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I love this Turkey Rub because it completely transforms a bland turkey into a real show stopper for my Thanksgiving table. Featuring sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and more, I find this seasoning is the best and easiest way to make sure my turkey always shines!
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“I’ve used this on quite a few Thanksgiving turkeys and it’s fantastic! I lower the salt for health reasons and it’s still great!!” -Kelly
Easy Turkey Rub Recipe
This simple Thanksgiving Turkey Seasoning is my go-to blend for the holidays. I think that a homemade spice blend makes all the difference when seasoning a turkey. I like to prep this turkey rub a few weeks in advance of the holidays so I’m ready to go when Thanksgiving arrives!
Although I find this blend well-balanced, you can adjust it to your liking by adding more herbs, such as basil and oregano. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, and for a spicier rub, try adding some cayenne pepper (start with ¼ teaspoon). If you prefer a sweeter seasoning, add a touch of brown sugar.
Turkey Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp ground sage
- 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small dish.2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp ground sage, 2 tbsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp ground paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp ground black pepper
- Use as a rub on a turkey breast or Thanksgiving turkey.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Turkey Rub Step By Step
Gather your ingredients.
Combine the seasonings: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp ground sage, 2 tbsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp ground paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 2 tsp ground black pepper in a small bowl.
Use or store: Use right away to store to use later.
How to Apply
Generously apply the seasoning to the outside of the turkey, then rub it into the skin and meat. I recommend lifting the skin away from the meat and placing some of the rub between the meat and skin as well.
You can use as much as you like. Be generous with it! This recipe makes enough rub to coat a large bird.
How to Store
You can place the rubbed turkey in the refrigerator loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before you cook it.
Store leftover turkey rub in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Discard any turkey rub that has touched raw turkey. I recommend pouring out a little bit of the rub at a time into a separate bowl to avoid contaminating the entire batch.
Freeze turkey rub in an airtight container for up to 1 year. Use directly from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey seasoning rub adds incredible flavor to just about any turkey dish I make. It’s amazing on a classic Thanksgiving turkey, giving it that perfect golden, savory crust. I also love using it on a deep fried turkey breast for extra crispy, flavorful skin, or sprinkling it over a simple roasted turkey breast for an easy weeknight dinner. And when I’m craving something a little more casual, it even works beautifully mixed into turkey burgers—so flavorful and juicy every time.
Sounds like a great rub! How did the gravy turn out?
Fantastic! Goes really great with a butter mixture!
I’ve used this on quite a few Thanksgiving turkeys and it’s fantastic! I lower the salt for health reasons and it’s still great!!
Hi
Why do that Whole turkey bird look so burnt. Did you overcook it.
Sometimes the seasonings catch in the oven, but to be honest, we like our turkey extra-crispy! Always monitor towards the end of the cook time, and tent the bird with foil if it’s browning more than you’d like!