My Favorite Turkey Brine
Brine your bird for the juiciest, most flavorful Thanksgiving turkey yet. This is the best way to season your turkey before roasting it to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 c.apple juice or apple cider
- 2 gallonscold water
- 4 tbsp.fresh rosemary leaves
- 5 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1 ½ c.kosher salt
- 2 c.brown sugar
- 3 tbsp.peppercorns
- 5whole bay leaves
- peel of three large oranges
Directions
- 1
Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Turn off the heat, cover, and allow the brine to cool completely.
- 2
Place the uncooked turkey in a large brining bag or pot, pour in the brine solution to cover the turkey, and refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
- 3
Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine (discard the brine) and submerge the turkey in a pot or sink filled with fresh, cold water for 15 minutes. This removes excess salt from the outside.
- 4
Remove the turkey from the water, pat very dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.