turkey brine

Name: Turkey Brine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 gallon(s) water; 1 bunch(es) fresh rosemary; 1 tablespoon(s) dried thyme; 6 clove(s) garlic (smashed with skin on); 1 cup(s) sea salt; 1 bunch(es) sage; 2 cup(s) maple syrup; 1 gallon(s) ice water; 2 cup(s) apple cider

(4 RATINGS)

775 Pinches 8 Photos

Teresa Howell

Cusseta, GA

Updated on Dec 1, 2020

This makes a moist and delicious turkey. I love it when my Uncle brines his turkey and cooks it. It's so good! Thanks Uncle for the recipe.

Rate

Blue Ribbon Recipe

If you want a tender and juicy, roasted turkey this Thanksgiving or Christmas try brining it in this turkey brine. Once baked, it's golden brown and a lovely centerpiece for your holiday meal. There are six cloves of garlic in this brine but don't let that scare you. No one flavor overpowers another - they work together wonderfully.

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 15 Min

cook time 12 Hr

method No-Cook or Other

yield

Ingredients

1 gallon water
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
6 cloves garlic (smashed with skin on)
1 cup sea salt
1 bunch sage
2 cups maple syrup
1 gallon ice water
2 cups apple cider

How To Make turkey brine

Test Kitchen Tips

We used a cooler instead of a 5 gallon bucket to brine the turkey overnight. Along with the ice, it keeps the turkey cold and does not take up space in the fridge.

Step 1

In a large stockpot, combine the water, sea salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, maple syrup, and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil and stir frequently to be sure salt is dissolved. Remov from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Step 2

When the broth mixture is cool, pour it into a clean 5 gallon bucket. Stir in the ice water and cider.
Step 3

Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight but no longer than 12 hours.
Step 4

Remove the turkey and carefully drain off the excess brine. Pat dry. Discard excess brine.
Step 5

Cook the turkey as desired reserving the drippings for gravy. Keep in mind that brined turkey cooks about 5-10 percent faster. So watch your turkey closely so as not to overcook your turkey.
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