Easy Turkey Brine

This easy and flavorful turkey brine ensures your holiday bird is succulent, tender, and bursting with flavor. Infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and peppercorns, this brining solution elevates your turkey to perfection before roasting. With just a few simple steps, you can prepare your turkey for a delicious feast that family and friends will rave about.

Prep Time20 mins

Course: Main Dish Preparation Cuisine: American Keyword: Easy Turkey Brine Servings: Serves approximately 12 people Calories: 215kcal Author: Tisha

Ingredients

1 gallon cold water
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
8 garlic cloves, smashed
4 bay leaves
4 fresh rosemary sprigs
6 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 whole turkey (12 to 16 pounds), neck and giblets removed

Instructions

In a large stockpot, combine cold water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and black peppercorns.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat while stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar dissolve.
Remove from heat and let cool completely (use an ice bath to cool faster if desired).
Rinse the turkey thoroughly inside and out with cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
Once cooled, submerge the turkey in the brine using a heavy plate to keep it fully submerged.
Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
After brining, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it again with cold water to remove excess salt and herbs, then pat dry.

Notes

For added flavor variation, consider adding citrus peels or different herbs based on your taste preference. Ensure your brining container fits in your refrigerator or use a cooler filled with ice.

Nutrition