Get the App

Recipes

Find a Recipe Blue Ribbon Recipes Pinch It!™ Feed Browse All Recipes

Editorial

Food Bites & Articles Videos What is a Blue Ribbon? Meet the Test Kitchen

Community

Member Recipes Groups Sweepstakes Contests Shopping

turkey brine

(4 ratings)
geoter1968 avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Teresa Howell
@geoter1968
Cusseta, GA

This makes a moist and delicious turkey. I love it when my Uncle brines his turkey and cooks it. It's so good! Thanks Uncle for the recipe.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

If you want a tender and juicy, roasted turkey this Thanksgiving or Christmas try brining it in this turkey brine. Once baked, it's golden brown and a lovely centerpiece for your holiday meal. There are six cloves of garlic in this brine but don't let that scare you. No one flavor overpowers another - they work together wonderfully.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(4 ratings)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 12 Hr
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For turkey brine

  • 1 gal
    water
  • 1 bunch
    fresh rosemary
  • 1 Tbsp
    dried thyme
  • 6 clove
    garlic (smashed with skin on)
  • 1 c
    sea salt
  • 1 bunch
    sage
  • 2 c
    maple syrup
  • 1 gal
    ice water
  • 2 c
    apple cider

How To Make turkey brine

Test Kitchen Tips
We used a cooler instead of a 5 gallon bucket to brine the turkey overnight. Along with the ice, it keeps the turkey cold and does not take up space in the fridge.
  • Water, sea salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, maple syrup, and garlic cloves in a large pot.
    1
    In a large stockpot, combine the water, sea salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, maple syrup, and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil and stir frequently to be sure salt is dissolved. Remov from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  • Broth, cider, and ice in a big bucket.
    2
    When the broth mixture is cool, pour it into a clean 5 gallon bucket. Stir in the ice water and cider.
  • Turkey submerged in the bucket.
    3
    Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight but no longer than 12 hours.
  • Drying the brined turkey.
    4
    Remove the turkey and carefully drain off the excess brine. Pat dry. Discard excess brine.
  • Brined turkey ready to roast.
    5
    Cook the turkey as desired reserving the drippings for gravy. Keep in mind that brined turkey cooks about 5-10 percent faster. So watch your turkey closely so as not to overcook your turkey.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
ADVERTISEMENT