What seasonings do you put on your turkey?

[newtodis]

I'd like to use things that I've already got (since I spent just over $200 at Kroger this moring ). I bought a 22 pound turkey (mostly so I'd have leftovers to freeze) but need an idea of what to put on it before I cook.

I don't know if it matters, but I bought the Reynolds turkey bags to cook it in (on sale and with a coupon!) and that'll be in my counter top roaster thing. I'm sure I can look it up how long and what temp I have to cook it but I want to know what everyone puts on their turkey before they cook it to make it taste amazing. I haven't made a turkey in a couple of years and honestly I think I just put salt and pepper on it last time. I got a bit of advice from an older lady in Kroger while I was having my melt down about how I "don't know anything" and "don't care what turkey you pick".

I (and those I'm cooking for!!) will appreciate any help you can provide!! I have tons of stuff in the cupboard (seasoning wise) but am willing to run out to pick up something if it's not crazy expensive and I'll use it for more than just one day.

 

[Jennifer823]

I usually rub it with a little canola oil first (I don't use olive or butter, as these might burn) then use either Bell's poultry seasoning or just some sage, s&p, and garlic powder. When the turkey's almost done, my mom puts honey on it. It browns it up nice and makes a good gravy. I don't usually do this though. Butterball.com has a lot of ideas, as does allrecipes.com. I think it's best to keep it simple.

 

[andymattmom]

http://www.howtocookathanksgivingturkey.com/


I used this site and recipe last year. I can honestly say it was the best turkey we have had. The meat was moist and best flavored one we have had- I have done the deep fried turkey, putting mayo on turkey (my mom did this), "injecting" seasoning into it, etc. I used dried spices because that is what we have. I have a roaster that I used on the counter...I think it got up to 450 not the 475 but it did the thing it was supposed to.

I am doing this again this year...just found this under my 'favorites'.

 

[Golf4food]

Not for Thanksgiving full turkeys, but whenever DW makes turkey just anytime (breast or cutlets) she makes "Scarborough Fair Turkey" = parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

 

[soontobewed07]

We put strips of Bacon across the turkey and salt and pepper. Thats it that simple and just let is cook and since you have a self basting bag you should be all set.

 

[jennz]

http://www.howtocookathanksgivingturkey.com/


I used this site and recipe last year. I can honestly say it was the best turkey we have had. The meat was moist and best flavored one we have had- I have done the deep fried turkey, putting mayo on turkey (my mom did this), "injecting" seasoning into it, etc. I used dried spices because that is what we have. I have a roaster that I used on the counter...I think it got up to 450 not the 475 but it did the thing it was supposed to.

I am doing this again this year...just found this under my 'favorites'.

Thanks for the link!

 

[CTdiznymom]

I rub Crisco all over the bird, and then season with Emeril's seasoning

 

[BCV2003]

Before i put mine in the oven, I rub it with softened butter, some salt, pepper and poultry seasoning and then I baste with turkey broth while it is cooking.

I have also used butter and have never had it burn.

 

[mum4jenn]

Salt, pepper and paprika

 

[newtodis]

Wow! Thanks everyone! Not nearly as bad as I thought!!! I've got salt and pepper and butter! I'm sure I have some of the other spices mentioned as well. Also, thanks so much for the links-I really appreciate them!

 

[parkers*momma]

Wash it and pat it dry, then a thin coat of butter and sprinkle with a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, celery powder, and poultry seasoning.

I don't baste...each time you take the lid off, it lets off the steam plus lowers the temp. Just cook it in a low oven and 15 minutes before it's done, turn the oven up to brown the skin.

 

[Iluvthemouse]

THis year we are going to try brining our since DH has been wanting to do that for a while.

Last year he stuffed the bird with cut up orange, onion and apple. THen put pats of butter under the skin on the breast then season with some Emerils.

It turned out great that way.

 

[CarolinaMomOf3boys]

we inject ours with the Tony Chacherie's oil/stuff and it turns out wonderful!

 

[HeatherC]

I make an herb butter with lots of rosemary and thyme. Then I spread it all over the turkey....under the skin. Keeps it very moist and seasons it wonderfully.

 

[peytonsmomie]

I'm salting mine this year, as an alternative to brining. They (they being those who've tried it) say that salting, as opposed to brining, helps the turkey to retain it's texture, and not get so soft/gummy. Hopefully it works out well! I love Thanksgiving!!