Turkey Brine Recipe

Making this Easy Turkey Brine Recipe is the first step to making the most moist turkey that anyone has ever had. Slow Cooker Whole Turkey can get dry if you don’t start with this easy brining process.

Following these easy steps helps the turkey to retain moisture during the cooking process. So if you are making this Christmas Turkey or Grilled Turkey use this wet brine to impress family and friends this holiday.

Why We Love This Recipe

I was so amazed how juicy my turkey turned out by following this Easy Turkey Brine Recipe. The flavor was amazing and everyone was commenting how delicious the turkey turned out.

We used a large stock pot but you can also use a Large Bucket depending on the size of your turkey. For the best flavor, you want to make sure your turkey is completely covered in the liquid.

Ingredients

• Kosher Salt – For best results, we recommend using kosher salt
• Water – We have added in Apple Cider with the water for even more flavor
• Sugar – Substitute with Brown Sugar
• Honey – We like using pure raw honey
• Black Peppercorns – Use whole spices makes taste so much better. For a deeper warm spice flavor add in a cinnamon stick or teaspoons allspice berries
• Fresh Herbs – We used dried thyme and rosemary but you can use fresh herbs if you prefer. We have even added in rosemary sprigs.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

For even more flavor you can toss in these variations in with the other turkey brine ingredients.

• Orange Peel
• Cloves Garlic
• Lemons
• Sage

How to Make Turkey Brine

Step 1 – In a large stockpot, combine 4 cups of the water with the salt, granulated sugar, and honey. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugars dissolve completely.

Step 2 – Remove the large stock pot from heat and add the peppercorns, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.

Step 3 – Add the remaining 12 cups of cold water. Stir and let the brine cool completely.

Step 4 – Place the turkey in a large brining bag or a container large enough to hold the turkey and brine.

Step 5 – Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it’s completely submerged.

Step 6 – Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

• Step 7 – Before cooking, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it thoroughly under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Step 8 – Discard the brine after use.

Expert Tips

• Rinsing Turkey – Don’t skip rinsing the turkey after brining. This removes excess salt from the surface.
• Pat Dry – Make sure to pat the turkey very dry after rinsing. This helps achieve crispy skin when roasting.
• Table Salt – If you’re using table salt instead of kosher salt, reduce the amount to ¾ cup.

How to Use Leftover Turkey Brine

Any turkey brine that has come in contact with the turkey, will need to be discarded. But if you did not use all the turkey brine, then use it for other cuts of meat.

This turkey brine can be used on Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe, Grilled Chicken Tenders, Baked Pork Chops and even a Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin.