What’s Bell’s seasoning explains the classic Thanksgiving spice blend that’s a must in the Northeast US. David Leite talks to us about why it’s so essential.
Recently, I was gobsmacked—just gobsmacked, I tell you—when I mentioned Bell’s Seasoning to the LC staff. They all just looked at me. Dumbstruck. Bewildered. Confused.
They’d never heard of it.
When they asked what it was, all I could do was keep repeating, “Bell’s Seasoning.”
To me, Bell’s Seasoning is something so essential to Thanksgiving cooking, it defies definition. Or so I thought. Apparently, if you’re not a born and bred Yankee, Bell’s (that’s what we locals call it) might be unfamiliar. It has always been so elemental, so ubiquitous, so foundational to my turkey and stuffing, it’s one of a handful of entities known only by a first name, like Cher, Diana, Bette, Madonna, and Christ.
And it’s something you NEED to know for Thanksgiving.
What is Bell’s Seasoning?
Bell’s Seasoning is a salt-free poultry seasoning mix–a unique blend of herbs and spices concocted by William G. Bell in Boston in 1867. It consists of ground rosemary, oregano, sage, ginger, marjoram, thyme, and pepper.
Is Bell’s Seasoning gluten-free?
Yes. And not only that, it’s vegan. Plus it contains no salt, preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients. Clearly, Mr. Bell was waaaay ahead of his time.
What can I use Bell’s Seasoning on?
The better question is, what can’t I use it on? Of course, the first stop on Thanksgiving Day is the turkey. A generous sprinkling into a small bowl of melted butter is all you need to create an herbaceous baste for your bird.
But don’t stop there. It’s great in stuffing–especially old-fashioned sausage stuffings such as Homemade Cornbread Sausage Dressing or Sourdough Dressing with Sausage and Prunes. And it wouldn’t be out of place in my godmother Dina’s Potato Dressing.
It’s even pretty awesome in pumpkin soup and in that much-needed Bloody Mary just before the in-laws arrive for the holiday weekend.
Where can I buy Bell’s Seasoning?
If you live in the Northeast, you know where to get it. (In fact, I’ll bet dollars to Dunkin’ Donuts you already have a box in your cupboard.) If you visit the Northeast, I’m pretty sure you know where to snag a box, too. For the rest of you, allow me to rock your world.
Chat with us
Have a cooking question, query, or quagmire you’d like us to answer? Click that big-mouth button to the right to leave us a recorded message. Just enter your name and email address, press record, and talk away. We’ll definitely get back to you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be featured in these pages or–just maybe–on our podcast, Talking With My Mouth Full.
I grew up in Illinois and we used it. I was in New Mexico for thanksgiving fixing Thanksgiving dinner for family, no Bells any where, found ingredients on the internet and made a reasonable facsimile, will have to keep a box in my suitcase.
You should be a spokesperson for Bell’s, Cheryl. You know it’s good stuff when you’re planning to pack it in your suitcase!
I live in NM. No one seems to have heard of Bell’s. I’m from New England. A friend sent 4 boxes a while ago. I’m down to my last box. Ordered it from Amazon.
You definitely don’t want to run out of Bell’s, Gloria!
I live in Illinois and have not been able to find Bells Seasoning. Where do you buy it in Illinois?
Dev, you can find it at Amazon.
I just purchased a box of your seasoning. there was no smell and no taste. Very unsatisfied.
Charles, I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s not our product, but a recommendation. I would return it. Clearly, it was an old package. The seasoning mix is very fragrant.
Get checked for Covid if you can’t smell it.
Rick, considering the comment was left in 2021, that could have been a cause. Hopefully, Charles was/is ok.
What kind of other meats and recipes can I use this with? Thank you
Sally, this seasoning is very versatile but is best suited to poultry dishes. Try rubbing it on a whole roast chicken or baked chicken thighs before baking. It would also make a nice seasoning for roasted vegetables.