Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (2024)

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During the holidays, what better way to celebrate than by treating your loved ones to a mouthwatering Thanksgiving turkey?

If you’re looking to up your culinary game and leave a lasting impression on your guests, consider trying out my Apple Cider Turkey Brine recipe. Just a few simple ingredients and some time will completely transform your turkey.

Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (1)

Once you taste turkey that has been brined in this mixture, I’m convinced you will agree it is the best turkey brine recipe. Be sure to check out all of my other Thanksgiving recipes to plan your entire feast!

Table of Contents

  • Why Choose an Apple Cider Turkey Brine?
  • The Brining Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
    • Step 1: Create the Brine Mixture
    • Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
    • Step 3: Add Brine and Ice
    • Step 4: Let the Brine Do It’s Magic
  • Recipe Tip
  • FAQs
  • Other Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe

Why Choose an Apple Cider Turkey Brine?

  • A Symphony of Flavors– The star of this recipe is, undoubtedly, the unfiltered apple cider. Unlike the sharpness of apple cider vinegar, using pure apple cider imparts a subtle sweetness and a depth of flavor to the turkey. This natural sweetness is balanced by the savory notes from kosher salt, creating a brine that harmonizes beautifully with the poultry.
  • Enhanced Moisture Retention– One of the primary reasons to brine a turkey is to ensure a moist and succulent end result. The salt in the brine works its magic by altering the protein structure of the meat, allowing it to retain more moisture during the cooking process. The apple cider adds an extra layer of moisture and flavor. The brining process ensures that the turkey stays moist during cooking, and the result is a crispy skin that gives way to incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

The Brining Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you opt for a fresh turkey from your local grocery store or a frozen one, ensure it is fully thawed before beginning the brining process. A frozen turkey will require up to a week of refrigeration to be fully thawed.

Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity of the turkey and use them to make the best turkey giblet gravy.

Step 1: Create the Brine Mixture

In a large stockpot, combine the apple cider, kosher salt, black peppercorns, allspice, cloves, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to let the salt dissolve completely. Allow the brine to fully chill in the refrigerator. This step can be done in advance.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Place the whole turkey in a brining bag, breast side down. Stuff the cavity with the orange quarters.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (3)

Step 3: Add Brine and Ice

Pour the chilled brine over the turkey. Add the ice to the bag.

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Step 4: Let the Brine Do It’s Magic

Removing as much air as possible out of the bag, twist the bag shut, and secure it with a clip. Place the brined turkey in the refrigerator (if it will fit) or in a large cooler. Let the turkey brine for 12-24 hours for the best results.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (7)

When you’re ready to cook the turkey, you’ll need to remove it from the brine solution and remove and discard the orange wedges. Be sure to discard brine as well.

You will also need to pat the turkey dry to ensure a crispy skin. The easiest way to do this is to line a very large bowl or rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and set the rinsed turkey on top. You can then pat it dry with additional paper towels.

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Recipe Tip

I like to use my water bath canning pot because it’s the perfect size and very light weight. For the bag, I highly recommend using a turkey roasting oven bag. You can find them at the grocery store in the same aisle where the disposable aluminum roasting pans are. They’re food grade quality and big enough.

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FAQs

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider in the brine?

No, it’s essential to use unfiltered apple cider for its natural sweetness. Apple cider vinegar has a sharper taste and won’t provide the same flavor profile.

Can I brine a frozen turkey?

You can buy a frozen turkey, but you mustensure the turkey is fully thawed before brining. Brining a frozen turkey can result in uneven brining and potential food safety issues.

How long should I brine the turkey?

For optimal results, brine the turkey for 18-24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse and ensures the meat stays moist during cooking.

Can I brine a turkey in a regular pot instead of a brining bag?

Yes, you can use a large pot, but a brining bag is recommended for even distribution of the brine and easy refrigeration.

Do I need to rinse the turkey after brining?

