A perfectly roasted turkey is just the beginning. What truly elevates a Thanksgiving meal from traditional to timeless is how the turkey is seasoned—and how those flavors harmonize with the rest of the meal. From timeless herb blends to globally inspired rubs, the right flavor pairing adds intention and creates a lasting impression. And when matched with seasonal vegetables, comforting grains, and vibrant relishes, your holiday table becomes the most meaningful gathering of the year.
Start with a flavor foundation that suits your style. For inspiration, here are some of our favorite combinations, each with recommendations for complementary sides to create a memorable meal.
French Inspiration
Elegant and savory, this profile layers in classic French flavors like Herbes de Provence, Dijon mustard, white wine, tarragon, and shallots. Combine them into a baste that can be used to bathe the bird as it roasts or make a wine-based pan sauce with the drippings. It’s refined without being fussy—perfect for a more curated, intentional Thanksgiving.
Pairs well with: wild rice pilaf, gratin dauphinoise, and ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Ratatouille with Goat Cheese
Smoky and Spiced
Add a bolder twist to your turkey with the robust flavors of smoked paprika, chipotle, chili powder, cumin, and garlic. This flavor profile is ideal as a dry rub or spiced compound butter. Savory and deep, with a warm, fire-roasted feel, this style is perfect for outdoor cooking or grill-roasting with the Alpine Outdoor Collection.
Pairs well with: cornbread dressing, charred Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, pomegranate relish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese
Luxe and Sophisticated
A luxurious blend of cognac, softened butter, and fresh herbs creates an ultra-rich basting liquid or compound butter for turkey. The cognac imparts depth and a hint of sweetness, while the butter delivers that golden, irresistible finish. Add minced shallots or truffle oil for even more indulgence.
Pairs well with: potato gratin, glazed carrots, and haricots verts.
Get the Recipe: Truffle Potato Gratin
Green Herb and Garlic
For an herb-forward twist, build your turkey seasoning around parsley, thyme, basil, and chives, balanced with plenty of garlic and a touch of lemon zest. As a compound butter or herb paste, this vibrant combination is a fresh, garden-style take on tradition.
Pairs well with: green bean salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, lemony couscous, and garlic confit.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Dijon Chive Butter
Herb and Citrus
Bright, aromatic, and timeless—this is the traditional Thanksgiving flavor profile, featuring rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, and citrus zest or juice. Try it as a compound butter rubbed under the turkey skin, or infuse the cavity with lemon, onion, and herbs for delicate, fragrant notes.
Pairs well with: classic stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and citrus cranberry sauce.
Get the Recipe: White Balsamic & Thyme Cranberry Sauce
Umami Richness
Dried porcini mushrooms and black garlic create a deeply savory rub that is packed with umami. Ground into a paste with olive oil, rosemary, and a touch of sea salt, this earthy blend brings out the richness of roasted turkey and the drippings are excellent for pan gravy.
Pairs well with: roasted fennel, chestnut stuffing, and parsnip purée.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chestnut, Sage and Gruyere Brioche Stuffing
Sweet and Tangy
A balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, this flavor style highlights comforting sweetness with a twist. Think maple syrup with a touch of whole-grain mustard. Add garlic, thyme, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to round it out. Ideal for those who want a classic flavor profile with a slight variation.
Pairs well with: roasted sweet potatoes, apple-sage stuffing, and Brussels sprouts with pancetta.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato, Bacon and Date Hash with Thyme
