This is a classic, flavorful turkey seasoning that's made from a simple mix of pantry staple ingredients. Rub it on your turkey before roasting for a no-fuss, fail-proof, impressive Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground sage
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Black pepper
Instructions
Here's how to make this recipe in 3 simple steps:
- Mix the seasoning: add all of the ingredients to a small bowl or jar and stir to mix.
- Rub it on your turkey: use as much of the seasoning needed on your turkey. If you need a full recipe for how to season and roast your turkey, click here: Roasted Turkey with Seasoning.
- To save it for later: store it in a jar or sealed container for up to 6 months.
Substitutions
Here's some of the most popular substitutions and additions for this recipe:
- Sugar: instead of brown sugar you can use another granulated sugar (like white sugar).
- Spice: this rub isn't spicy. You could add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chili powder give it heat.
- Sage: the recipe calls for ground sage; if you use rubbed sage use 4 teaspoons.
- Oil or butter: mix this rub with oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons) to turn it into a wet rub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use your hands to rub the seasoning all over the turkey, including the breast, legs, and wings. Before you add the seasoning, rub 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over your turkey to help it brown.
Yes, you can put seasoning under a turkey's skin but it's not necessary. Adding seasoning under the skin will help it to stay in place and can enhance the flavor. If you do this, you'll still want to rub the outside of the skin with seasoning too.
We would recommend making at least 8 tablespoons (or about ½ cup) for your turkey, which is what this recipe makes. This will cover any large bird; and if your bird is smaller you'll probably have some leftover.
A traditional mix of seasonings (and what we've used) includes classic poultry seasonings (sage, thyme, and rosemary), mixed with onion, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for sweetness and to help the skin caramelize.
Top Tip
When you add the seasoning to your turkey, make sure to rub it over all parts of the bird. You'll want to cover the breast, wings, legs, and any crevices in between (even if you can't see them). You may not need to use all of the seasoning — the turkey only needs one even layer of it.
Similar Recipes
For more Thanksgiving recipes, check out these flavorful favorites:
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment & rating at the bottom of this page!
Print
Turkey Seasoning
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: about ½ cup seasoning 1x
Description
This is a classic, flavorful turkey seasoning that's made from a simple mix of pantry staple ingredients. Rub it on your turkey before roasting for a no-fuss, fail-proof, impressive Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground sage
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the seasoning: add all of the ingredients to a small bowl or jar and stir to mix.
- Rub it on your turkey: use as much of the seasoning needed on your turkey. If you need a full recipe for how to season and roast your turkey, click here: Roasted Turkey with Seasoning.
- To save it for later: store it in a jar or sealed container for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Seasoning
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: thankgiving, turkey, seasoning, rub, holiday, poultry
Pablo
Used this blend with 1lb of ground turkey. Good flavor but WAY too much salt…wonder if that should be 2 teaspoons of salt instead of 2 tablespoons?
Megan
Hi Pablo! Thanks for trying the recipe! This recipe is best as a rub on a whole roasted turkey, like a 20 lb Thanksgiving turkey: https://www.herwholesomekitchen.com/classic-roast-turkey-recipe/. Sorry that you found it too salty for your ground turkey!
Eileen Austin
I added poultry seasoning & only one slight tbsp salt, , the aroma while cooking was awesome