Our simple Turkey Seasoning is a classic turkey seasoning recipe that is perfect, no matter how you are cooking your turkey or what cut of turkey you use! Made with only 7 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Everyone is going to love this seasoning for your holiday turkey!
The BEST Turkey Seasoning
This easy turkey seasoning has all of the great, classic flavors and spice you know and love and it is the perfect way to season a thanksgiving turkey no matter how you are cooking it (roasted turkey, grilled turkey, etc).
It can be used on any cut of turkey: smoked turkey breast, smoked turkey legs, baked turkey wings, or a turkey tenderloin. Never buy store-bought turkey seasoning again when you see how this blend of savory spices turn your bland turkey into turkey with the most flavor. You can even make a double batch or triple batch and store it in the spice cupboard so that it is handy whenever you need it to make the most flavorful turkey.
What You Will Need
- dried sage, dried thyme leaves, & dried rosemary – this classic combination of dried herbs come together to create a turkey seasoning rub /spice rub that compliments any turkey and tastes amazing! See the recipe card below for full measurements.
- kosher salt & pepper – you simply can’t have a meat seasoning without them!
- garlic powder & onion powder – classic staples for any homemade seasoning to bring great flavor.
- add-ins: if you wanted to add in a touch of citrus you could add in a little dried lemon peel or fresh lemon zest. For a little bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes!
How To Make Turkey Seasoning
The first steps to making this easy recipe are to measure out all of your ingredients.
Place them in a small bowl and mix to fully combine this spice blend.
When Should I Season My Turkey
We typically like to season our turkey the night before cooking, if possible, but you can season it up to 2 days before cooking if you want to. This is true no matter how you cook your turkey or the type/size of turkey you are making. Just make sure you keep the whole bird refrigerated.
If you are looking for even more ways to season the perfect turkey, you can try using a turkey brine, turkey marinade, or make this turkey injection recipe right into the meat.
How To Season A Turkey
Pat the turkey dry, inside and out, with clean paper towels. Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil, avocado oil, or butter. Then coat the outside of the turkey with the homemade turkey seasoning.
If you are seasoning a turkey with some of the skin on, we highly recommend trying to get the seasoning mixture under the skin of the turkey. There are spots on the bird where this can be pretty hard but if you can get it in there as much as possible it really adds flavor! Same goes for a turkey breast. If you are making a turkey tenderloin, you can just rub the delicious turkey seasoning all over the entire turkey before cooking.
Best Ways To Cook A Turkey
There are so many ways to cook a variety of turkeys and this would be good on any one of them! A few of our favorites are – Grilled Turkey, Smoked Turkey Breast, & Spatchcock Turkey. Or checkout our Ultimate Guide on How to Cook a Turkey!
How To Store Turkey Seasoning
This is the perfect seasoning to make 2-3 batches at a time so that you always have some on hand and enough for a large turkey. You can store this big batch in an airtight container in the pantry or other dark place for up to 3 months. It will last longer than 3 months but some of the flavors might become a bit muted.
Other Turkey Recipes You Might Like
Brining a Turkey 101
How To Make Turkey Gravy
Juicy Roast Turkey Breast
Homemade Turkey Broth
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Turkey Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 tablespoons 1x
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Counter Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Turkey Seasoning – a simple, classic turkey seasoning recipe that is perfect, no matter how you are cooking your turkey!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 2–3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl; Stir to combine.
- Pat turkey dry with clean paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil – alternatively you can rub all over with softened butter. Season generously with the homemade turkey rub (including under the skin where you are able).
- Use in your favorite turkey recipes – we love this Smoked Turkey Recipe or Grilled Turkey!
Notes
- Salt: I wouldn’t recommend using table salt here – stick to kosher salt, otherwise your turkey might be too salty.
- Storage: feel free to make a double or triple batch – you can store this seasoning in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 months!
- Turkey Drippings/Pan Juices: don’t forget to use your pan juices that are leftover from your turkey to make homemade turkey gravy!
- Turkey Leftovers: got some leftover turkey don’t forget to make some Turkey and Wild Rice Soup, some Turkey Salad or a Turkey Cranberry Wrap!
Bridget Montag says
An easy way to add so much great flavor to our Thanksgiving turkey!