Chances are, if you’re already making holiday dinners, you’ve got all the spices needed to make a quick and delicious turkey seasoning. Making your own spice mix not only saves you the cost, but also gives you the freedom to customize to your liking! Use this turkey seasoning for your Thanksgiving turkey or any time you want to roast a big bird.
This turkey seasoning is a classic poultry blend scaled up to make 1/2 cup seasoning including 3 tablespoons salt, plenty enough for a 12-pound turkey. (We recommend 1 tablespoon salt for every 4 pounds.) This seasoning can be used as a dry brine to fully tenderize your turkey before roasting.
What’s in turkey seasoning?
• Kosher salt: Kosher salt’s abrasive texture makes it perfect for meat rubs. You can also use table salt, but scale it down to 2 tablespoons since it’s saltier than kosher.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Pepper will produce the best flavor compared to pre-ground.
• Dark brown sugar: Brown sugar makes the skin even crispier and adds a little sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. I prefer dark brown for its deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar will work too.
• Aromatic spices: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder add intense, needed flavor.
• Dried herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic poultry herbs, but you can also tag in sage or oregano.
Ways to use turkey seasoning
In addition to seasoning or dry brining a whole turkey, you can also rub this blend on chicken, Cornish hens, or even a pork roast.
How do I store it?
Once mixed, this spice blend will keep stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below?