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Looking for a foolproof homemade turkey rub recipe? This rub is your new secret weapon for unlocking the most mouthwatering flavors in your Thanksgiving Turkey. After perfecting my turkey over the past three decades for my family, I’ve crafted a rub that blends savory spices and herbs to make the ultimate poultry seasoning.
Not only will you get the best-tasting rub, but my simple instructions and tested tips will help you keep cooking stress-free and serving up a juicy, flavorful holiday bird that everyone will love!
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned cook, my homemade turkey seasoning is the key to adding incredible flavor without the stress of a more complicated process like bringing or deep-frying.
This rub will transform a classic roasted turkey or an easy instant pot turkey breast into something bursting with flavor, and it only takes 5 minutes to prepare!
You don’t have to stop at Turkey! This versatile rub is equally delicious on chicken, pork, and beef, making it a pantry staple you’ll reach for again and again. Plus, it’s super easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Turkey Rub Ingredients
- Kosher Salt
- Seasoned Salt
- Black Pepper
- Poultry Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
- Sweet Paprika
- Ground Red Pepper (Cayenne Pepper)
- Dried Basil
- Dried Parsley
How to make Turkey Seasoning Rub
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Yes, it really is that simple! So why not make your own and use those spices and herbs in your pantry!
Can you season turkey in advance?
Yes! This will just give the turkey more flavor. The night before serving place rub on turkey, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend doing this too early maybe 12 to 15 hours or so. Definitely no more than 24 hours. There is quite a bit of salt so if it sits too long it could become too salty. Then cook as recipe your directs!
How to Dry Rub a Turkey
This turkey seasoning can be used as a dry or wet rub on the turkey. Just make sure to pat turkey dry first with paper towels, this allows for a crispy skin. Then you are all set to proceed.
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- Dry Rub – Start by loosening the skin from the meat by placing fingers under the skin and gently pushing it away from the meat of the turkey. Take your hands and sprinkle the half the seasoning mixture under the skin of the turkey. Then apply the other half of the rub on top of the skin. This works great when you fry or smoke a turkey.
- Wet Rub (Turkey Rub Butter) – You will apply it as you would a dry rub, except you will mix the rub with softened or melted butter. (Either way, it will make a paste. The melted butter method I like to use when cooking in the slow cooker.) Next, loosen the skin with your fingers, apply the rub under the skin, and spread it around evenly. Then, rub the remaining turkey and butter over the outside of the skin. You may also use olive oil, but I recommend butter for better flavor and color. This works well for roasting, cooking in the slow cooker, or for an Instant Pot Turkey Breast!
Turkey Seasoning Recipe Variations
While I think this is the perfect blend, there are a few things you can do to change it up or customize to your taste.
- Sweetness – Try adding a little brown sugar, honey or maple syrup for a slightly sweeter flavor!
- Change up the Herbs – Feel free to change them up. If you like rosemary, sage, or thyme – they go great on turkey, too.
- Smokiness—If you want a slightly smoky flavor, you could use smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or chili powder.
When I make my rub, I usually double it so I can use it on chicken, pork tenderloin, or beef recipes. It is a great blend for grilling, too!
Turkey Seasoning Rub FAQs
To ensure the rub sticks to your turkey, pat the turkey dry with paper towels first. Removing excess moisture helps the rub adhere better to the skin. You can also lightly coat the turkey with a bit of olive oil, softened or melted butter before applying the rub. This not only helps the seasoning stick but also enhances the flavor and promotes a beautiful golden-brown skin.
Yes, applying the rub under the skin is a fantastic way to infuse the meat with flavor. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs without tearing it. Then, massage the rub directly onto the meat underneath. This helps the seasoning soak into the turkey, so every bite is full of flavor, not just the outside surface.
Side Dishes to go with Turkey
- Southern Collard Greens
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Best Ever Lima Beans
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing
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Best Turkey Rub
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper, optional or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Rub ingredients under skin and all around turkey as a dry rub or wet rub (turkey rub butter) with softened or melted butter.
- Prepare as desired. This will be enough seasoning for a 12 – 14 pound turkey.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
Made it and loved it. Second time this year doing it and I cooked it in a turkey bag for 3 hrs omg so good. Better than on the grill. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Dee! I appreciate you letting us know you enjoyed it so much you made it again this year! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
We chose the wet butter rub recipe and it was Fantastic!!!
The elders in the family said it was the best turkey they ever tasted, plan to do it every year, thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much! You made my day! This is my favorite turkey seasoning too!
So good. Made 1x with 1/2 stick butter. Juuuust enough for our tiny 10 lb turkey. Maybe more butter next time.
Thank you, Rob! I usually use about 1 stick of butter.
This was the absolute BEST seasoning I have Ever! Put on my Turkey! It is absolutely incredible !! We like pepper, however. I would use half of the called for amount next time. This is most definitely a KEEPER. THANK YOU
Thank you so much Kim! I have been using this rub for about 20 years now and it’s my family’s favorite! I am so glad you will be using it again and again too!
We tried this and loved it!! It will be the only way I make turkey now.