I usually follow my Dad’s recipe for roasted turkey but this year I decided to wing it (no pun intended) and made this roasted turkey with thyme and sage. I kept it simple and seasoned the bird with some dry herbs, to taste, and then stuffed it with celery, onion, garlic, fresh thyme, fresh sage, and orange. Once it was in the oven roasting, I basted it every 30-40 minutes until it was done. It was tender, juicy, and flavorful and paired nicely with creamy mashed potatoes and my dad’s stuffing.
Thyme is an aromatic herb that is commonly used to flavor a variety of savory dishes, including poultry like turkey Its earthy, woodsy notes can add delightful depth and complexity to your holiday centerpiece But is thyme actually good on turkey? The answer is a resounding yes – thyme can be an excellent addition to your turkey seasoning.
In this article we’ll explore why thyme works well with turkey, how to use it, what other herbs pair nicely and some additional tips for getting the most out of thyme in your turkey dishes. Whether you’re cooking up a full bird for Thanksgiving or simply making some turkey breast for dinner, thyme deserves a spot in your herb rotation.
Why Thyme Works Well With Turkey
So what makes thyme stand out for seasoning turkey? There are a few key reasons:
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Complements the Flavor – Thyme has an earthy, subtly floral taste that naturally brings out the best in turkey’s mild flavor. It adds complexity without overpowering.
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Infuses With Essential Oils – When heated, thyme releases its essential oils that permeate the turkey with fragrance and taste. This gives a robust thyme flavor throughout.
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Versatile For Savory and Sweet – Thyme works in both savory and sweet applications, making it fitting for a main turkey dish or a dessert like thyme cranberry sauce.
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Popularity In Holiday Fare – Thyme is a staple herb used in Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, making it a traditional choice for turkey entrees.
So by complementing turkey’s mildness, infusing flavor, offering versatility, and being a holiday staple, thyme has clearly earned its place in poultry seasoning.
How To Use Thyme For Turkey
When it comes to application, there are a few easy ways to incorporate thyme into your turkey:
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Herb Rub – Mix minced fresh or dried thyme with salt, pepper, and other herbs like sage or rosemary to create a seasoning rub. Coat the turkey inside and out.
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Cavity Bundle – Place fresh sprigs of thyme, garlic, onion, and citrus fruits inside the turkey cavity while roasting.
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Compound Butter – Blend fresh thyme into softened butter with lemon juice and zest. Loosen turkey skin and rub butter underneath to coat meat.
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Gravy Boost – Add fresh or dried thyme to your turkey gravy for an herbal flavor punch.
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Marinade or Brine – Let turkey soak up thyme flavor in a marinade or brine before cooking.
Getting thyme under and atop the skin ensures its oils and flavors fully permeate the meat. Consider using woody whole sprigs in the cavity and tender leaves in rubs.
Pairing Thyme With Other Turkey Herbs
While thyme can hold its own in turkey seasoning, playing it up with other herbs can create a stellar blend. Some all-star partners include:
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Rosemary – The pine flavors marry well with thyme’s earthiness.
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Sage – An iconic turkey herb that gives a rich, savory quality.
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Parsley – Brightens up thyme’s woodsy notes with freshness.
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Marjoram – Offers a delicate sweetness to balance thyme.
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Oregano – Brings warmth and subtle peppery spice.
Build your own signature turkey herb blend by combining equal parts thyme with a couple of its aromatic friends.
Tips For Using Thyme On Turkey
To get the best results from thyme turkey, keep these extra tips in mind:
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For dried thyme, use about half the amount of fresh thyme called for in a recipe. Dried packs more concentrated flavor.
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Lemon thyme and orange thyme offer citrusy flavors for a twist.
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Prevent thyme from overpowering turkey by using it in moderation within balanced blends.
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Allow the seasoned turkey to rest 20 minutes before carving so juices redistribute and flavors set.
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Rubbing thyme butter under the skin can help keep turkey extra moist and tender.
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To avoid any woody sprigs, remove thyme leaves from stems before mincing for rubs or sauces.
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Go easy on dried thyme in gravies to avoid too much bitterness from over-steeping.
With its ability to bring out turkey’s savory qualities, thyme is primed to star in your holiday bird seasoning. Follow these tips to create a thyme-infused turkey your guests will rave about. Happy cooking!
Roasted Turkey with Thyme and Sage:
Ingredients:
- 1 (9 lb) turkey
- 1 yellow onion, halved
- 10 cloves of garlic
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 3-4 fresh sage leaves
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 orange, halved
- Olive oil, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Dried ground sage, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
How to Make a Roasted Turkey with Thyme and Sage
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Remove the turkey neck from the cavity and the giblet bag from the neck. Rinse the bird with cold water, inside and out, and dry very well.
Rub olive oil all over the bird. Season the bottom side of the turkey with all seasonings.
Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting tray in a roasting pan. Season the inside of the cavity with all seasonings and place half the onion, 8 cloves of garlic, fresh thyme, fresh sage, celery, and orange halves in the cavity.
Place the other half of the onion and 2 cloves of garlic in the neck area. Season the top of the turkey with all of the seasonings.
Place the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh and place it in the oven.
Roast for about 3 hours or until the thermometer reads 180 degrees, basting every 30-40 minutes. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. Enjoy.
The Only Turkey Recipe You Need
FAQ
Is thyme good for turkey?
When you want the height of flavor but don’t want to fool with a whole bird, roast a turkey breast. Basted with a thyme and apple juice sauce, this one’s moist and full of flavor.
What herbs go well with turkey?
- 1 10- to 12-pound turkey.
- ¼ cup fresh herbs, plus 20 whole sprigs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano and/or marjoram, divided.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper.
- Aromatics, onion, apple, lemon and/or orange, cut into 2-inch pieces (1½ cups)
- 3 cups water, plus more as needed.
Does fresh thyme go with turkey?
Maple syrup adds sweetness to roast turkey infused with savory fresh thyme.
Do rosemary and thyme go with turkey?
Sprinkle on the inside cavity of the turkey to season. Place the quartered onion, lemon, bay leaves, sage, rosemary, thyme and garlic into the turkey.