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A turkey brining in a pot of liquid.
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5 from 1 vote

Turkey Brine

Use this easy turkey brine recipe to brine your Thanksgiving turkey for the juiciest, most flavorful turkey ever! 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Brining Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 30 minutes
Course: Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American
Keyword: turkey, turkey brine
Servings: 1 turkey

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Container

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ gallons water
  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 3 cups kosher salt
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 2 lemons sliced
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 1 head garlic whole, halved horizontally
  • 1 bunch thyme
  • 6-7 sprigs rosemary
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons black peppercorns

Instructions

  • Pour 1 gallon of the 2 ½ gallons of water into a large pot and add all of the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat making sure all the salt and sugar is dissolved.
    2 ½ gallons water, 3 cups apple cider, 3 cups kosher salt, 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 lemons, 2 medium onions, 1 head garlic, 1 bunch thyme, 6-7 sprigs rosemary, 5 bay leaves, 2 Tablespoons black peppercorns
  • Pour the remaining water into a container large enough to completely submerge the turkey. Pour in the hot brine and let cool completely, about an hour.
  • Slowly lower the turkey into the brine making sure it is fully covered. Brine overnight.
  • When ready to roast, remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Sodium: 473mg | Calcium: 284mg