Here are some of our favorite herb and spice pairings:

• Rosemary, thyme, sage
• Rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder
• Thyme, parsley, black pepper
• Sage, marjoram, parsley
• Oregano, garlic powder, paprika
• Thyme, sage, lemon zest
• Rosemary, parsley, lemon zest

Don’t limit yourself to just these combinations though! Feel free to get creative and come up with your own signature turkey herb blend.

How Much Seasoning Should You Use?

When it comes to how much seasoning to use on turkey, moderation is key. It’s easy to overdo it with strong herbs and spices, resulting in an unpleasantly overpowering flavor. As a general guideline, for a 12-16 lb turkey you’ll want:

• 1-2 tbsp minced fresh herbs or 1-2 tsp dried herbs
• 1-2 tsp spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper

Mix the herbs and spices together to create a well-balanced blend. It’s best to start with less seasoning and add more to taste. You can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away once it’s on the turkey.

What’s the Best Way to Season Turkey?

Simply sprinkling herbs and spices on the turkey results in uneven flavor and most will fall off during cooking. Instead, try these techniques:

• Make a compound butter: Blend softened butter with minced herbs and spices. Slather it all over the turkey to keep it moist while adding flavor.

• Create an herb rub: Mix together your favorite dried herbs and spices then generously rub it directly onto the turkey skin. The rub permeates the meat as it cooks.

• Make a seasoning paste: Mince fresh herbs and mix with a bit of oil to form a wet paste. Gently loosen the turkey skin and rub the paste directly onto the meat.

• Inject flavor: An injector needle lets you infuse herb and spice marinades deep into the turkey meat. Great for keeping it extra juicy.

• Stuff aromatics inside: Place herb sprigs, lemon, garlic, onion, and apple inside the turkey cavity. As it roasts, the aromatics impart their flavors.

Getting the Most Out of Herbs and Spices

To make sure you get the maximum flavor from your herbs and spices, follow these tips:

• Grind dried herbs right before using for stronger aroma and taste.

• Bloom spices in a bit of oil to intensify their flavors before adding to the turkey.

• Chop herbs finely or bruise them right before seasoning for the best flavor release.

• Use fresh herbs within a few days for optimal potency. Their flavor diminishes over time.

• Add woody herbs like rosemary and thyme early in cooking so they have time to soften.

• Save delicate herbs like parsley and cilantro for garnishing at the end to preserve their flavor.

Sample Turkey Herb Rub Recipe

Want to give making your own signature turkey herb blend a try? Use this simple recipe as a guide:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tbsp dried marjoram
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to fully mix together.

2. Pat turkey dry then use your hands to rub herb mixture all over the skin, about 1-2 tbsp per pound.

3. For extra flavor, gently loosen the skin and rub some seasoning directly onto the meat too.

4. Roast turkey as desired, basting occasionally with pan juices.

5. Let turkey rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving so the juices redistribute.

Garnish with extra fresh parsley or herbs. Enjoy your flavorful, herb-loaded turkey!

So there you have it—our guide to picking the best herbs and spices for turkey this holiday season. Follow our tips to get the most out of your seasoning and wow your guests with a memorably flavorful turkey! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb and spice combinations. Part of the fun is customizing the blend to your own taste preferences. Whip up a test turkey herb rub well in advance so you can tweak and perfect it before the big meal. The right blend of herbs and spices can transform plain old turkey into a splendid centerpiece worthy of any holiday spread.