0 from 3 votes
Turkey Brine Recipe
Plan ahead this holiday and make this Best Turkey Brine Recipe for a juicy and flavorful turkey that everyone will love.
Prep Time
15 mins
Brine Time (12-24 hours)
12 hrs
Total Time
12 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 1 (enough for a 12-16 lb turkey)
Calories: 675 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 16 cups cold water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine 4 cups of the water with the salt, granulated sugar, and honey. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugars dissolve completely.
- Remove from heat and add the peppercorns, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Add the remaining 12 cups of cold water. Stir and let the brine cool completely.
- Place the turkey in a large brining bag or a container large enough to hold the turkey and brine.
- Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it's completely submerged.
- Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Before cooking, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it thoroughly under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Discard the brine after use.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Don't skip rinsing the turkey after brining. This removes excess salt from the surface.
- Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the turkey very dry after rinsing.
- This helps achieve crispy skin when roasting. If you're using table salt instead of kosher salt, reduce the amount to 3/4 cup.
Nutrition Information
Calories
675kcal
(34%)
Carbohydrates
177g
(59%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
Sodium
113370mg
(4724%)
Potassium
222mg
(6%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
169g
(338%)
Vitamin A
149IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
276mg
(28%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1(enough for a 12-16 lb turkey)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 675
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 675kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 177g | 59% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 113370mg | 4724% |
| Potassium | 222mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 169g | 338% |
| Vitamin A | 149IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 276mg | 28% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.