For best results, use a brining bag or food-grade container large enough to fully submerge the turkey in the brine. Ensure the turkey remains refrigerated during the brining process. Brining time will vary depending on the size of your turkey. A general guideline is 1 hour per pound. Do not over-brine, as it can result in an overly salty bird. Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it thoroughly under cold water, and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting. Consider adding other aromatics to the brine, such as peppercorns, juniper berries, or allspice, to customize the flavor profile.
Annie's Turkey Brine
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PREP TIME10 mins
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COOK TIME5 mins
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TOTAL TIME45 mins
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SERVING1 People
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VIEWS18
Infuse your Thanksgiving centerpiece with unparalleled flavor. This brine balances sweetness, saltiness, and aromatic herbs for a deeply savory and succulent turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate622 g
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Fiber16 g
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Protein6 g
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Saturated Fat1 g
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Sodium486 mg
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Sugar575 g
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Fat3 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
10 mins
In a large stockpot, combine the water, apple cider, brown sugar, orange slices, salt, celery, rosemary, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme.
02
Step
5 mins
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve completely. (Approximately 10 minutes)
03
Step
2 hrs
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
04
Step
4 hrs
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the brine to cool completely to room temperature. (Approximately 2-3 hours)
05
StepOnce cooled, refrigerate the brine until it is thoroughly chilled before using it to brine your turkey. (Minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight)
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Ellis Koss
Jun 30, 2025Be careful not to over-brine! I followed the recipe exactly, but my turkey was a little too salty. Next time, I'll reduce the brining time by a couple of hours.
Brandt Leannon
Jun 22, 2025I added a few sprigs of fresh sage to the brine, and it was fantastic. The subtle sweetness of the cider paired perfectly with the herbs.
Abigale Robel
May 9, 2025This brine was amazing! My turkey was so moist and flavorful. Definitely a new Thanksgiving tradition!