Here’s Exactly How to Season That Turkey

You want to make your bird a feast to remember. But do you really need to mess with the turkey that much? It all depends. Perhaps you want to try a new cooking technique and want a new recipe to go with it. Or you might want to spice up your traditional roasted bird with seasonings that go beyond salt and pepper.

Whether you’re frying, smoking or roasting the star attraction of your family dinner, we’ve got you covered. And we’ve got your turkey covered—in herbs, spices, maple syrup, teriyaki sauce and more. There’s definitely a seasoning technique to please everyone at your dinner table.

How do you season a turkey?

You have three choices: brining, injecting and using a dry rub.

Brining

To achieve the deepest flavor, brine is often best. And it’s a process you’ll want to plan ahead for: brining a large turkey can take up to two days. Read up on our favorite brining tips before you begin.

To brine a turkey, simply combine one tablespoon of salt for every cup of water. You’ll need enough water to completely cover the meat, and usually 4 cups of water (and 1/4 cup of salt) will do the trick. You can also add whole spices to impart extra flavor.

You can go for a citrusy apple brine or a savory herb brine, or get the best of both worlds with a sweet and salty maple-sage version.

Injecting

If you’re out of time to brine, a flavor injector filled with melted butter will do the trick. Don’t be afraid of the surgical appearance—the flavor will be worth it.

To inject a turkey, fill the injector with melted butter (or your favorite marinade) and insert it into the turkey breast. Inject the turkey in a couple of different spots for best flavor. Minimize holes by poking the needle through the skin, then shifting around the injector. We inject our deep-fried turkey, but you could use this technique with any cooking method.

Dry Rub or Spice Paste

What’s the difference? A dry rub is mostly dry seasonings, while a spice paste includes more liquid.

To make an easy rub for a turkey, combine your desired seasonings.You’ll need about one tablespoon of the spice mixture for every pound of meat. (You can even do this ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container.) Rub the mixture evenly onto the surface of the uncooked turkey, under and over the skin. For bolder flavor, cover the turkey and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours.

If you want to go this route, check out our Spice-Rubbed Turkey, slathered with a heady mix herbs and spices including cayenne, garlic and chili powder.

Learn how to cook your turkey every which way with this expert guide.

What do you put in a turkey for flavor?

When it comes to turkey flavorings, pick a couple of ingredients that will complement the rest of your meal.

• Fats: Butter and olive oil add luscious flavor and help the skin get crispy.
• Aromatics: Garlic, onions and leeks are all good choices.
• Sauces: Cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, honey and soy sauce are all good go-to’s.
• Herbs and Spices: Use fresh herbs, dry spices or a combo of the two.

If you’d rather not play it by ear, we have a couple of favorite recipes for you to use. Our Cranberry-Orange Roasted Turkey recipe is has a triple-threat flavor combo of cranberry, teriyaki and orange. When they find out, your family will be fighting over first seats at the dinner table.

If that doesn’t float your gravy boat, try something a tad more traditional, like our classic Herb-Glazed Turkey recipe. This one calls for honey and rosemary. The mixture of savory herbs and a sweet glaze tastes like home.

Can I season my turkey the night before?

Yes, it pays to be an early bird—especially if you plan to brine it beforehand. This extra step may take more than overnight, so plan ahead. Trust us, though: the moisture that the meat will retain is so worth it. Yay, no more dried-out turkey breast!

No matter what ingredients you use to season your turkey, follow these tips and you’ll be having quite the feast.

