By Becky Hardin
Updated Nov 16, 2025
I love this Turkey Rub because it completely transforms a bland turkey into a real show stopper for my Thanksgiving table. Featuring sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and more, I find this seasoning is the best and easiest way to make sure my turkey always shines!
Pin this recipe for later!
5-Star Review
“I’ve used this on quite a few Thanksgiving turkeys and it’s fantastic! I lower the salt for health reasons and it’s still great!!” -Kelly
Easy Turkey Rub Recipe
This simple Thanksgiving Turkey Seasoning is my go-to blend for the holidays. I think that a homemade spice blend makes all the difference when seasoning a turkey. I like to prep this turkey rub a few weeks in advance of the holidays so I’m ready to go when Thanksgiving arrives!
Although I find this blend well-balanced, you can adjust it to your liking by adding more herbs, such as basil and oregano. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, and for a spicier rub, try adding some cayenne pepper (start with ¼ teaspoon). If you prefer a sweeter seasoning, add a touch of brown sugar.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 2 tbsp kosher salt
- ▢ 2 tbsp ground sage
- ▢ 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- ▢ 2 tbsp dried thyme
- ▢ 2 tbsp ground paprika
- ▢ 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ▢ 1 tbsp onion powder
- ▢ 2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small dish. 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp ground sage, 2 tbsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp ground paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp ground black pepper
- Use as a rub on a turkey breast or Thanksgiving turkey.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Turkey Rub Step By Step
Gather your ingredients.
Combine the seasonings : Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp ground sage, 2 tbsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp ground paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 2 tsp ground black pepper in a small bowl.
Use or store: Use right away to store to use later.
How to Apply
Generously apply the seasoning to the outside of the turkey, then rub it into the skin and meat. I recommend lifting the skin away from the meat and placing some of the rub between the meat and skin as well.
You can use as much as you like. Be generous with it! This recipe makes enough rub to coat a large bird.
How to Store
You can place the rubbed turkey in the refrigerator loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before you cook it.
Store leftover turkey rub in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Discard any turkey rub that has touched raw turkey. I recommend pouring out a little bit of the rub at a time into a separate bowl to avoid contaminating the entire batch.
Freeze turkey rub in an airtight container for up to 1 year. Use directly from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey seasoning rub adds incredible flavor to just about any turkey dish I make. It’s amazing on a classic Thanksgiving turkey , giving it that perfect golden, savory crust. I also love using it on a deep fried turkey breast for extra crispy, flavorful skin, or sprinkling it over a simple roasted turkey breast for an easy weeknight dinner. And when I’m craving something a little more casual, it even works beautifully mixed into turkey burgers —so flavorful and juicy every time.
more holiday recipes
Roasted Honeynut Squash
No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Apple Crumble
Turkey Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp ground sage
- 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small dish. 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp ground sage, 2 tbsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp ground paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp ground black pepper
- Use as a rub on a turkey breast or Thanksgiving turkey.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
