Every cook’s biggest fear on Thanksgiving day is a dry turkey. A good brine does wonders for the flavor and consistency of the bird and helps to prevent it from drying out during the roasting process. I have the best turkey brine recipe for you. Serve your turkey with sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and Southern cornbread dressing for the ultimate holiday meal.
Turkey Brine Ingredients
To make this turkey brine recipe you will need kosher salt, brown sugar, water, apple cider, garlic, whole peppercorns, lemon slices, orange slices, fresh rosemary and bay leaves. It is very important to use apple cider the drink, not apple cider vinegar. When you select your Thanksgiving recipes, make sure you have plenty of fantastic side dishes like slow cooker mac and cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry salad and turkey gravy. If you end up with turkey leftovers check out my favorite leftover turkey recipes.
How Do You Make Turkey Brine?
To make turkey brine first place all the ingredients in a large pot and bring them to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until all of the salt and sugar have dissolved. Let the brine cool completely. Place the turkey in the liquid. Add cool water until you cover the turkey. Leave the turkey in the fridge for 18-24 hours. When it is done, remove the bird from the brine. Rince it with cool water and pat it dry. Finally, cook your bird as desired.
Tips For Turkey Brine
Make sure you use kosher salt and do not substitute any other type of salt. Table salt is denser than kosher salt and doesn’t measure the same way. Make sure your stock pot is large enough to hold a turkey. If not, you can buy brining bags. These are giant resealable bags that are made for turkey brining. The bags are easy to fit into a standard sized refrigerator. You want to make sure you put your turkey into a cool brine; never put a turkey in a hot or warm brine. To cool your brine quickly you can add some cold water or a few ice cubes. Need less turkey? Brine a turkey breast with 1/2 of the recipe and 1/2 the amount of time. Pat your turkey dry before you roast it to ensure crispy skin.
Flavor Variations
This turkey brine will give you a juicy and delicious turkey as written. However, you can change the flavors to suit your taste.
Veggies: Add to your wet brine chopped up celery, carrots and onion. Citrus: Boost the citrus flavor by adding an orange peel or lemon peel. Herbs: Add fresh sage leaves, fresh thyme sprigs or allspice berries.
Recommended Turkey Recipes
These recipes pair perfectly with this brine. There are plenty of options including roasted turkey, smoked turkey and turkey breast. If you’re making a smoked turkey, try using my smoked turkey brine recipe.
Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Smoked Turkey Herb Roasted Turkey Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Use this brine to seal in the moisture for a juicy and delicious bird. If you have extra time and don’t want a wet brine, you can also try my fantastic dry brined turkey. Regardless, of what method you choose, your guests will thank you for serving a succulent turkey.
Turkey Brine Video
