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5.0 from 6 votes

Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Brine

This Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Brine is our family's recipe for a moist, juicy, and golden roast turkey for our Thanksgiving or holiday table. The secret to this turkey recipe is the Apple Cider Brine and lots of butter.

Prep Time
3 d
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 d 3 hrs
Servings: 8
Calories: 447 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Equipment Required
  • Large Stock Pot
  • Brining Bag
  • Roasting Pan with Roasting Rack
Apple Cider Brine
  • 3 cups apple cider
  • Juice from 4 oranges
  • 2 gallons cold water
  • 4 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tablespoon crushed sage
  • 2 tablespoons minced onions
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 5 or 6 orange slices
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
Roast Turkey
  • 1 12-14 lb. Honeysuckle White Turkey either fresh or thawed
  • 1/2 cup 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • kosher salt
  • garlic powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Apple Cider Brine
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, add the ingredients listed under the Apple Cider Brine heading. Bring the brine to a boil. Then remove the brine from the hot stove and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Place the thawed, unwrapped turkey in a brining bag or in a large container, and pour the cooled Apple Cider Brine over the turkey.
  3. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for 12 to 24 hours. The larger the turkey, the longer it should remain in the brine.
  4. After the allotted time, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse inside and out.
Roast Turkey
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Rub the turkey with softened butter on the outside of the skin all over and under the skin as well.
  3. Sprinkle the buttered turkey all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Wrap the wing tips and the ends of the turkey legs with foil to prevent them from overcooking.
  5. Place turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan.
  6. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
  7. Place a foil tent over the turkey and leave it on for the first hour of cooking.
  8. Place the turkey in a preheated oven. Cook the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. For a 12-pound turkey, cook for about 3 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F.
  9. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Notes

  • Hungry For More? Join to receive FREE recipes in your inbox!
  • Round out your holiday dinner with these recipesturkeygreen bean casseroleeasy cornbread dressingsquash casserole pumpkin pie

Nutrition Information

Calories 447kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 50g (100%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 194mg (65%) Sodium 7697mg (321%) Potassium 594mg (17%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 593IU (12%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 85mg (9%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 447

% Daily Value*

Calories 447kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 50g 100%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 194mg 65%
Sodium 7697mg 321%
Potassium 594mg 13%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 593IU 12%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 85mg 9%
Iron 3mg 17%

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