Super Easy Turkey Brine Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Super easy turkey brine recipe for roasting juicy moist turkey for Thanksgiving.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Thanksgiving Recipe

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 1764kcal

Combine Ingredients: In a large stockpot, add water, apple juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, and Montreal steak spice.
Heat the Brine: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
Cool the Brine: Turn off the heat and add the ice and sliced onions. Stir to cool the liquid down quickly. The brine must be completely cool before adding the turkey.
Brine the Turkey: Submerge the turkey in the cooled brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight (12–24 hours). If you live in a cold climate, you can also store it in a covered pot in the garage, as long as the temperature stays under 40°F (4°C).
Prepare for Roasting: Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid. Pat the turkey thoroughly dry with paper towels before roasting to ensure crispy, golden skin. Use this How to Cook Turkey Recipe.

Cool Completely Before Adding Turkey – Never add raw turkey to warm brine. Always let it cool fully with ice or refrigerate to prevent bacteria growth.
Use a Food-Safe Container – A large stockpot, food-grade bucket, or brining bag works best for holding both the brine and turkey.
Don’t Over-Brine – 12–24 hours is plenty. Longer brining can make the turkey too salty or give it a spongy texture.
Weigh It Down – If the turkey floats, place a heavy plate or bowl on top to keep it fully submerged.
Dry Thoroughly – Patting the turkey dry ensures crispy, golden-brown skin when roasted.
Save Fridge Space – If your refrigerator is too full, you can keep the turkey in a cooler with plenty of ice (just check the temperature stays below 40°F).