What’s in Poultry Seasoning for Turkey? A Look at This Aromatic Blend

Poultry seasoning is a key ingredient that adds concentrated flavor to turkey and other poultry dishes. But what exactly is in this popular blend? Understanding the ingredients in store-bought or homemade poultry seasoning helps you use it effectively.

Common Ingredients in Poultry Seasoning

While poultry seasoning recipes can vary, certain herbs and spices feature prominently:

• Sage – This woodsy, slightly pine-scented herb is a classic pairing with poultry. It shows up in 79% of poultry seasoning recipes. Ground sage provides an earthy base flavor.

• Thyme – Lemony thyme appears in 68% of blends It offers brightness to balance sage’s woodiness

• Rosemary – Pine-like rosemary’s addition in 53% of recipes provides evergreen hints It’s usually ground to incorporate easily,

• Marjoram – Minty sweet marjoram pops up in 47% of blends, giving them a delicate herbal aroma.

• Black Pepper – The spicy kick of black pepper counts on 32% of ingredients lists It adds background heat.

• Nutmeg – Warm, slightly bitter nutmeg makes the mix in 26% of blends It provides subtle spice.

• Celery Seed – Savory, earthy celery seed seasons 16% of blends. It amplifies the herbal qualities.

• Ginger – Spicy ginger appears in 11% of recipes. It brightens with zippy gingery notes.

• Orange Peel – Dried orange peel infuses 5% of blends with citrusy aroma for balance.

These herbs and spices combine to create a seasoning blend perfect for complementing the flavors of turkey, chicken, Cornish hens and other birds. The proportions vary recipe to recipe based on desired taste.

How Much to Use on Turkey

When seasoning a whole turkey, plan on using:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning per pound of turkey meat.

For a 12-14 pound turkey, estimate 2-3 tablespoons poultry seasoning total.

For a 15-18 pound turkey, use around 3-4 tablespoons total.

For an 18-22 pound turkey, figure 4-5 tablespoons is needed.

Sprinkle the blend evenly over the meat and cavity before roasting. You can also mix it into a compound butter slathered under and atop the turkey skin. Use more poultry seasoning if you want a more intensely seasoned bird. For stuffing, start with 1 teaspoon per 2 to 3 cups of stuffing mix. Adjust to taste.

Make Your Own Custom Poultry Seasoning

While premade poultry seasoning delivers convenience, blending your own lets you personalize the flavor. After testing ratios, you can craft a signature mix.

Start with a basic formula like:

• 4 teaspoons dried sage
• 3 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Tweak it by additions like orange peel, oregano, savory, cumin, garlic powder or smoked paprika. Ground ginger or allspice provide warmth, while lemon zest brings citrus brightness.

For an herby sensation, use dried parsley, chives or tarragon. Swap dried herbs for fresh versions like minced rosemary or sage.

Let your taste preferences guide you toward your ideal turkey-flavoring blend. Making a batch yourself lets you control the ingredients.

Incorporating Poultry Seasoning Into Recipes

Beyond its role in preparing turkeys, poultry seasoning can enhance all kinds of dishes:

• Add it to bread or cornbread stuffing along with onion, celery, broth and herbs.

• Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, especially root veggies like carrots, parsnips and potatoes.

• Mix it into ground poultry before making patties, meatballs or meatloaf.

• Stir it into any chicken soup, stew or gravy for extra flavor.

• Use it in place of some of the Italian seasoning in chicken Parmesan or chicken cacciatore.

• Add it to biscuit or scone dough for savory, herbaceous flavor.

• Mix it into melted butter and spread over chicken before baking or grilling.

• Whisk it into salad dressings, dips, marinades or rice for a flavor boost.

With its herbal aroma and versatile flavor, poultry seasoning has a place far beyond just Thanksgiving turkey. Keep it stocked to instantly elevate eggs, chicken wings, risotto and more. Whether you buy or make it, poultry seasoning is a must-have for enhancing poultry and everyday cooking.

FAQ

What is poultry seasoning made of?

The aromatic blend typically includes sage, thyme, celery seed, marjoram, black pepper and nutmeg, and is an all-in-one way to season your turkey.

What is the substitute for poultry seasoning?

Dried thyme makes a quick poultry seasoning substitute if you find yourself in a pinch while roasting chicken or turkey. This spice makes up the bulk of poultry seasoning, so it is an easy way to mimic that poultry seasoning flavor profile.

What should I season my turkey with?

Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.

What is in McCormick poultry seasoning?

McCormick Culinary Poultry Seasoning features a balanced blend of thyme, sage, marjoram and other superior spices. Blended especially for chefs, McCormick Culinary Poultry Seasoning is your premium and convenient all-in-one spice mix that gives signature recipes pungent aroma and warm, slightly astringent flavors.

How do you make a good Turkey seasoning?

You’ll be glad to have them on hand. A blend of 6 simple spices is all your turkey needs to shine! This poultry seasoning recipe is a staple that you’re going to love having on hand. Combine sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg and pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Does poultry seasoning make a Turkey?

Well, as anyone who’s ever started prepping that Thanksgiving bird, only to realize that they forgot to buy poultry seasoning can attest: the right poultry seasoning can make your bird. The aromatic blend typically includes sage, thyme, celery seed, marjoram, black pepper and nutmeg, and is an all-in-one way to season your turkey.

What spices go well with homemade poultry seasoning?

Often you’ll see blends with higher ratios of sage and thyme but may also include black pepper, nutmeg, and ginger. The ingredients in homemade poultry seasoning include, Dried Thyme – Earthy and more delicate flavoring. Thymes lemony undertones blend well with just about everything. Dried Oregano – Oregano is more flavorful when dried than fresh.

What can you eat with poultry seasoning?

But it can also spruce up classic roasted vegetables (think Brussels sprouts, carrots and potatoes). For apps and salads, try mixing a tablespoon of poultry seasoning with Greek yogurt to make a dip for a crudité platter, or whisk some seasoning with lemon juice, salt and olive oil to make salad dressing.