Smoked Turkey Rub
On November 01, 2019 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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This Smoked Turkey Rub is the perfect combination of BBQ flavors and herbs. It was created specifically to compliment the flavor of smoked turkey, so you better believe that it’s the best of the best.
Best Turkey Rub for Smoking
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the absolute best turkey rub for smoking. It was developed with smoked turkey in mind, so I married traditional BBQ flavors with good, earthy herbs.
Whenever my husband Todd and I are out of town, I get smoked turkey every chance I get. Consider this recipe my homage to the delicious smoked turkeys that you can get in restaurant joints. Since I love them so much, I decided it was time to make my own turkey rub to share with the world so you can make and enjoy your own delicious smoked turkey at home.
Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey
This dry rub is perfect for smoked turkey because it’s MADE for smoked turkey. When creating this rub, I wanted it to be versatile enough for the holidays, while keeping traditional holiday flavors in mind. The holidays make me think of all the herbs, and this one combines sage, rosemary and thyme to give you that delicious holiday turkey flavor.
Now, even though I created this rub for smoked turkey, don’t let me stop you from using it on other turkey as well. If you want to roast your turkey, this rub will add some killer flavor to your bird.
Ingredients for Smoked Turkey Rub
This rub combines 7 classic BBQ seasonings with 4 tasty herbs to make it the most well-rounded and palate-pleasing turkey rub around.
First up, we begin with the BBQ Basics:
- Brown Sugar
- Smoked Paprika
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
After that, we add in some delicious herbs to help round out this turkey seasoning:
- Crushed Rosemary
- Thyme
- Rubbed Sage
- Celery Salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, using a fork to break up any chunks. This seasoning is ready to be used immediately, or if you’re big into prepping for Thanksgiving like I am, I like to make this seasoning ahead of time so it’s one less thing to worry about on the holiday.
You can store this turkey seasoning in any airtight glass container you have on hand. Personally, I like to store all my homemade seasonings and rubs in these glass spice containers. They are able to mingle with my other spices, and I can keep track of everything I make (and believe me, I make A LOT of homemade seasonings).
Assuming you have any turkey seasoning leftover, you can store any remaining seasoning in an airtight glass container for up to 1 month.
More Meat Rub and Seasoning Recipes
I know grocery stores sell a plethora of pre-made rubs and seasonings, but I gotta say, it only takes a few minutes to mix up your own, and the ones you make at home are often 1000 times better.
Whether you’re planning on smoking up a brisket this weekend, or you just need a quick seasoning for some steak you’re tossing on the grill this afternoon, Hey Grill Hey has all the rubs and seasonings you could ever need. Check out a few below:
Brisket Rub
Best Dry Rub for Ribs
Steak Seasoning
Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe
Making some epic BBQ should be easy, and Hey Grill Hey is here to help! I’m all about helping you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a backyard BBQ hero. If you want to see more of my recipes, tips, and behind the scenes action, follow along on my social channels. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!
Smoked Turkey Rub
Video
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for the smoked turkey rub in a medium bowl. Use a fork to combine and break up the sugar.
- Use immediately or store in a airtight container for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thanks for this winning recipe! We just got a pellet grill and I wanted to try a turkey breast. I used a brine I found elsewhere but felt it needed a good rub too. Fortunately Google helped me find you.Wow. The flavor is absolutely amazing. Made this novice griller feel like a total pro.
I normally “Dry Brine” but with the salt in this rub applied and let work for couple hours. Smoker at 235. Just before placing turkey in smoker I lifted skin and rubbed breast meat. 4 hours 15 minutes. Outcome was superb. Moist and tender up here at the first city on the Mississippi and it was 28 degrees at the start.
I did this rub, but added 1 1/2 Tbs of curry powder. Seems like lately that’s my secret ingredient to any rub that makes it unique but really good!
I have always used your recipes and recommended you to lots of friends. We have never been happier LOL.I have a question, Do you have a bourbon brown sugar brine recipe for turkey?If you do I missed it some how
I love this rub. Im going to try it on the turkey this year. Im testing it on some turkey legs and thighs first. Thanks Susie , You have definetly helped me step my barbecue game way up.
If I am bringing with your Apple spice Turkey brine, should I omit the salt for this seasoning?
It should be just fine as-is. The recipes were designed to work together.
I have a near identical recipe I was going to use, but saw your video and wanted to ask you if I added 1 tb Cumin and 1tb mustard powder, as suggested in the other recipe, would be good? I don’t know if that is “overkill” or if the two additional ingredients, add anything to the final bird? I don’t want to mess up Thanksgiving. Thanks in advance for your reply.
It would be fine to add them if you want. It’s probably not necessary though.
I had a BBQ trailer. This is similar to my pork rub, which was award winning except you add sage, celery salt, and thyme. This will be awesome.
Husband said this was the Best tasting turkey he has ever eaten…that my friend is a compliment! He finds something wrong with everything he tries. Thank you.
Perfect seasoning blend. Thank you!