Turkey Seasoning

With Thanksgiving just about a week away, it's time to talk turkey. The truth is, I've been thinking about my Thanksgiving turkey for a solid month now, and I'm not sure why since I roast a turkey the same way every dang year. In years past I've gone over brining a bird and roasting a bird, but today I'm talking about seasoning a turkey. Seasoning a turkey is how you take it from good to great and there are tons of ways to do it. One of my favorites is to use a simple seasoning blend.

What I love most about this seasoning blend is that it's made with simple stuff that you probably already have. The combination of dried thyme and sage with lemon pepper and smoky paprika brings such a dynamic flavor to the bird. Then, there's brown sugar. Sugar may seem like an unusual ingredient for seasoning a turkey, but it's a complete game-changer. As the turkey roasts, the brown sugar caramelizes and leaves you with the most delicious, crispy skin.

Make this seasoning days, weeks, or months ahead of Thanksgiving and rub it all of your turkey before it goes in the oven. You'll be glad you did, pookie heads.

How much seasoning do you use for a turkey?

This recipe makes 1/2 cup which is enough to coat a 20-pound turkey. If your turkey isn't as large, you'll likely need less, but just eyeball it. Give your turkey a good, liberal coating of rub and save the rest for another use.

What else can you use turkey seasoning for?

This seasoning blend is scrumptious on roasted chicken. Brush chicken thighs, breasts, or a whole bird with melted butter or oil, then sprinkle thoroughly with the seasoning mix before roasting.