Delicious Ideas for Leftover Turkey

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Turkey Almond Salad

Our congregation was holding a luncheon at which I was helping, and we were supposed to use turkey left over from the church's Thanksgiving supper. Everyone liked this so much that—at another church luncheon—we cooked a turkey for the specific purpose of making my salad. —Donna Rear, Olds, Alberta

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Thanksgiving Lover's Pizza

Got Thanksgiving Day leftovers? Forget ho-hum turkey sandwiches and try this unique take on pizza instead. Get creative with different variations: use whole berry or jelly cranberry sauce; add dollops of mashed potatoes on top; drizzle with turkey gravy; sprinkle with stuffing or dressing; or try unique pizza crust varieties. —Carla Parker, Anderson, South Carolina

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Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole

Impress your holiday visitors with this fancier twist on the traditional casserole. —Kristine Blauert, Wabasha, Minnesota

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Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa

A sweet-tart cranberry salsa is the ideal accompaniment to leftover turkey in this breezy quesadilla. With a hint of lemon and pear, the salsa is also good with chicken or pork. —Jodi Kristensen, Macomb, Michigan

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TLC (Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole)

Turkey, stuffing and veggies come together into a fabulous day-after casserole. Top it off with chopped pecans. There’s comfort in every bite.—Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

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Turkey Dumpling Soup

Simmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California

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Crunchy Almond Turkey Casserole

A special cousin shared the recipe for this comforting casserole. The almonds and water chestnuts give it a nice crunch. —Jill Black, Troy, Ontario

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Turkey Croquettes with Cranberry Salsa

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays.—Jacque Capurro, Anchorage, Alaska

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Derby Hot Browns

This classic open-faced sandwich created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville is easy to do with deli or leftover turkey, toast and a quick cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffed Poblanos

Give your Thanksgiving leftovers a south-of-the-border vibe with these zesty rellenos. They’re easy to make any time of year with roasted deli turkey and a box of corn stuffing. Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer peppers, or more or less adobo sauce. —Christine Friesenhahn, Boerne, Texas

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Stuffin' Muffins

If you love stuffing, you won’t be able to get enough of these fun muffin cups that not only make use of leftover stuffing but also green beans, turkey, mashed potatoes, cheddar and gravy. It’s a taste of Thanksgiving in every bite! —Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina

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Turkey Curry with Rice

When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Lemony Turkey Rice Soup

While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana

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Festive Holiday Sliders

Turkey sliders with ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce refrigerate well, so I keep them ready for get-togethers when we bake gifts and wrap presents. —Pamela Miller, Big Rapids, Michigan

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Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells

Leftover turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes make terrific stuffing for jumbo pasta shells. We add cheese and use turkey gravy as the sauce for this crowd-pleaser. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

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Four-Cheese Turkey Pasta Bake

Leftover turkey combines with penne and cheeses to make a classic comfort food. The pasta bake works with chicken, shrimp or beef, too.—Mary Cokenour, Monticello, Utah

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Turkey and Mushroom Potpies

I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Cran-Apple Turkey Skillet

You need only one skillet to pull off this delicious meal. Talk about simple! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

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White Turkey Chili

Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas

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Biscuit Turkey Bake

As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

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Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini

Your family will flip over this turkey and mushroom casserole. In fact, the creamy Parmesan-topped tetrazzini is so satisfying, no one will suspect it's lower in fat! —Irene Banegas, Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Turkey & Stuffing Eggs Benedict

This is a fun way to enjoy holiday leftovers as if presenting them for the first time. Serve for brunch, with champagne and cranberry juice. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona

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Turkey Posole

I love making this soup because it makes good use of leftovers from Thanksgiving. And it's quick, easy and tasty. No one feels as if they're eating leftovers because this soup is nothing like traditional turkey with gravy. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

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Portobello Pasta Bake

I always plan to use this recipe right after Thanksgiving Day. Leftover turkey never tasted so good. — Preci D'Silva, Dubai

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Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry

I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don't have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana

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Turkey Gnocchi Soup

While trying to find a creative use for leftover turkey, we decided to add gnocchi instead of noodles. My 8-year-old daughter always asks for more. If you don't have leftover turkey, a rotisserie chicken works just as well. —Amy Babines, Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Turkey Mushroom Sandwich Bowls

