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This recipe for the best homemade Spice Rub for Turkey is just the thing to make your Thanksgiving dinner exceptional. This easy recipe adds so much flavor for a holiday bird that everyone will be complimenting you on.
Why this Turkey Seasoning Recipe is Amazing: All you need is 2 minutes & a few common pantry dried herbs, aromatics, & spices to pull this together.
This is great used on my recipe for cooking a turkey breast or a whole Thanksgiving turkey. Blend these seasonings with some brown sugar for a sweet, salty, spicy, savory, & sensational way to elevate your holiday bird.
Like my recipe for Brown Sugar Rub for Pork Chops, this is a quick & inexpensive way to add a punch of flavor to meat.
Jump to:
- How to Mix a Homemade Rub
- FAQ
- Spice Rub for Turkey
- Turkey Recipes
How to Mix a Homemade Rub
Here is a simple recipe to make a seasoning blend from scratch. Simply add ingredients into a small bowl & stir to combine. Rub this all over for a yummy kick of flavor:
Here are the easy steps for making this recipe:
- Make Turkey Seasoning
- Use or Store
See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.
1 - Make Turkey Seasoning
Grab all the spices needed & your measuring spoons.
Combine all spices into mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
2 - Use or Store
Apply to your raw turkey immediately or store for later usage. Before adding to the turkey skin, use paper towels to blot the skin dry so the spices stick.
The best way to apply is by using your hands. "RUB" it over all surfaces, under wings, legs, & bottom parts. This turkey rub with paprika has a beautiful color & makes the skin look so appetizing once cooked.
Store unused (that have NOT come into contact with raw meat, juices, or dirty hands) in an air-tight container with a tight-fitting lid. Place in a cool dry place like pantry, cabinet, or drawer for up to 3 months.
Recipe Tips & Info
Here is my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing and more.
- #1 Tip - make sure you pat the skin of your turkey before adding the rub. Use your hands to press it & make sure all areas top to bottom are coated.
- You can also slather your bird in softened butter & then apply the rub.
- This is enough to cover a 15-20 pound turkey.
- Use half of this recipe if roasting a turkey breast only (up to 8 pounds)
- For more heat, add ½ teaspoon cayenne to the rub.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or make a big batch to have ready to go in your spice drawer.
- Did you know you can freeze spice rubs to make them last longer?
- Secret to the best turkey ever - start with my Dry Salt Brine for Turkey 3 days before you begin cooking!
FAQ
Can I add the rub the night before?
Yes, if you are not using my dry salt rub method adding this the night before will add flavor & act as a last minute salt brine.
What are traditional spices for turkey?
There are many flavors that pair well with turkey but a few are the most classic. If you were to use only 1-2 spices along with salt & pepper, I recommend using paprika & sage.
Spice Rub for Turkey
Angela
This easy recipe for homemade Spice Rub for Turkey is the secret to the best Thanksgiving meal. It's savory, sweet, spicy, & salty. Great for Christmas or any holiday whole bird or turkey breast.
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Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 2 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl measure out and add each spice.
Stir to combine.
Use immediately on your turkey or store as directed below.
Notes
TOP TIPS:
- To use on a whole turkey, pat dry the skin all over & sprinkle on the rub. Use your hands to press it in place & get all sides (under wings, around the legs, etc)
- To use on a turkey breast, pat dry the skin & sprinkle ½ of the mixture over the skin side up. Store remaining spice blend.
- You can also slather your bird in softened butter & then apply the rub.
STORING:
- Store in an air-tight container & place in a cool dry place such as a pantry or spice drawer.
Keyword easy, salty, savory, seasoning, spice
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Turkey Recipes
Now that the seasoning blend is done, time to put it to good use in one of these:
- EASY 20-POUND TURKEY RECIPE
- HOW LONG TO COOK A 25-POUND TURKEY
- HOW LONG TO COOK A 18-POUND TURKEY
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