Brined Roasted Turkey

Elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday feast with this succulent Brined Roasted Turkey, a showstopping centerpiece that's bursting with flavor and tenderness. The secret lies in the overnight brining process, where the turkey is immersed in a savory solution of kosher salt, brown sugar, fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus, infusing it with incredible moisture and deep aromatics. Roasted to golden perfection with a luscious blend of butter, olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper, this 14-pound turkey boasts a crisp, golden skin and juicy, beautifully seasoned meat in every bite. Ideal for serving up to 12 guests, this recipe transforms your turkey into an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a classic Thanksgiving dinner or a celebratory gathering, this perfectly seasoned and meticulously roasted turkey will have everyone craving seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:1440 mins

Cook Time:210 mins

Total Time:1650 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 14 pounds Whole turkey
• 1 gallon Cold water
• 1 cup Kosher salt
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
• 3 Bay leaves
• 4 sprigs Fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 6 Garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 Lemon, quartered
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

Remove giblets and neck from the turkey and set aside if using for gravy. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a large container or clean bucket, combine 1 gallon of cold water, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, smashed garlic cloves, and lemon quarters. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

Step 3

Place the turkey in the brine, breast side down. If necessary, weigh it down with a plate to fully submerge. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

Step 4

Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat completely dry with paper towels.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently loosen the turkey's skin by sliding your hands under it, being careful not to tear it. Rub half of the butter mixture underneath the skin and the other half over the outside of the turkey.

Step 7

Truss the turkey by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the bird. Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack.

Step 8

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting with the pan drippings every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) reads 165°F (74°C). This should take about 3-3.5 hours for a 14-pound turkey.

Step 9

If the skin begins to brown too quickly, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 10

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, tented loosely with foil, for 30 minutes before carving.

Step 11

Serve and enjoy your perfectly brined and roasted turkey!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	10885.4 grams (10885.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	11146

Total Fat 443.00g	568%
Saturated Fat 189.40g	947%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 4962mg	1654%
Sodium 111418mg	4844%
Total Carbohydrate 159.90g	58%
Dietary Fiber 5.00g	18%
Total Sugars 141.70g
Protein 1528.60g	3057%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1137mg	87%
Iron 74mg	412%
Potassium 15698mg	334%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.1%

Protein: 56.9%

Carbs: 6.0%