No, it’s not necessary to rinse the turkey after brining. Pat it dry with paper towels before roasting to achieve a crispy skin.

Can I use sea salt instead of kosher salt?

Yes, you can use sea salt as a substitute for kosher salt. Use the same measurement, as they have similar saltiness levels.

What’s the purpose of adding ice cubes to the brining bag?

Ice cubes help maintain a cool temperature in the brining environment. It’s crucial to keep the brine cool for food safety and optimal results.

Can I add additional herbs to the brine for more flavor?

Absolutely! Experiment with herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to personalize the flavor profile of your turkey.

What should the internal temperature of the turkey be after roasting?

The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer for a perfectly cooked turkey.

Can I use this brine for a smaller turkey or just turkey breasts?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for smaller turkeys or turkey breasts. You can adjust the brine quantities for larger turkeys. Ensure the meat is fully submerged for even flavor infusion.

Other Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Now that you’ve made the most flavorful moist turkey, here are more recipes that will complete your Thanksgiving spread.

  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Sausage Stuffing
  • Cornbread Dressing
  • Wild Mushroom Stuffing
  • Krissy’s Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Candied Yams
  • Perfect Green Bean Casserole
  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Fresh Cranberry Sauce
  • Fresh Cranberry Gelatin Mold
  • Dutch Apple Pie

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Prep15 minutes mins

Cook5 minutes mins

Brine time18 hours hrs

Total18 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 16 people

Author Krissy Allori

Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (10)

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This easy-to-make Turkey Brine recipe is made with lots of apple cider, salt, and all the right spices. Your turkey will be so incredibly moist and delicious.

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Equipment

  • brining bag turkey roasting bag works great

  • water canning pot or large bucket to help hold the brining bag

  • large cooler if there's not enough space in the refrigerator

Ingredients

Turkey Brine:

Turkey:

  • 12 pound turkey ensure its fully thawed if previously frozen, turkey size can vary, double the brine recipe for turkeys 20+ pounds
  • 2 valencia oranges quartered

Instructions

  • Combine apple cider, salt, peppercorns, allspice, cloves, and bay leaves in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes until salt dissolves. Cool completely in refrigerator.

  • Remove giblets and neck from turkey, refrigerate until ready to use, and reserve for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold water and pat dry. Trim excess fat. Stuff body cavity with orange quarters. Place a turkey-sized oven bag inside a large stockpot. Place turkey inside bag. Add cold cider mixture and ice. Squeeze as much air out of bag as possible. twist top and secure with twist tie or tuck end so that it stays put. Refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours, turning turkey occasionally.

  • Once done, remove turkey from bag and discard brine and orange quarters. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

  • Cook turkey using your favorite method.

Notes

  • Nutritional information is based on the brine only, but you don’t really eat the brine, so I’m not sure why I bothered.
  • I use my canning pot to hold the turkey with the brine. It works perfectly and fits on the bottom shelf of my refrigerator as long as I clear everything else out.

Nutrition

Calories: 57kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4721mg, Potassium: 132mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

This post was originally created in 2019 but has been updated to include more helpful information. The recipe has remained unchanged.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (11)

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much apple cider vinegar to give turkeys? ›

Feeding, Watering & Care

Dehydration is a major stressor. During the heat of the summer, you might consider adding one tablespoon raw organic apple cider vinegar or trace mineral salt to each gallon of water. This helps improve hydration and digestion as well.

What does apple cider vinegar do in a brine? ›

Using an Apple Cider Brine boosts the flavor and tenderness of pork and poultry alike. Fresh herbs, garlic, whole spices, and apple cider infuse the meat for perfectly juicy grilling or roasting.

Do you rinse brine off before cooking turkey? ›

Pat It Dry

And if you're wondering, no—you don't need to rinse the bird, whether it's been dry-brined or wet-brined, before adding more seasoning and roasting. Again, the bird needs to be dry, and Youngman also notes "it's not particularly sanitary to wash meat in the sink."

