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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 or for any day of the week. After perfecting my turkey over the past three decades for my family, I crafted a rub that blends savory spices and herbs into the ultimate poultry seasoning.
The first turkey I ever made on my own came about four years into marriage. My mom had always been the one to handle Thanksgiving turkey, but that year we were in our new house and I wanted to give it a try myself. I experimented with seasonings, cooked it in an oven bag, and it turned out so good I could hardly believe it was my first attempt.
Over the next year or two, I kept tweaking the blend and added a little cayenne for a slight kick. That’s the rub I still use today, whether I’m roasting a classic turkey in the oven, cooking a slow-cooker turkey in the crockpot, or an easy Instant Pot turkey breast.
My family raves about the flavor every year, and it’s the only turkey rub I make anymore. If you’re taking on turkey duty for the first time, or you’re just tired of reaching for the same bland seasoning, this is the blend I’d hand you.
Why you’ll love this Turkey Seasoning
This rub earns its spot in your spice cabinet the first time you make it, and it keeps earning it.
- Heat Level Is Up to You: The cayenne is easy to adjust, so you can keep it mild for the kids or add more for a bigger kick.
- One Blend, Every Protein: This isn’t just a turkey rub. Rub it on chicken, pork, or beef and you get the same savory, well balanced seasoning every time.
- Five Minutes, Start to Finish: No simmering, no waiting, no special equipment. Mix it, and it’s ready to use.
- Made From What’s Already in Your Pantry: Kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, the basics you probably already have on hand. No specialty ingredients or last minute grocery runs.
Turkey Rub Ingredients
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- Kosher Salt: This is the base of the whole blend. Kosher salt has bigger, coarser grains than table salt, so it’s easier to control how much you’re actually applying to the bird.
- Seasoned Salt: This adds a savory depth you won’t get from plain salt alone, part of what makes this rub taste layered instead of one-note.
- Ground Pepper: Brings warmth to the blend without heat, so it works alongside the cayenne rather than competing with it.
- Poultry Seasoning: This one shortcut covers several of the classic turkey herbs at once, so you’re not measuring out sage, thyme, and marjoram separately.
- Garlic Powder: Rounds out the savory base and coats the turkey more evenly than fresh garlic would, without any risk of burning in the oven.
- Paprika: This is mostly here for color, giving the skin that deep golden look once it roasts, with a mild flavor on top.
- Red Pepper (Cayenne): This is the ingredient I added a year or two after I first started making this rub, and it’s what gives the seasoning its slight kick. Start light if you’re cooking for kids or anyone sensitive to spice, you can always add more next time.
- Dried Basil: Not an herb you usually see in turkey seasoning, but it adds a subtle sweetness that balances out all the salt.
- Dried Parsley: Mostly here for a fresh, herby finish on the back end. Leave it out if you don’t have it, the rub still works fine without it.
How To Make Dry Rub for Turkey
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 the rub on the turkey, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap and store it 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 the recipe directs!
How to Use this Turkey Seasoning Rub
You can use this turkey seasoning as a dry or wet rub on the turkey. Pat the turkey dry first with paper towels; this helps create crispy skin. Then you’re ready to proceed.
- 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 Rub 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!
How To Serve This Turkey Rub Recipe
This rub does not have to stop at your Thanksgiving turkey! Since it works so well on chicken, pork, and beef too, there are plenty of ways to put it to use throughout the year.
Rub it on a whole roasted chicken for an easy Sunday dinner, or sprinkle it over chicken breasts before they go in the Instant Pot for a quick weeknight meal. It is also fantastic on pork chops or a pork tenderloin, giving them the same savory, well-seasoned flavor you love on the turkey.
If you are making the turkey for Thanksgiving, round out your plate with some classic Southern sides like Collard Greens, Baked Mac and Cheese, Yellow Squash Casserole, or Cornbread Dressing. Every one of these pairs beautifully with the flavors in this rub, and together they make a table your family will remember.
Turkey Seasoning 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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Turkey Seasoning Rub
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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.
Notes
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Nutrition
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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.