For an even more intense flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the brine. Make sure your cooler or container is large enough to fully submerge the turkey. If not, weigh the turkey down with a heavy plate or pot lid to ensure it stays submerged. Don't skip the resting period! This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Brined Thanksgiving Turkey
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PREP TIME30 mins
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COOK TIME6 hrs 30 mins
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TOTAL TIME31 hrs
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SERVING12 People
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VIEWS24
Elevate your Thanksgiving centerpiece with this stunning brined turkey recipe. Infused with a symphony of sweet and savory notes, this bird emerges from the oven boasting a perfectly crisp skin and unbelievably juicy, flavorful meat. Prepare to impress your guests with a turkey that's anything but ordinary. Cook time and serving size will vary depending on the size of your turkey. The brine is made the same way regardless of the size of your turkey. Only the cook time and amount of filling will vary.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate36 g
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Cholesterol455 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein155 g
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Saturated Fat16 g
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Sodium9411 mg
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Sugar31 g
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Fat57 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step1. Gather all ingredients.
02
Step2. In a large stockpot, combine chicken broth, apple juice, brown sugar, kosher salt, dried sage, and peppercorns. Add apple halves and crushed garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat immediately. (5 minutes)
03
Step3. In a large, food-safe cooler, add enough ice to fill it about halfway. Pour the hot chicken broth mixture over the ice, stirring until the liquid is completely cool and evenly chilled. (5 minutes)
04
Step4. Gently submerge the turkey into the brine, ensuring the breast is facing down. (2 minutes)
05
Step5. Brine the turkey for 24 to 36 hours in the refrigerator or a cold area, adding more ice as needed to maintain a consistently cold temperature. (24-36 hours)
06
Step6. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). (15 minutes)
07
Step7. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. (10 minutes)
08
Step8. In a bowl, combine apple quarters, onion wedges, whole garlic cloves, and fresh sage leaves. Loosely stuff the mixture into the cavity of the turkey. (5 minutes)
09
Step9. Transfer the turkey to a shallow roasting pan and lightly coat the skin with olive oil. (3 minutes)
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Step10. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the skin is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. (30 minutes)
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Step11. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and continue roasting until the turkey is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, about 6 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). (6 hours)
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Step12. Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a double layer of aluminum foil, and let it rest in a warm place for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. (10-15 minutes)
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Please Rate
Keshaun Howe
Jun 18, 2025The high-heat start really helped to get the skin nice and crispy.
Jillian Ferry
Jun 10, 2025I added some orange slices and cranberries to the brine for an extra layer of flavor – delicious!
Roberto Grant
May 29, 2025This was the best turkey I've ever made! The brine made it so juicy and flavorful.