This homemade turkey seasoning combines thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic, and a few pantry staples into one easy rub. Stir it together in 5 minutes for classic Thanksgiving flavor and one less thing to do on turkey day!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Seasoning
- Ready in 5 Minutes: Measure, mix, and your turkey seasoning is ready to use. This part of Thanksgiving dinner really is that easy!
- Classic Herb Flavor: Thyme, rosemary, and sage give your turkey that familiar holiday flavor without a long ingredient list.
- Make It Ahead: Mix a batch before the holiday rush so it’s ready when you need it.
Round out your Thanksgiving dinner with my turkey gravy and Grandma’s stuffing!
Turkey Seasoning Ingredients
Check your spice cupboard before you shop. You may already have everything you need! See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Add savory flavor and mix evenly throughout the rub.
- Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with the other herbs.
- Dried Rosemary: Crush larger pieces between your fingers for a finer rub that’s easier to spread.
- Dried Sage: Gives the blend its classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a mild herbal flavor to round out the stronger herbs.
- Paprika: Adds color and mild pepper flavor. Use regular paprika for the original blend or smoked paprika if you prefer a smoky flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Seasons the turkey. Different brands vary in saltiness by volume, so use the same brand each time for consistent results.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a little bite without making the seasoning spicy.
How to Make Turkey Seasoning
A bowl and a whisk are all you need! You can use the seasoning right away or store it for later.
- Combine: Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until evenly mixed. Break up any clumps.
- Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. If desired, rub the skin with olive oil or softened unsalted butter to help the seasoning stick. Sprinkle the blend evenly over the turkey, including the legs and underside, and rub it gently into the surface.
- Cook: Use this blend on my baked turkey, or follow your turkey recipe for the cooking method, temperature, and time.
Tips for Seasoning Your Turkey
- How Much to Use: One batch makes about 5 tablespoons, enough for a 10–14 pound turkey. For a larger bird, double the recipe and use as needed.
- Check for Added Salt: If your turkey is brined, kosher, or labeled as containing an added solution, reduce or omit the salt in this blend to avoid doubling up.
- Season Under the Skin: For flavor directly on the breast meat, gently loosen the skin with your fingers and spread a little of the seasoning underneath. You can also mix it with softened unsalted butter to make it easier to spread.
- When to Season: You can apply this rub just before cooking. If your turkey recipe calls for seasoning ahead, follow its timing and refrigeration instructions.
- Want Some Heat? Add a little cayenne pepper to the blend.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Rub your turkey with softened unsalted butter or olive oil before adding the seasoning. It helps the herbs stick and encourages golden skin! I like unsalted butter so I can control how much salt goes on the turkey.
Turkey Seasoning Rub
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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Place 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 2 teaspoons dried sage, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder into a bowl and whisk to combine.
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Rub the seasoning all over the turkey making sure to get the top and bottom. Then cook your seasoned turkey according to your recipe.
Video
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Nutrition
More Of My Favorite Seasonings To Try
Seasonings are so versatile and I always have them on hand to make my dishes taste amazing! I love that you can add seasoning to meat, fish, vegetables, dips, and so much more. Here are some of my favorite homemade seasonings that I can’t wait for you to try!
