Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast with a Coffee-Rubbed Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for delicious feasts, and what better way to take your roasted turkey to the next level than with a unique coffee rub? Using a bold, specialty-grade coffee like Ski Bum Coffee Co.’s High Alpine Holiday Blend or Gnarly 6-Bean Espresso Blend adds a warm, earthy depth to your bird. This rub is not just about flavor; it’s about creating a memorable centerpiece that your guests will rave about.

Why Coffee Rub?

Coffee’s rich, smoky, and slightly bitter notes pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of turkey meat. Combined with complementary spices, the rub enhances the turkey’s flavor while creating a beautifully caramelized crust. It’s perfect for adventurous cooks looking to infuse holiday traditions with a gourmet twist.

The Coffee Rub Recipe

The rub combines ground coffee with smoked paprika, cinnamon, brown sugar, and other spices to create a balanced blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Don’t forget to coat your turkey generously—this is where the magic happens!

Preparing Your Coffee-Rubbed Turkey

Once the rub is mixed, massage it all over your turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. For best results, let the turkey marinate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse. Roast your turkey to golden perfection, and you’ll have a showstopping main dish worthy of the holiday.

Coffee Rub Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fine ground specialty-grade coffee (like Ski Bum Coffee Co. High Alpine Holiday Blend or Gnarly 6-Bean Espresso Blend)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turkey: Clean and pat the turkey dry, ensuring the skin is free of excess moisture. Gently loosen the skin around the breast and thighs to allow for seasoning underneath.

2. Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients until well mixed.

3. Apply the Rub: Coat the turkey with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter. Generously apply the coffee rub over the entire surface of the bird, under the skin, and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.

4. Marinate: For best results, let the seasoned turkey sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

5. Roast the Turkey: Following the cook-time instructions of your turkey.

6. Rest and Serve: Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a flavorful feast.

This coffee rub adds depth and complexity, making your turkey the centerpiece of the holiday table!