Homemade Turkey Rub Recipe (Turkey Seasoning)
This turkey rub is perfect for your next holiday turkey or as a go-to seasoning for everyday meals. It’s made with spices that you probably already have in your pantry, so it’s easy to whip up anytime you need it.
Suitable for gluten free, paleo, keto, vegan, and vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
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Let’s make this super simple, ridiculously tasty Turkey Rub that you can whip up quickly. Seriously, it’s just two minutes between you and the best turkey at your next Thanksgiving, Christmas or festive holiday table. Grab those spices from your pantry. Yup, you guessed the usual suspects: paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, plus a few more.
Whether you’re a first-timer or the designated turkey expert, this rub is your secret weapon to nailing the bird every time. And since it’s made with spices that are probably in your kitchen right now, you’re already halfway there!
Table of Contents
Easy Homemade Turkey Rub Recipe
Mix, rub, and roast. That’s all there is to it. Combining herbs and spices will do the heavy lifting, transforming your ordinary turkey into a great, flavorful main dish. So, let’s mix up a batch and set your turkey up for success.
If you have a smoker, I have some exciting recipes for you. This smoked stuffing is so flavorful, thanks to the smoker adding its special flavor. And if you want to get the full smoker experience, you need to try this smoked turkey breast. Soooo good!
Why Make This Recipe
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients – This Turkey Rub recipe is perfect for last-minute preparations. It uses common spices that are likely already in your pantry, eliminating the need for extra grocery runs.
- Ideal for Any Size Turkey – Whether roasting a small turkey for a quiet family dinner or a larger bird for a festive gathering, this rub scales beautifully.
- Long Shelf Life – Mix a big batch of this Turkey Rub and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This is a great way to always have a ready-to-use mix on hand.
Ingredient Notes
- Paprika – Adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet flavor to the rub. For a smokier taste, you can substitute smoked paprika.
- Coarse Salt – Boosts the flavors of the other spices. If you only have fine salt, use about half the amount to avoid oversalting.
- Black Pepper – Provides a nice, sharp bite. Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor.
- Dried Thyme – Contributes a subtle, earthy flavor. If using fresh thyme, you’ll need about three times the amount specified for dried.
- Dried Rosemary – This herb complements the turkey. Crush it between your fingers before adding it to release more flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Gives a rich, savory taste. For a coarser texture and milder taste, you can substitute granulated garlic.
- Onion Powder – Offers a slight sweetness. Fresh minced onion isn’t recommended here as it can affect the rub’s dry consistency.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
How To Make Homemade Turkey Rub
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
- In a small to medium mixing bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container and keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
- After applying the rub, let the turkey sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the spices to penetrate the meat deeply, enhancing the flavor significantly.
- Rub some mixture underneath the turkey’s skin for a more intense flavor. This technique allows the spices to season the meat directly.
- Ensure all spices are thoroughly dry and free of clumps before mixing. This step helps achieve a uniform consistency in your rub, for an even flavor distribution.
- Feel free to adjust the spice measurements according to your personal taste. Adding more garlic or onion powder can bring a bolder flavor or increase the herbs for a more aromatic profile.
- Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. Replace the spices in your pantry every six months to ensure they’re at their peak.
- You can double or triple the recipe depending on your cooking frequency. It’s perfect for turkey, but don’t hesitate to try it on chicken, beef, or even fish!
- Keep your rub fresh by storing it in an airtight container. For extra convenience, use a spice jar with a shaker top. This makes it easy to apply just the right amount every time.
- This rub also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Pack it into small jars to share the love and flavor with friends and family.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy – Mix in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or smoked paprika to give your turkey rub a smoky, spicy kick.
- Sweet and Spicy – Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the recipe and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will create a sweet and spicy version of the rub, adding a caramelized crust to your turkey.
- Herbs – If you’re a fan of herbs, double the amount of dried thyme and rosemary.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – You can mix this turkey rub ahead of time. Combine all the spices as directed and store them until ready to use them.
- Store – Keep your turkey rub in an airtight container or a sealed jar in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it will maintain its potency and flavor for up to 3 months.
- Freeze – While freezing isn’t necessary for this dry rub, storing it in the freezer can extend its shelf life.
FAQs
To season your turkey, use a blend of salt, pepper, and classic herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. For extra juiciness, rub the turkey under the skin with butter. Our rub recipe is the perfect blend of ingredients.
To get that rub to stick to your turkey, pat the bird dry with paper towels. The drier, the better for cling.
Then, give it a quick brush with some olive oil or melted butter; this not only helps the spices stick but also gets you that golden, crispy skin as it cooks. Press the rub on generously, and you’re all set for a flavor-packed roast!
It is a great idea to apply the rub to the turkey skin. This helps the flavors penetrate directly into the meat, ensuring a more intense and even seasoning.
Plus, it helps keep the meat moist and juicy during cooking.
Similar Recipes
Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of lunch recipe ideas, or start a few of my most popular recipes:
- Smoked Turkey Breast.
- Turkey Marinade.
- Smoked Stuffing (You gotta try it!).
- Homemade Poultry Seasoning.
- Thyme Substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a tossed green salad to add a crisp, light touch to your meal. Perfect for balancing out the flavors of the turkey.
- Whip up some garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato gratin.
- Don’t forget this zesty cranberry sauce.
Recommended Tools
- An awesome mixing bowl set.
- Kitchen utensils for easy mixing.
- Spice containers for your spice.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
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Turkey Rub Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- In a small to medium mixing bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container and keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- After applying the rub, let the turkey sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the spices to penetrate the meat deeply, enhancing the flavor significantly.
- Rub some mixture underneath the turkey’s skin for a more intense flavor. This technique allows the spices to season the meat directly.
- Ensure all spices are thoroughly dry and free of clumps before mixing. This step helps achieve a uniform consistency in your rub, for an even flavor distribution.
- Feel free to adjust the spice measurements according to your personal taste. Adding more garlic or onion powder can bring a bolder flavor or increase the herbs for a more aromatic profile.
- Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. Replace the spices in your pantry every six months to ensure they’re at their peak.
- You can double or triple the recipe depending on your cooking frequency. It’s perfect for turkey, but don’t hesitate to try it on chicken, beef, or even fish!
- Keep your rub fresh by storing it in an airtight container. For extra convenience, use a spice jar with a shaker top. This makes it easy to apply just the right amount every time.
- This rub also makes a thoughtful and aromatic gift. Pack it into small jars to share the love and flavor with friends and family.
- Storage – Keep your turkey rub in an airtight container or a sealed jar in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it will maintain its potency and flavor for up to 3 months.
- There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
