This turkey rub is a blend of savory spices that come together to make the ultimate poultry seasoning. Homemade spice rub will add plenty of flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey, and also works well with chicken, pork and beef.
When I want to make a turkey that’s sure to impress, I use my homemade turkey rub as the primary seasoning agent. I serve my turkey with classic side dishes such as sweet potato casserole and cranberry relish for a memorable meal.
There are so many different ways to prepare a turkey, from brining to roasting to deep frying and more! This turkey rub turns an ordinary roasted turkey into something extraordinary. Best of all, it takes just 5 minutes to make!
Turkey Rub Ingredients
This recipe is made with a variety of herbs and spices including salt, brown sugar, paprika, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder and onion powder.
How do you make turkey rub?
Place the salt, sugar, herbs and spices in a bowl, then stir until everything is well mixed. Use the seasoning right away, or store it in an airtight container for future use.
Tips for the perfect seasoning mix
- This recipe makes the perfect amount of rub to use on a 10-12 pound turkey. If your turkey is larger, you’ll want to double the recipe.
- You can use fresh herbs instead of dried if you prefer; you’ll just want to triple the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
- This recipe calls for kosher salt, which is not the same as table salt. For best results, use kosher salt, which should be available in every grocery store.
Recipe FAQs
Generously apply the seasoning to the outside of the turkey, then use your hands to rub it into the skin and meat. I also recommend loosening the skin of the turkey breast and thighs, and putting some of the rub under the skin against the meat for added flavor.
You can absolutely season a turkey the night before, in fact, I recommend doing this whenever possible. Leaving the rub on the turkey overnight allows for the salt and spices to penetrate the meat and makes for a more tender and juicy cooked bird. Place the rub on your turkey, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook it.
Turkey pairs well with a lot of sweet and savory flavors such as brown sugar, maple, chives, thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, basil, paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, lemon, and oregano. This spice blend is primarily savory, with just a hint of brown sugar to offset the salt, herbs and spices. The added bonus of the brown sugar is that it will help to create a golden brown crust on the turkey.
Flavor variations
I happen to love this spice blend exactly as it’s written, but you can absolutely use other flavorings to customize this recipe to your taste.
- Sugar: You can use maple sugar, muscovado sugar or coconut sugar instead of the brown sugar. You can also blend honey, agave syrup or maple syrup with the spices to make a wet rub.
- Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs to the mix such as dried parsley, basil, marjoram, savory or oregano.
- Spices: Other great additions to this rub include cayenne pepper, mustard powder, smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Wet Rub: You can mix your spice blend with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter to make a wet rub.
I like to make a double or triple batch of this rub and use it all year long on roasted chicken, pork tenderloin and roast beef. Make your holiday turkey extra special this year with this spice blend, and you’ll be sure to get rave reviews.
Side dishes to pair with your turkey
Turkey Rub Video
Turkey Rub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until combined.
- Rub the spice mixture all over your turkey, as well as under the skin, then cook as desired.
- Spice rub can be made up to 2 months in advance.
Notes
- This recipe makes the perfect amount of rub to use on a 10-12 pound turkey. If your turkey is larger, you’ll want to double the recipe.
- You can use fresh herbs instead of dried if you prefer; you’ll just want to triple the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Ivy says
Can I butter the turkey first with unsalted butter then put on the rub? If so, how much butter for a 14lb turkey?
Can I omit the sage?
Sara says
I’d use 1/2 cup of butter for a 14 pound turkey, you can mix the rub into the softened butter then spread it onto the turkey. It should be fine to omit the sage.
Robin says
This rub is it used for oven cooking or on. A smoker
Sara says
It will work either way!
Robin Fiola says
We like to cook our turkey the high heat method to seal in juices. Will the honey or sugar burn?
Sara says
Can you explain what you mean by high heat method so I can better advise? Thanks!
Robin Fiola says
Turkey gets a shorter period of time at 500 degrees. Covered part of the time, then uncovered for the rest of the time.
Peaches says
Can I use this rub if I’m smoking My turkey
Sara says
Yes that will work! I also have a different turkey rub in my own smoked turkey recipe which is here: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/smoked-turkey-recipe/
Travis Polidore says
Can I use this Rub if I am Deep Frying a turkey?
Sara says
I would not use a rub as it can fall off into the oil and burn, I’d recommend using my brine recipe instead: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/turkey-brine-recipe/
JoAnn Tucker says
I normally use a cooking bag for my turkey does it make a difference with the rub?
Sara says
It should not make a difference!
Jodi says
I was wondering what size turkey this amount would cover? I have over a 20lb. turkey and didn’t know if I should double this recipe or if this amount in the recipe would be enough to cover it. can’t wait to try it for Easter. Thanks
Sara says
This brine is designed for a 10-15 pound turkey. You can adjust the number of servings and the ingredients will automatically recalculate, or you can just use this recipe, add more water to cover your turkey, and let it sit in the brine for an extra 4 hours.
Brian St. Onge says
Brine??? Is this not a dry rub????
Sara says
This is a dry rub. It looks like somehow those comments ended up on the wrong post!
Sherry says
Delicious! Made it for this Christmas!
Cindy Aston says
Can smoked paprika be substituted for the regular paprika?
Sara says
Yes that will be great!
Sharon says
This turkey run will make the holiday turkey dinner so much better this year! It adds an incredible amount of flavor.
Jamie says
I love all the spices in here and it’s all stuff that I usually have in my pantry! Can’t wait to try this out during the holiday season!
Genevieve says
I love how easy this rub is to make and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving! Pinning for later, thank you!
Jeannette says
This is a GORGEOUS recipe and absolutely perfect for an edible gift! Love all the spices in this version. The best part is it lasts for up to 2 months! Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
I can’t wait for Thanksgiving! This looks so delicious and will go perfectly with our dinner!
Suzy says
The best combinations of flavors! So tasty!
Patricia says
Your turkey is taking center stage — it looks ahhhh-mazing! I’ve never done a rub for turkey. I might have to try this before the big day!
Toni Dash says
This is such a perfect blend! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!
Catalina says
I prefer to make my rub at home. I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Erin says
This turkey rub is seriously making me hungry!
Beth says
This rub is perfect! I can’t wait to make a turkey now! This is going to be so good!