The Best Turkey Brine Recipe

This is the best turkey brine recipe hands down! We use this brine to prepare the most delicious, juicy holiday turkey every time.

Cooking a whole turkey is my go-to for large family gatherings and events. Our favorite way of cooking is actually detailed in this how to cook a garbage can turkey post believe it or not! That flavorful turkey begins with this easy brining process.

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What should I brine my turkey in?

• We place the raw turkey in an Oven Bag and then into a roasting pan or large stock pot.
• A turkey roasting bag does the same thing.
• Basically anything that you can place your turkey into and cover it completely with brine will work.
• We’ve used a small cooler and a large Rubbermade container in the past too.

I have even placed this brined turkey in a cooler and taken it camping! Garbage can turkey is an amazing meal to make and enjoy while camping in the woods.

Looking for a complete guide to creating the perfect Thanksgiving feast? Find a carefully curated collection of our time-tested, family-favorite recipes inside the pages of this eBook!

The best turkey brine recipe!

Ingredients

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Coarse salt
• Brown sugar
• Fresh cranberries
• Oranges, sliced
• Rosemary stalks
• Bay leaves

Note: this recipe is for a 12-20 pound turkey. For a larger bird you will need a bigger brine bag and more vinegar and cold water to cover the entire turkey breast in the wet brine.

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Supplies

• Turkey oven bag
• Turkey roasting pan and lifter
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Paper towels

How to Make Turkey Brine

1. Place the turkey (empty) into the turkey bag and into the roaster breast side up.

2. Slice the oranges and prep fresh herbs and ingredients.

3. Layer all of the fresh and dry brine ingredients on top of the turkey.

4. Top with water and apple cider vinegar.

Tip: the turkey should be entirely covered by the brine solution. Simply add more water if it’s not so that you have enough brine to cover a large turkey.

5. Tie the bag closed and place the pan in the fridge for 12 hours or more. We like to leave the turkey in our brine for at least 24 hours for best results.

6. Rinse the brine from the turkey before cooking and pat it dry with paper towel. We like to then coat the turkey in something like this herb butter rub before roasting.

This simple brine makes the most juicy turkey for Thanksgiving dinner! This easy turkey brine recipe is sure to become a favorite recipe for your roast turkey.

How long should you brine turkey?

• At least 8 hours is the recommended time to brine a turkey.
• We choose to brine our bird for 12 hours or more to enhance the tenderness and flavor.
• You may brine a turkey for up to 24 hours or more!

What else can you add to turkey brine?

• fresh rosemary
• kosher salt
• black peppercorns
• garlic cloves
• apple juice
• citrus fruits
• maple syrup

More of Our Holiday Favorites

• Do you have leftover turkey? Make these turkey cranberry sliders or turkey salad sandwiches!
• Looking for a low carb alternative to your standard stuffing? Try this delicious keto friendly stove top stuffing recipe!
• My mom always makes the best side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner! Try her classic yams recipe this year.
• These roasted parmesan brussel sprouts from my friend Bailey are a must make!
• Try this herb butter turkey rub from my friend Michelle at Weekend Craft.
• This cranberry salsa recipe is a family favorite and makes the perfect appetizer!

We also use this brine to make the most delicious smoked turkey that you have ever had! Be sure to check out our Smoked Turkey recipe too.

If you love this turkey brine recipe, please give it a five star review and help me share it on Facebook and Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too!

Turkey Brine Recipe

The Best Turkey Brine Recipe

This is the best turkey brine recipe hands down! We use this brine to prepare the most delicious, juicy turkey every time.

4.42 from 104 votes

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 12 hours hours

Total Time: 12 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 recipe

Author: Heather Painchaud

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Ingredients

 

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• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 10 cups water
• 1 cup coarse salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 oranges sliced
• 2 rosemary stalks
• 3 bay leaves

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Instructions

• Place the turkey (with an empty cavity) into the turkey bag and into the roaster breast side up.
• Slice the oranges and prep fresh herbs and ingredients.
• Layer all of the fresh and dry brine ingredients on top of the turkey.
• Top with water and apple cider vinegar.
• Tie the bag closed and place the pan in the fridge for 12 hours or more. We like to leave the turkey in our brine for at least 24 hours for best results.
• Rinse the brine from the turkey before cooking and pat it dry with paper towel. We like to then coat the turkey in something like this before roasting.

Video

Notes

The turkey should be entirely covered by the brine solution. Simply add more water if it's not so that you have enough brine to cover a large turkey.

Hello, I’m Heather!

I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...