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Flavorful Overnight Turkey Brine Recipe with Apple Cider Rosemary Citrus for Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

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This flavorful overnight turkey brine with apple cider, rosemary, and citrus creates a juicy, tender turkey with crackling skin and aromatic depth, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4–5 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large stockpot, combine 4 cups apple cider, 4 cups water, 1 cup kosher salt, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until salt and sugar fully dissolve, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, stir in rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, sliced orange and lemon, smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice berries if using.
  3. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Place the turkey breast side down in the pot or brining bag. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. Weigh down with a plate if necessary.
  5. Cover the pot or seal the brining bag and refrigerate for 12 to 16 hours.
  6. After brining, remove the turkey and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and aromatics. Pat dry completely with paper towels.
  7. Let the turkey rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to dry the skin before roasting.

Notes

Ensure the brine is fully cooled before adding the turkey to prevent bacteria growth. Rinse the turkey thoroughly after brining to avoid overly salty skin. Drying the turkey uncovered in the fridge before roasting helps achieve crispy skin. Brining for at least 8 hours improves juiciness, but overnight (12-16 hours) is ideal. Variations include adding cinnamon sticks, star anise, or swapping herbs like sage and tarragon. For low-sodium, reduce salt to 3/4 cup and extend brine time to 16 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey brine, apple cider brine, rosemary turkey, citrus brine, Thanksgiving turkey, juicy turkey, overnight brine

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/flavorful-overnight-turkey-brine-recipe-with-apple-cider-rosemary-citrus-for-juicy-thanksgiving-turkey/