This homemade turkey seasoning recipe is the secret to the most flavorful, golden-skinned Thanksgiving turkey you'll ever make. It's an easy, aromatic spice blend that turns a simple compound butter or dry rub into pure holiday magic.
Why You'll Love It
This all-purpose turkey seasoning rub recipe is the easiest way to upgrade any Thanksgiving turkey, whether you're roasting a whole bird or just a juicy turkey breast.
The combination of kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and a touch of sweet paprika gives your turkey the most incredible flavor and golden skin.
Unlike store-bought blends filled with preservatives and too much table salt, this seasoning mixture is fresh, balanced, and made entirely from pantry staples.
It works beautifully mixed into softened butter for a compound butter, rubbed directly onto the skin of the turkey, or sprinkled over a dry brine before roasting.
This blend has everything you need for a flavorful turkey - earthy sage, fragrant rosemary, warm thyme, and that tiny hit of turmeric that helps your seasoned turkey roast to that perfect golden color - see below?!
And if you're looking for detailed instructions for the perfect turkey recipe to go with it, I got you! Check out my herb butter roasted turkey that uses this turkey rub recipe in a compound butter that locks in great flavor and lead super juicy results.
It's the best way to get restaurant-level flavor at home, and it stores perfectly in an airtight container for next time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This easy turkey seasoning blend combines dried herbs and spices you probably already have in your pantry. It's simple to make, costs less than the fancy jars from the grocery store, and gives you full control over the flavor and salt level.
- Kosher Salt: Use Diamond Crystal or another coarse-grain salt for best results. Fine table salt is too strong and can make your turkey overly salty.
- Garlic Powder: Adds deep, savory flavor to the entire surface of the turkey.
- Onion Powder: Gives your turkey that warm, comforting Thanksgiving flavor.
- Smoked Sweet Paprika: Adds a smoky note and helps the skin of the turkey turn golden brown as it roasts. You can use regular sweet paprika for a milder flavor.
- Dried Sage: The classic Thanksgiving flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and turkey stock.
- Dried Rosemary: Earthy and aromatic, this herb adds much flavor and great balance to the seasoning blend.
- Dried Thyme: A staple for any roast turkey that keeps the flavor fresh and light.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a subtle herbal sharpness to the mix and complements the other herbs. I know it sounds weird but trust me!
- Turmeric: Optional but enhances color and gives the finished turkey that beautiful golden skin. It's my secret trick to getting the most beautiful color on your crispy skin.
- White Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps with caramelization and balances the salt. You can also substitute with brown sugar if you prefer a deeper, richer flavor.
How to Make It
This recipe comes together in minutes and makes enough seasoning for one whole turkey or two turkey breasts.
- MIX THE SEASONINGS: Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
- STORE: Transfer to an airtight container or a sealed jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
- USE: Rub this seasoning directly over the entire turkey or whisk it into melted butter to make the perfect compound butter for your roast turkey recipe.
Tips & Tricks for Using it
- For the best turkey results, always start with a completely thawed bird.
- Use paper towels to pat the entire surface of the turkey dry before applying seasoning. This helps it stick and creates crisp, golden skin.
- If you're dry brining your turkey, apply the seasoning mixture directly under the skin of the turkey and over the breast side, legs, and wings, then refrigerate overnight.
- Mix a spoonful of this turkey seasoning recipe into softened butter to make a simple herb compound butter. It's the perfect base for basting and flavoring pan juices or turkey drippings.
- If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning or black pepper to the blend.
- This spice blend also works beautifully on ground turkey, prime rib, or even roasted chicken for everyday cooking.
- For large birds like 20-pound turkeys, no need to double the batch - this recipe makes enough for two birds.
What to serve with it
This recipe was obviously made specifically for a Thanksgiving turkey but it's also great for whole chickens, too. And it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without all of my Southern Thanksgiving recipes!!
And once you've got that turkey made, i recommend using it on one of these easy recipes:
- Grilled Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
- The Gooey Gobbler - A Perfect Way to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Turkey Pesto Sandwich with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Feta
- Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Recipe
Homemade Turkey Seasoning Recipe for Thanksgiving
Equipment
- Glass Jar
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon Dried sage
- 2 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon White sugar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until evenly combined.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Rub directly over a whole turkey, turkey breast, or turkey legs before roasting, or mix into melted butter to make a flavorful compound butter.
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