My Favorite Turkey Brine

18 Servings

25 min Cook Time

A classic turkey brine recipe featuring apple juice, aromatic herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and moist bird. This easy-to-prepare brine combines apple cider, cold water, fresh rosemary, garlic, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, and orange peel for a perfectly seasoned holiday turkey.

Ingredients

Apple Juice or Apple Cider3 cup

(720g)

Cold Water2 gallons

(7570g)

Fresh Rosemary Leaves4 tbsp

(12g)

Garlic5 cloves, minced

(25g)

Kosher Salt1 1/2 cup

(340g)

Brown Sugar2 cup

(440g)

Peppercorns3 tbsp

(27g)

Bay Leaves5 whole

(5g)

Oranges3 whole, peel only, large

(450g)

Instructions

Step-by-step guide

1
Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover.
2
Allow to cool completely, then pour into a large brining bag or pot. Place uncooked turkey in brine solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
Timer: 24h
3
When ready to roast turkey, remove turkey from brine. Submerge turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside.
Timer: 15m
4
Discard brine. Remove turkey from clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.