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.
“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
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:
Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.
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.
A simple glaze is another easy way to add flavor to the turkey with the added benefit of crispy skin in the process. Just apply the glaze to the turkey with a pastry brush before the turkey goes in the oven and again every thirty minutes until its done. Were partial to flavors like cider, malt, apricot, just about any type of citrus, mustard, or slightly sweet molasses-soy.
Simply chop butter into cubes and put them in a food processor along with your chosen mix-ins. Pulse until blended, remove to a sheet of parchment paper, and roll into a tight log shape. Chill for at least two hours before using to allow for things to firm up.
Sure, butter is a great way to add flavor to turkey, but its even better when infused with other flavors to create a compound butter. Raw or roasted garlic, fresh herbs, tangy citrus zest, and even spicy honey are all strong contenders.
When it comes time to prep the turkey, hack off a knob of your compound butter and rub it underneath the skin. Not only will it amp up the flavor of your turkey meat, but the extra fat will ensure that coveted crispy skin.
The easiest way to get that slight crispy, deeply-golden brown skin is simple: Crack open a jar of mayonnaise from the supermarket. Applying a thick layer of the creamy stuff right before the bird goes into the oven will ensure picture-perfect skin every time (make sure to hashtag your Instagrams #TurkeyTakeover). Even better: Use mayo thats been infused with roasted garlic.
F*ck The Whole Bird, I Cook My Turkey Like This Now
FAQ
What can I put on my turkey to give it flavor?
How do you get the best flavor out of a turkey?
How do you make turkey not taste bland?
Should I put butter or oil on my turkey?