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Perfect Apple Cider Turkey Brine for Juicy Thanksgiving

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This apple cider turkey brine delivers incredibly juicy, flavorful meat with simple pantry ingredients. It’s the only brine recipe you’ll need for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) water, divided
  • 1 cup (300 grams) kosher salt
  • 1 cup (200 grams, packed) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (12 grams) black peppercorns
  • 4 large or 6 small bay leaves
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) whole cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large stockpot, combine 8 cups apple cider and 4 cups water. Add kosher salt and brown sugar. Place over medium-high heat and whisk until salt and sugar are completely dissolved (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it come to a full boil.
  2. Once dissolved, add black peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and cloves (if using). Stir to combine.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes to infuse flavors. The liquid will deepen to a rich amber color.
  4. Remove from heat and add remaining 4 cups cold water to start cooling. Let brine cool completely at room temperature (30-45 minutes). Do not use warm brine on raw turkey.
  5. While brine cools, remove turkey from packaging, remove giblets and neck, rinse inside and out with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
  6. Place turkey in a clean brine container (5-gallon bucket or large cooler). Pour completely cooled brine over turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. Weigh down with a plate if needed. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours (18 hours is ideal).
  7. When ready to cook, remove turkey from brine and discard brine. Rinse turkey thoroughly under cold running water for at least 2 minutes. Pat bone-dry with paper towels. For extra crispy skin, let turkey sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before roasting.

Notes

Don’t skip cooling the brine completely before adding turkey. Rinse turkey thoroughly after brining to avoid salty gravy. For best results, brine for 18 hours. Use kosher salt, not table salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey brine, apple cider brine, Thanksgiving turkey, juicy turkey, holiday turkey brine

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/perfect-apple-cider-turkey-brine-for-juicy-thanksgiving/