Is it better to wet brine or dry brine a turkey? ›

Both ways produce a flavorful and moist turkey but have other important considerations that may impact your choice. Wet brines infuse flavor and moisture more quickly than dry brines; however, a larger vessel for the brining process will be needed as well as enough refrigerator space.

How long to soak meat in apple cider vinegar? ›

Shake several times. Use to marinate meat or poultry for 3 hours. Reserve 1 cup of marinade for basting.

How much apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water? ›

If you are looking for a healthy detox, look no further than ACV. Combine 1 ½ cups ACV with one gallon of water and drink throughout the course of a day for an overall body and kidney detoxification.

What is the ratio of vinegar to water for brine? ›

A general rule is 2/3 vinegar to 1/3 water when making brine. This ratio will result in an acidic enough base for whatever vegetable you choose to pickle. Other recipes may have a lighter vinegar brine but you must follow the exact recipe when using those or risk spoilage.

What is the best way to brine a turkey? ›

How to Brine a Raw Turkey
  1. Make the brine. Using the ratio of one cup kosher salt to one cup sugar per gallon of water, combine all your brine ingredients in a large pot, and bring to a boil to dissolve the salt and sugar. ...
  2. Prepare and submerge the turkey. ...
  3. Keep the turkey cold. ...
  4. Prepare to roast.

What if I didn't brine my turkey? ›

Brining a turkey is totally optional. If you're short on time or just want the most straight-forward method to roast a turkey, skip the brining step and just use the Simple Roasted Turkey method. Some people swear that brining yields the most tender, juicy meat, but it takes planning ahead.

Are butterball turkeys brined? ›

Butterball turkeys are of the highest quality product and will be sure to impress your guests. Here's why Butterball is the right choice, especially for the holiday season: Butterball turkeys are always tender and juicy because we take the extra step of individually pre-brining them based on size.

Does brining a turkey really make a difference? ›

By brining meat, you can decrease the amount of total moisture loss by 30 to 40%. To demonstrate, I cooked three identical turkey breasts in a 300°F (150°C) oven to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). One was brined, the other was soaked overnight in plain water, and the last was left alone.

What happens if you don't rinse a brined turkey? ›

But a brined turkey that is not rinsed would be too salty to eat. Brining slows down the growth of bacteria but does not kill it, said Linda Harris, a microbiologist at the University of California, Davis. She and other food scientists have been trying to get Americans to stop rinsing poultry since the late 1990's.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›

We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We've done the math for you — check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!).

Can you put too much salt in turkey brine? ›

It is the salt that you need to pay particular attention to, as if the concentration of salt in the brine is too high then the turkey could become too salty, particularly if you are soaking it for a long period.

Should a turkey be fully submerged in brine? ›

This dilutes the salt solution to the best ratio for brining and also helps further cool the solution. Make sure the turkey is completely submerged. If needed, prepare more brine solution at a ratio of 1/4 cup salt per quart of water to completely submerge the turkey. Cover and refrigerate.

How much apple cider vinegar should I give my bird? ›

For small parrots use the below measurements: ¼ tsp of ACV mixed in 1 cup of water. This should be given 2-3 times a month.

How much apple cider vinegar for poultry? ›

Simple! Just add it to your chickens' drinking water. Dilute to a ratio of 2% apple cider vinegar in fresh water (that's roughly 20ml of ACV in every litre of water). One serving a week will suffice and don't forget to use plastic drinking vessels as the acid in apple cider vinegar will corrode metal.

How much apple cider vinegar to give a duck? ›

2) Add organic apple cider vinegar to their water (15 mls per gallon)but it can ferment, so change their water frequently! It may also soothe irritated intestinal lining.

How much apple cider vinegar do you put in a bird bath? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar in Bird Baths

To keep algae growth down and your bird bath clean, add 1 capful of apple cider vinegar or 1 teaspoon per gallon of water to the bird bath. The apple cider vinegar also provides vitamins & minerals to the birds.

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