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5.0 from 39 votes

How to Brine a Turkey - Turkey Brine Recipe

This is a complete guide on how to brine a turkey to get the most tender and flavorful bird each and every time. No holiday is complete without a turkey, and brining is the best method to ensure rave reviews!

Prep Time
12 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Additional Time
1 d
Total Time
1 d 15 mins
Servings: 28
Calories: 43 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups apple cider the juice, not apple cider vinegar
  • 2 gallons cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 8 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 tablespoons peppercorns
  • 2 oranges thinly sliced
  • 5 rosemary sprigs
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 4 sage sprigs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place all the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat, then bring to a simmer.
  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until salt and sugar have dissolved, stirring occasionally. 
  3. Turn off the heat. Let the brine mixture cool completely.
  4. Pour the brine into a large container or a brining bag.
  5. Place a whole turkey in the brine solution to fully submerge it, then refrigerate for 18-24 hours. 
  6. When you're ready to cook your turkey, remove it from the brine and rinse with cool water, then pat dry with paper towels. 
  7. Proceed with your normal turkey roasting method.

Notes

  • It’s crucial that you let the liquid cool before you add the turkey so that your raw turkey does not come to an unsafe temperature sitting in warm brine. Sometimes when I need to speed up the process, I add a handful of ice cubes to the brine to cool it off quickly.
  • I find that it can be difficult to find a container large enough to hold a turkey for brining. The easiest way to contain a turkey and brine is to buy brining bags. You can find these bags online or in kitchen stores. The bags seal shut and there is minimal cleanup because they are disposable.

Nutrition Information

Calories 43kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Sodium 461mg (19%) Potassium 62mg (2%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 25IU (1%) Vitamin C 8.7mg (10%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 28Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 43

% Daily Value*

Calories 43kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Sodium 461mg 19%
Potassium 62mg 1%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 25IU 1%
Vitamin C 8.7mg 10%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.