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.
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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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
1. Place the turkey (with an empty cavity) 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.
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 turkey rub before roasting.
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.
Hi Heather, I’m going to try this brine. I like the use of fruits. I need to ask what size turkey is suited for this volume of brine?
This is good for a 12-20lb turkey :)
Does the turkey taste fruity with this brine
Not at all :)
The picture is showing apple cider however the recipe calls for apple cider vinegar.
You have to squint to see the fine print – it’s apple cider vinegar :)
Can you use apple cider ? Instead of apple cider vinegar?
I would not recommend it, you need the acidity of the vinegar to create a brine. White vinegar or red wine vinegar may be substituted. Apple cider CAN be used in the place of water though.
Could you substitute dry rosemary
You bet!
tWhat do you mean by coarse salt,,is there a substitute
Coarse salt is also kosher salt, salt with larger cubes. Table salt or pink himilayan salt would work too.
Hi Could you sub dried rosemary and Sage
Yes, for sure!
Can you make gravy with this
Hmmmm, I’ve never tried it?
Ok so after the brine and I pat the turkey with herb butter do I place it back in the bag with the fruits and brine cook it in the oven all together…never made a turkey before …this looks so easy to make
No, you don’t need to return it to the bag, it typically goes into a roasting pan to cook in the oven. I have a full recipe for roast turkey details here: https://homemadeheather.com/the-best-oven-roasted-turkey-recipe/
Good morning, I brined the turkey yesterday morning, It is now going on 24 hours. Is it OK to leave it for another 16 hours or will it be too salty?
We brine for up to 48, just be sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Ok to use light brown sugar?
Yes, that totally fine.
Amazing!!! My family loved our turkey brined in your recipe and so did I. This will be my go to from now on! White meat was just as juicy as the dark. Perfection!
I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing <3