If you want to elevate your poultry dishes with bold, memorable flavor, these 20 best turkey seasoning recipes have you covered. From classic herb blends and savory garlic rubs to smoky barbecue mixes and zesty spice combinations, each seasoning adds depth and character to any cut of turkey. Whether you’re roasting a whole bird, grilling tenderloins, or cooking up weeknight turkey recipes, these blends ensure your meals turn out aromatic, well-balanced, and irresistibly delicious. Versatile and easy to make, this collection offers the perfect seasoning for every taste and occasion.
1. Classic Herb & Butter Turkey Seasoning
Old-school flavor never fails. This classic tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s (minus the awkward small talk).
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix softened butter with all the herbs.
- Rub it all over and under turkey skin (yes, get in there).
- Roast as usual.
Why You’ll Love It:
Simple, aromatic, buttery — it works every time. Plus, the turkey comes out smelling like a Hallmark movie.
2. Smoky Paprika Dry Rub
Want bold? This rub delivers bold.
Ingredients:
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Brown sugar
- Salt
Instructions:
- Stir ingredients together.
- Coat turkey generously.
- Bake, grill, smoke — it works everywhere.
Why You’ll Love It:
Smoky. Savory. Slightly sweet. It’s the perfect seasoning for turkey breasts or grilled turkey legs.
3. Lemon Pepper Zing Seasoning
Bright, zesty, and definitely not boring.
Ingredients:
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Combine lemon zest and spices.
- Rub onto turkey with olive oil.
- Cook and enjoy the zing.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s bold, citrusy, and tastes like sunshine. Great on turkey cutlets or ground turkey bowls.
4. Cajun Fire Rub
Not “call the fire department” spicy. Just the kind that wakes up your tastebuds.
Ingredients:
- Cayenne
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Salt
Instructions:
- Mix everything together.
- Coat your turkey generously.
- Cook. Preferably with attitude.
Why You’ll Love It:
This one adds heat and flavor. Cajun turkey tacos? Chef’s kiss.
5. Maple Mustard Glaze
Sweet, tangy, sticky… and totally worth licking off your fingers.
Ingredients:
- Dijon mustard
- Maple syrup
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix glaze.
- Brush over turkey for last 45 minutes of roasting.
- Let it caramelize.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for Thanksgiving turkeys or turkey tenderloins. Sticky sweetness = yes.
6. Garlic Herb Wet Brine
If you’ve got time… this one changes EVERYTHING.
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Water
- Garlic cloves
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Lemon slices
Instructions:
- Boil water with salt + aromatics.
- Cool completely.
- Submerge turkey overnight.
Why You’ll Love It:
This one locks in juiciness. And no, your turkey won’t taste like saltwater — it tastes like heaven.
7. Chili Lime Dry Rub
For when you’re feeling a little fiesta.
Ingredients:
- Chili powder
- Lime zest
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
Instructions:
- Mix seasonings.
- Rub onto turkey.
- Grill or roast.
Why You’ll Love It:
This seasoning hits that smoky-spicy-zesty trifecta. Add to turkey burgers or even wings.
8. Mediterranean Herb Blend
Light, flavorful, and IMO totally underrated.
Ingredients:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Garlic powder
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Stir herbs + zest into oil.
- Rub or brush onto turkey.
- Cook however you want — even in a skillet.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s basically a turkey vacation to Greece. No passport required. 🙂
9. Sweet & Spicy Brown Sugar Rub
A little sweet. A little heat. A whole lot of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine rub ingredients.
- Pat onto turkey skin.
- Bake or grill.
Why You’ll Love It:
That caramelized crust? Worth it every time.
10. Italian Garlic Parmesan Seasoning
Warning: You will want seconds.
Ingredients:
- Garlic powder
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
- Grated Parmesan
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients.
- Brush onto turkey cutlets or meatballs.
- Bake.
Why You’ll Love It:
Basically turkey + garlic bread had a baby. In the best way.
11. Bold Espresso Dry Rub
Stick with me. This one’s a stunner.
Ingredients:
- Instant espresso powder
- Brown sugar
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
Instructions:
- Combine spices.
- Rub generously over turkey.
- Roast or smoke.
Why You’ll Love It:
Espresso doesn’t make it taste like coffee. It adds depth and richness. Try it — trust me.
12. Honey Sriracha Glaze
Sticky heat meets sweet balance.
Ingredients:
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
Instructions:
- Stir everything.
- Brush on halfway through cooking.
- Let it thicken.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for turkey wings or meatballs. It’s addictive. You’ve been warned.
13. Rosemary Citrus Seasoning
Fresh and elegant — like your favorite fancy brunch spot.
Ingredients:
- Fresh rosemary
- Orange zest
- Lemon zest
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients.
- Rub into turkey skin.
- Roast slowly.
Why You’ll Love It:
Bright, aromatic, and just plain gorgeous.
14. Harissa Spice Rub
For the spice lovers.
Ingredients:
- Harissa powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix spices + oil into paste.
- Rub onto turkey parts.
- Roast or grill.
Why You’ll Love It:
Bold North African flavor. Zero effort. Maximum payoff.
15. Butter & Everything Bagel Seasoning
Yes. And yes, it’s good.
Ingredients:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Butter
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix butter + seasonings.
- Rub onto turkey (especially skin).
- Roast.
Why You’ll Love It:
Crunchy, salty, garlicky. All the good things.
16. Moroccan Cinnamon & Cumin Blend
Warm. Cozy. Totally unexpected.
Ingredients:
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Paprika
- Salt
Instructions:
- Combine spices.
- Rub onto turkey before cooking.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s the kind of seasoning that makes people ask,
“Whoa — what did you put on this?”
- Garlic Ranch Turkey Rub
Because ranch belongs everywhere.
Ingredients:
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Buttermilk powder (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions:
- Mix everything.
- Season turkey inside and out.
- Cook.
Why You’ll Love It:
Like ranch dressing… but roast-friendly.
18. Sweet Orange Glaze
This one’s simple but it slaps.
Ingredients:
- Orange marmalade
- Dijon mustard
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix glaze.
- Brush onto turkey last 30 mins.
- Let it caramelize.
Why You’ll Love It:
Sweet + tangy + glossy turkey skin. Need I say more?
19. Jerk Turkey Rub
Spicy island vibes incoming.
Ingredients:
- Allspice
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Brown sugar
- Cayenne
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Stir everything together.
- Rub into turkey.
- Bake or grill.
Why You’ll Love It:
Bold. Spicy. Ridiculously good on turkey legs or thighs.
20. Savory Maple Sage
Perfect for holiday birds. Or Tuesday dinner. I don’t judge.
Ingredients:
- Maple syrup
- Sage
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
Instructions:
- Mash sage into maple + spices.
- Brush on turkey.
- Roast.
Why You’ll Love It:
It tastes like November… in the best possible way.
