Dry Brine Turkey

Dry Brine Turkey
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    2 hrs 30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    84 hrs 15 mins
  • SERVING
    15 People
  • VIEWS
    66

Unlock the secret to a supremely succulent and deeply flavorful turkey with this simple yet transformative dry brining technique. This method guarantees a memorable centerpiece for your festive feast, boasting a perfectly crisp skin and juicy, tender meat.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    1 g
  • Cholesterol
    268 mg
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    92 g
  • Saturated Fat
    9 g
  • Sodium
    1383 mg
  • Sugar
    1 g
  • Fat
    32 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Dry Brine: Generously season the entire surface of the turkey, inside and out, with kosher salt, paying particular attention to the breast and thighs. (10 minutes)

03

Step

First Refrigeration: Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 48 hours. (2 days)

04

Step

Second Refrigeration: Flip the turkey breast-side down, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an additional 24 hours. (1 day)

05

Step

Air Dry: Remove the plastic wrap and place the turkey on a rack set over a baking sheet. Allow the turkey to air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight. (8 hours)

06

Step

Final Prep: Bring the turkey to room temperature (about 1 to 2 hours before roasting). Pat it dry with paper towels once more. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity with the onion wedges and celery stalks. (2 hours)

07

Step

Initial Roasting: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place the turkey, breast-side down, in a roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden color. (30 minutes)

08

Step

Continue Roasting: Remove the turkey from the oven and carefully flip it breast-side up. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), approximately 2 hours. (2 hours)

09

Step

Rest: Transfer the turkey to a large platter and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. (30 minutes)

For extra flavor, consider adding aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage to the turkey cavity along with the onion and celery.
Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for accurate temperature readings.
If the turkey skin begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the roasting process.
Use a reliable instant-read thermometer for accurate temperature readings.

Dimitri Bruen

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.9/ 5 ( 22 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (9)
  • Noble Littel

    My family said it was the best turkey I've ever made!

  • Bryce Heidenreich

    I added some orange slices and fresh herbs to the cavity for extra flavor and it was delicious.

  • Declan Kuhic

    Thanks for this recipe! I will be using it every year.

  • Terrell Bergnaum

    I was skeptical at first, but this recipe is so easy and the results are amazing. No more wet brining for me!

  • Loyce Huel

    I accidentally overcooked my turkey slightly, but it was still incredibly moist thanks to the dry brine.

  • Oren Jacobs

    Be sure to plan ahead! The dry brining process takes a few days, but it's totally worth it.

  • Coby Kuhlman

    The crispy skin was the best part! Everyone raved about it.

  • Torey Kunze

    This dry brine method is a game-changer! My turkey was incredibly moist and flavorful.

  • Alberto Wintheiser

    The directions were clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner cook like me.

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