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Roast Turkey & Apple Cider Brine

  • 6 Servings
  • 24 hrs Prep Time
  • 27 hrs Total Time

Ingredients

Apple Cider Brine

  • 3 cups Apple Cider
  • Juice from 4 oranges
  • 2 gallons cold water
  • 4 tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tbsp. crushed sage
  • 2 tbsp. minced onions
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Kosher salt
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. freshly cracked black pepper

Recipe and images courtesy of Flavor Mosaic

Serving Size 3 ounces cooked turkey
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140
Calories from Fat
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat
Cholesterol 60mg 20%
Sodium 380mg 17%
Total Carbohydrates 0g
Dietary Fiber
Sugars
Protein 12g
Iron 6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. This is a representation of the nutrition label. The actual nutrition label on the product may vary slightly.

  • Step 1

    Apple Cider Brine: In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, add the ingredients listed under the Apple Cider Brine heading. Bring the brine to a boil. Then remove the brine from the hot stove and let it cool to room temperature.

  • Step 2

    Place the thawed, unwrapped turkey in a brining bag or in a large container, and pour the cooled Apple Cider Brine over the turkey.

  • Step 3

    Seal the bag and refrigerate it for 12 to 24 hours. The larger the turkey, the longer it should remain in the brine.

  • Step 4

    After the allotted time, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse inside and out.

  • Step 5

    For the Roast Turkey, preheat the oven to 325°F.

  • Step 6

    Rub the turkey with softened butter on the outside of the skin all over and under the skin as well.

  • Step 7

    Sprinkle the buttered turkey all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  • Step 8

    Wrap the wing tips and the ends of the turkey legs with foil to prevent them from overcooking.

  • Step 9

    Place turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan.

  • Step 10

    Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.

  • Step 11

    Place a foil tent over the turkey and leave it on for the first hour of cooking.

  • Step 12

    Place the turkey in a preheated oven. Cook the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. For a 12-pound turkey, cook for about 3 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 170°F.

  • Step 13

    Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Made with:

Apple Cider Brined Turkey FAQs

Brining is an excellent technique for flavoring a turkey and increasing its moisture before cooking. You can brine a turkey for at least 12 hours, and up 24 hours.

The brining process for this recipe involves submerging your turkey in an apple cider brine and placing it in a fridge set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), you should never brine a turkey for more than 48 hours. Brining a turkey for more than 48 hours can give the meat an unpleasant texture and make it too salty. Click here for more information on how to brine a turkey.

When making apple cider brined turkey, it is best to use apple cider in your brine mixture. Do not replace apple cider with sweetened apple juice in your turkey brine, as it contains sweeteners that will negatively impact the flavor profile of your turkey. Check out these other apple cider turkey recipes:

The secret to crispy turkey skin is drying the surface of the turkey after brining by patting it with paper towels. You can dry the turkey even further by letting it sit uncovered in your fridge for a couple of hours.

After drying the turkey, coat it with your butter and seasonings. The butter will melt, heat up, and crisp up the turkey skin as the turkey cooks in your oven, giving it a crunchy and delicious texture. To ensure you get a crispy skin, do not forget to take off the foil tent after the first hour of cooking.

Brining your turkey with apple cider gives it more flavor than you can get from regular salt brine. For more tips on preparing and cooking a turkey to perfection, visit our how-to page.

Are you looking for where to buy high-quality turkeys for bringing your favorite turkey recipes to life? Click here to discover where to buy Shady Brook Farms near you.

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