BELL’S SEASONING IS BACK JUST IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING

Would it be Thanksgiving without Bell’s?

Ah, Thanksgiving. That singular day when the aroma of roasting turkey wafts through homes, bringing families together and ensuring you’ll need a nap by 3 PM. And for many, one key ingredient has been at the heart of that holiday for over a century: Bell’s Seasoning. Now, I’ll admit, Bell’s wasn’t always on my radar. But dive into its history, and you’ll see why this New England staple has earned a place at the Thanksgiving table—and nearly disappeared before it could make its grand reentry this year.

A Spice Blend That Made History

Bell’s Seasoning is America’s oldest spice blend dreamed up in 1867 by William G. Bell, a Boston-based entrepreneur who knew a thing or two about spices. Boston’s status as a bustling port meant ships from far-flung corners of the world carried exotic spices right to Bell’s doorstep. The result? A harmonious blend of herbs and spices that became a cornerstone of New England Thanksgiving dinners. Remarkably, the recipe hasn’t changed in 150 years. Still all-natural, still salt-free, and now proudly sporting a GMO-free label, Bell’s is proof that when something works, you don’t mess with it. The same can’t be said for the well-meaning but often lackluster attempts to recreate it–something Americans abroad try year after year. Sorry, ex-pats—nothing beats the original.

A Holiday Lifeline

Here’s where the story takes a modern twist. Earlier this year, the future of Bell’s was hanging by a thread. Financial woes had stopped production, and devoted fans feared their Thanksgiving turkeys would have to go without their signature seasoning. Enter Bell’s Foods LLC, a trio of entrepreneurs with deep ties to the brand who swooped in to save the day. “When we learned that Bell’s was in jeopardy, we knew we had to act,” said Dave West, one of the trio of new owners and a lifelong New Englander. “Bell’s has been an essential part of my family’s Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember.” Thanks to their efforts, Bell’s Seasoning, Gravy, Brine, and Onions are back on shelves just in time for the holiday season. However, the stuffing mix—another beloved product—won’t make its comeback until next year. “We’re disappointed, too,” West admitted, “but we promise it’ll be worth the wait.

A Thanksgiving Classic

So, how do you use Bell’s Seasoning to get the most out of your holiday bird? Their website https://bellsfoods.com/recipes/ is brimming with recipes, but one simple standout comes from home cook Sarah Page. Her “Bell’s Ultimate Roast Turkey” recipe calls for a blend of softened butter, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic and, of course, Bell’s Seasoning. Rub it under and over the skin of your turkey and let apples and onions add flavor from inside out. Moist, flavorful turkey? Check!

The Tradition Lives On

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a Bell’s newcomer like me, grab a box this Thanksgiving. Because some traditions are too good to let go—and this one tastes like home. Bell’s Seasoning is available nationwide but if you can’t find it, just click on the product photo above and order it.  As a testament to its enduring appeal, the company is geared up for a full product line revival in 2025. This 150-year-old tradition isn’t going anywhere.

Here’s Sara Page’s “Bell’s Ultimate Roast Turkey” and after that, a link to our 5 Favorite Thanksgiving Sides…

Bell's Ultimate Roast Turkey

November 21, 2024

Servings: 8 to 10 Depending on the size of Bird

Prep: 10 min

Difficulty: A Snap!

Bell's Seasoning is a New England Classic. Here it's whipped into sweet cream butter and used to add flavor to Turkey and keep it moist while cooking

By: Monte Mathews

Ingredients

• ¼ lb. Salted butter, softened
• 4 tsp. Bell’s Seasoning, divided plus more for seasoning turkey
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. Kosher salt, divided
• 2 tsp.Ground black pepper, divided
• 12-15 lb. Fresh or frozen whole turkey, thawed
• 3 Apples, quartered
• 2 Onions, quartered

Directions

• Step 1 Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Step 2 Combine softened butter with 2 teaspoons Bell’s Seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl set aside. Liberally season the outside of the turkey with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
• Step 3 Starting at the neck opening, gently loosen the skin on the turkey and evenly spread 2/3 of the butter mixture under the skin.
• Step 4 Toss apple and onion wedges with the remaining 2 teaspoons of Bell’s Seasoning and remaining salt and pepper. Stuff all but one apple into the cavity. Stuff the remaining apple into the neck cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen string.
• Step 5 Arrange turkey, breast side up, in a large shallow roasting pan with a rack. Rub the remaining butter mixture over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle additional Bell’s Seasoning evenly over the top of the turkey.
• Step 6 Roast for 10 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan juices, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°and skin is browned and crispy. Let stand covered loosely with foil for 30 minutes before carving.
• Step 7 For more recipes using Bell’s Seasoning and to find out where to buy it, go to www.bellsfood.com
• Step 8

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