Flavorful Turkey Seasoning
Published 7/9/2023 • Updated 3/25/2024
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We are always in charge of the turkey for Thanksgiving Day and I swear it’s because no matter how we prepare the turkey, we coat our turkey in a thick layer of this homemade turkey seasoning.
Our favorite thing to do is to make homemade 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.
Featured Comment
“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
Turkey Seasoning Ingredients
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:
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Brown sugar
- Coarse salt
- Pepper
How much does this seasoning for turkey yield?
This recipe yields around 1/3 cup and is enough seasoning for a 15 lb. turkey. For smaller or larger birds, use 1.5 tablespoons of seasoning per lb. of turkey.
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.
Glass
Spice Jars
Organize your homemade spices with this empty glass spice jar set!
Recipe Pairings
If you’re planning a full Thanksgiving dinner or you’re making a smaller bird for the fam, here are some go-to recipe pairings we’re always coming back to to flesh out a top notch turkey dinner:
Salads
- Healthy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Superfood Salad
- Massaged Kale and Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Golden Roasted Cauliflower and Quinoa Salad
Sides
- Green Beans Almondine
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Desserts
- Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Healthy Carmelita Bars
Use this seasoning for turkey on one of our turkey recipes!
- Smoked Turkey
- Thanksgiving Turkey
- Spatchcock Turkey
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Smoked Turkey Legs
- Sous Vide Turkey
- Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
The Best Turkey Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 teaspoons coarse salt
- 4 teaspoons pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- Place all ingredients for the turkey seasoning into a large glass container or mason jar.
- Then, stir the spices together to create your rub.
- To season your turkey, generously sprinkle it on top of the entire bird including the breasts, legs, etc. Use your hands to rub it into the turkey skin. You can even rub it under the skin or put it in the cavity if you have extra for optimal flavor.
- Storage: if you have leftover turkey seasoning, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Tips & Notes
- This recipe yields: ~1/3 cup seasoning
- For a 15 lb. turkey, use the entire recipe.
- For smaller or larger birds, use 1.5 tablespoons of seasoning per lb. of turkey.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I’m going to try this seasoning on our turkey this year. I will also use butter under the skin.
We are a low salt family. Can I not use salt? Or how much pink salt would you recommend?
Absolutely loved this seasoning for my turkey!!
This is my first time ever experimenting with turkey for Thanksgiving. I received pre-cooked, already shredded turkey in a tin foil baking tray, indicating that I add broth when it comes time to place in the oven. I’m afraid this won’t be enough to flavor the turkey… Can I use these seasonings to sprinkle over the turkey? What would you recommend?
You absolutely could sprinkle this on the meat for seasoning and flavor. Best wishes.
Thank you so much!
This is by far the best turkey I’ve ever had.
Best turkey rub I’ve ever tasted!!!!!!
Click Me!
I’m going to try your first recipe on this page. It looks delicious and I’m sure we’ll all love it. I’ll post afterwards to see how it went. Thanks.
Would It mess up the balance to rub the inside and out with olive oil and fresh squeezed orange juice, prior to using the rub?
Not at all! That would be delicious.
Can’t wait to see it!