Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp Dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Onion powder
  • 2 tsp Dried rubbed sage
  • 2 tsp Dried thyme
  • 2 tsp Dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp Ground black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Celery seed

Instructions:

  1. Whisk ingredients. Combine the salt, sugar, and all spices in a medium bowl until the color is a uniform burnt orange.
  2. Dry the surface. Use paper towels to pat the turkey until it feels tacky, not slippery until the skin is completely matte.
  3. Separate the skin. Gently slide your fingers between the breast meat and the skin to create a pocket.
  4. Apply internal rub. Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of the mixture inside the cavity until the interior is lightly coated.
  5. Distribute under skin. Stuff a third of the seasoning rub recipe into the pockets you created over the breasts and thighs.
  6. Coat the exterior. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning generously over the top of the turkey until no pale skin is visible.
  7. Massage the bird. Use your hands to press the seasoning on a turkey firmly so it sticks.
  8. Rest the meat. Let the seasoned bird sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting until the salt begins to look wet.
  9. Begin roasting. Place in a preheated oven and watch for the skin to sizzle and darken.
  10. Monitor the color. If the sugar browns too quickly, tent with foil until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).