Apple Cider Brined Turkey Recipe

This Apple Cider Brined Turkey Recipe is a flavorful way to prepare your turkey for Thanksgiving. The brining process infuses the meat with a sweet and savory flavor, ensuring a juicy and tender result.

Using apple cider as the base for the brine adds a unique twist to the traditional turkey preparation, making it a standout dish for your holiday feast.

Juicy Apple Cider Brined Turkey for Thanksgiving

This turkey is brined for at least 12 hours in a mixture of apple cider, salt, and spices, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird. The recipe takes about 24 hours from start to finish, including brining and roasting, and serves 8-10 people.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 gallon apple cider
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon allspice berries
4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
Ice (for brining solution)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine apple cider, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, cloves, allspice, rosemary, and thyme. Heat over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool.
Brine the Turkey: Once the brine is cool, submerge the turkey in the brine solution. If necessary, use a large container or cooler to hold the turkey and brine. Add ice to keep the turkey cold. Brine for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.