My grandmother was an amazing cook, who brought new life to leftovers. I've tried to do the same here in these creamy, mushroom-packed sandwiches.—Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsvlle, Virginia

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Turkey Alfredo Tetrazzini

I speed up my mother-in-law’s tetrazzini by using jarred Alfredo sauce, canned mushrooms and onion powder. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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Turkey Mashed Potato Chimis

A little creative recycling will take your post-holiday morsels from boring to brilliant. A homemade sauce of pumpkin puree and chipotle peppers gives these delicious chimis a spicy-sweet finish.—Sherri Gordon, Olmsted Falls, Ohio

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Stuffing Crust Turkey Potpie

Here's a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy.—Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois

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Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing

This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual post-Thanksgiving fare. It's a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein.—Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Gobble-Up Strata

I always look forward to making strata after Thanksgiving. We invite our neighbors, and they think it’s neat that I prepare another whole meal. — Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan

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Spicy Mustard Turkey Pizza

A unique take on traditional pizza, this is an instant family favorite thanks to the tangy sauce and crisp crust. If you're not a fan of Swiss cheese, substitute provolone or mozzarella.—Keri Cotton, Lakeville, Minnesota

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Thai Turkey Salad Pitas

Here’s a quick and easy way to use up leftover turkey. My son likes to try foods from different nationalities, and he really enjoys these pitas. —Renee Dent, Conrad, Montana

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Italian Turkey Skillet

It's a challenge to find imaginative ways to use leftovers, especially for turkey after Thanksgiving. Here's a favorite of mine that you can easily make ahead for another dinner option. Prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer to a casserole dish and freeze up to three months. —Patricia Kile, Nokomis, Florida

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Stuffing Dumpling Soup

I've always loved turkey, dumplings and stuffing, so I combined them and added a punch of Creole flavor. My family loves it, even my little ones. It's got some kick, but a dollop of sour cream can mellow that out. —Relina Shirley, Reno, Nevada

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Mediterranean Turkey Potpies

Your clan will love these wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Chipotle Turkey Chilaquiles

As a frugal mom, I try to use leftovers in a way that provides good nutrition. This recipe does just that and it’s also a great way for my children to learn to enjoy the flavors of their Mexican heritage. —Aimee Day, Ferndale, Washington

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Triple-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

My kids go for sweet potatoes stuffed with leftover turkey and dressing. We enjoy being in the kitchen together, each of us making our own potato boats. —Ane Burke, Bella Vista, Arkansas

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Holiday Stromboli

At our house, we wrap holiday leftovers in pizza crust as a yummy way to finish them off. Here’s to getting the flavor, without the all-day cooking. —Alia Slatton, Boulder, Colorado

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Turkey & Vegetable Pasta

This recipe freezes beautifully and is a wonderful way to use up leftover holiday turkey and vegetables.—Veronica McCann, Columbus, Ohio

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Gobbler Cakes

I watched a chef make crab cakes and decided to try it with turkey and stuffing. Now the kids request them year-round, so I buy cooked turkey. —Suzee Krebs, Brielle, New Jersey

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Mexican Turkey Roll-Ups

This is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota

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Hearty Turkey 'n' Rice Soup

Use the leftover cooked turkey in the fridge to speed up dinner. You'll be ladling up bowlfuls of goodness in only 30 minutes. —Maggie Brewer, Canandaigua, New York

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Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash

We stuff acorn squash with leftovers like turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Make as much or as little as you need to use everything up. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario

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Turkey Tortilla Soup

My wife created this recipe as a healthy way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s a nice alternative to the typical fare, and it’s so easy. Our family looks forward to this soup every year. —Matthew Szyndler, Maumee, Ohio.

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Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Stir-Fry

I work for a priest, Fr. Leo, who loves to cook and shared this recipe with me. Perfect for the day after Thanksgiving, the dish encompasses the holiday spirit, while adding a twist. —Stefen Lovelace, Marriottsville, Maryland

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Colleen DuVall