3 Delicious Ways to Season Your Turkey

The possibilities for seasoning your turkey are endless. Try brining with a blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple cider for a sweet, fall-inspired flavor. Baste with a zesty lemon-herb butter, or spice things up with a bold Cajun dry rub!

Overwhelmed by the choices? No worries! Whether you're using herbs, spices, or marinades, there are a few foolproof methods for seasoning your turkey. Master the techniques of basting, rubbing, and brining to achieve tender, flavorful turkey every time.

Step 1: Basting

Basting is a popular technique because it locks in moisture, leaving your turkey with a golden, glossy finish. By spooning or pouring liquid over the bird as it cooks, you can help redistribute fat, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat. You can use pan drippings or your own homemade basting mixture.

How to Perfectly Baste Your Turkey

To baste your turkey using the juices from the roasting pan, simply grab a turkey baster or a long spoon to drizzle the liquid over the turkey every 30 to 45 minutes as it cooks. For extra flavor, consider inserting a seasoned butter underneath the skin or brushing the turkey with an oil blend before roasting. Try these top-rated recipes to perfect your basting technique:

• Chef John's Roast Turkey and Gravy
• Easy Herb-Roasted Turkey
• Perfect Turkey

Step 2: Apply a Flavorful Seasoning Rub

Seasoning Your Turkey with a Rub

How to Apply a Seasoning Rub to Your Turkey

For the best results, rub the seasoning directly under the skin and inside the turkey. While you can sprinkle it on the skin, this method allows the flavors to penetrate the meat for a richer taste.

To season the turkey breast, gently lift the skin and rub the seasoning directly onto the meat. Be careful not to tear the skin. Don't forget to generously coat the inside of the turkey as well, ensuring every part of the meat is flavorful. While you're at it, consider adding aromatics like onions, citrus, or fresh herbs to the cavity for extra flavor.

For deeper flavor, refrigerate your seasoned turkey for 24 hours before cooking. This allows the seasoning to fully soak into the meat. If you're using a rub, check out these top recipes for inspiration:

• Herb Turkey Rub
• Deep-Fried Turkey Rub
• Sweet and Spicy Turkey Rub

Step 3: Brine Your Turkey

If you have a bit more time, brining is a fantastic way to ensure your turkey stays moist and flavorful. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a water and salt mixture for 24 hours before roasting. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Feel free to add other ingredients like herbs and spices to create your own unique brine.

How to Brine Your Turkey

For every 2 gallons of water, mix in 2 cups of kosher salt or coarse sea salt. Feel free to get creative with your brine by adding liquids like orange juice, wine, apple cider, or flavorings such as brown sugar and rosemary. Heat the mixture to blend the flavors, then cool it before adding the turkey to a large container.

Once your turkey is fully submerged, place it in the fridge to brine for 8 to 24 hours. After brining, rinse the turkey thoroughly and pat it dry. Roast it as usual, but be cautious with added salt, as the turkey will have absorbed enough during brining. Brined turkeys may cook faster, so keep an eye on it.

For more tips, check out our complete guide to brining a turkey, or try one of these popular brine recipes:

• Turkey Brine
• Thanksgiving Turkey Brine
• Maple Turkey Brine