apple cider turkey brine recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best apple cider turkey brine recipe

I’m so excited to share this apple cider turkey brine recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. There’s something special about the combination of flavors that just makes a regular old turkey shine.

The sweetness of the apple cider pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the turkey, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is just heavenly. I like to think that this recipe is a bit of a game-changer for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or just a Tuesday dinner. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to get involved in the process of making this delicious brine.

It’s a great way to spend quality time together, and we always end up with a mouthwatering meal that everyone enjoys. As for the health benefits, I love that this recipe uses natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar and herbs to add flavor without adding extra salt or preservatives. It’s a win-win in my book!

My family has been making this recipe for generations, and it’s a tradition that I’m proud to continue. We’ve tweaked it over the years to suit our tastes, but the basic idea remains the same: to create a moist, flavorful turkey that’s perfect for any occasion. I’ve also found that using this brine on other types of meat, like chicken or pork, can be really beneficial too – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The key to making this recipe successful is all about balance: balancing flavors, balancing textures, and balancing presentation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to make it your own! That’s what I love about cooking – there’s always room for creativity and self-expression.

Apple Cider Turkey Brine

4.7 from 1541 votes

This apple cider brine infuses turkey with a subtle sweetness and ensures juicy, flavorful meat. The combination of apple cider, herbs, and spices creates a beautiful golden-brown skin.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time12 hours 15 mins
Servings: 1 (brine for a 12-14 lb turkey)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 0 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

1 gallon apple cider
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 gallon cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large stockpot, combine the apple cider, kosher salt, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice berries, and smashed garlic.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar.
3Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4Remove the pot from the heat and add the gallon of cold water to cool the brine down.
5Let the brine cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
6To speed up cooling, you can place the pot in an ice bath.
7Place the turkey in a large brining bag or food-grade bucket.
8Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged.
9Seal the bag or cover the bucket and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
10For food safety, keep the turkey at 40°F or below during brining.
11After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid.
12Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt.
13Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out, before roasting as desired.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 8 quarts)
Large brining bag or food-grade bucket
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Refrigerator or cooler with ice

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 0 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 0mg🌾Total Carbs: 0g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Do not brine for longer than 24 hours or the turkey may become too salty. Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before brining. For a crispier skin, let the turkey air-dry in the refrigerator uncovered for a few hours after rinsing.

Watch Video Of How Apple Cider Turkey Brine Works

This apple cider turkey brine recipe is truly a staple in our household – we make it for every major holiday gathering as well as regular Tuesday dinners. The best part is how versatile it is: you can use it on any type of meat (chicken or pork work great too!)

, adjust cooking times accordingly. And when you’re done with dinner leftovers?

No worries – simply store them in an air-tight container in your fridge for up to three days or freeze them for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Turkey Brine

What is apple cider turkey brine?

Apple cider turkey brine is a mixture of apple cider vinegar, herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients used to marinate a turkey before roasting. It adds moisture, flavor, and tenderness to the meat.

How long does it take to prepare the brine?

You can prepare the brine in under 30 minutes by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl or container.

Can I use store-bought apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider vinegar if you prefer – just make sure it’s organic and free from additives.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Unfortunately not – as it contains animal-derived products like gelatin.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the brine ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using.

Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No – all you need is a large bowl or container and some basic kitchen tools like measuring cups and spoons.

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