Ultimate Brine for Turkey

Transform your Thanksgiving centerpiece with the Ultimate Brine for Turkey—a game-changing recipe designed to deliver a bird that's irresistibly juicy, tender, and flavorful. This aromatic brine combines the perfect balance of kosher salt and brown sugar to lock in moisture, while unsweetened apple juice, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, and a medley of spices, including black peppercorns and optional juniper berries, infuse the turkey with deep, savory-sweet notes. Enhanced with smashed garlic, whole cloves, and a bright hint of lemon, this brine works its magic during a 12- to 24-hour soak, ensuring every bite of your turkey is seasoned to perfection. Ideal for roasting, smoking, or frying, this easy-to-follow brine recipe is a must-try for achieving the holiday turkey of your dreams! Perfect Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe for tender, juicy results.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 16 cups water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon juniper berries (optional)
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 10 leaves fresh sage leaves
• 6 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 whole lemon, halved
• 6 cups ice

Directions

Step 1

In a large stockpot, combine 8 cups of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar.

Step 2

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved.

Step 3

Remove the stockpot from heat and stir in the remaining 8 cups of water and the apple juice to cool the brine slightly.

Step 4

Add the black peppercorns, whole cloves, juniper berries (if using), fresh thyme, rosemary, sage leaves, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and halved lemon to the stockpot.

Step 5

Allow the brine to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial to avoid partially cooking your turkey when added.

Step 6

Once the brine is completely cool, transfer it to a brining bag or a large food-safe container. Stir in the ice to chill the brine even further.

Step 7

Submerge your thawed turkey (remove giblets and neck) in the brine, ensuring the liquid fully covers the bird. If needed, weigh the turkey down with a heavy plate or bowl to keep it fully submerged.

Step 8

Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for 12 to 24 hours, turning it occasionally if not completely submerged.

Step 9

After brining, remove the turkey and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 10

Your turkey is now perfectly brined and ready for roasting, smoking, or frying!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5357.3 grams (5357.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1090

Total Fat 2.70g	3%
Saturated Fat 0.10g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 107593mg	4678%
Total Carbohydrate 276.20g	100%
Dietary Fiber 10.60g	38%
Total Sugars 235.20g
Protein 5.60g	11%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 579mg	45%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 1564mg	33%

*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: 2.1%

Protein: 1.9%

Carbs: 95.9%