Apple Cider-Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy

Name: Apple Cider-Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Brine; 8 cups apple cider; 2/3 cup kosher salt; 2/3 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed; 1 tablespoon whole allspice, coarsely crushed; 8 ginger, slices (peeled and fresh); 6 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 1 turkey (12 lb. fresh or frozen); 2 oranges (quartered); 6 cups ice; Remaining ingredients; 4 garlic cloves; 4 sage leaves; 4 thyme, springs; 4 parsley sprigs; 1 onion, quartered; 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and divided0); 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; Savory Herb Gravy; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; turkey neck, and giblets; 4 cups water; 6 black peppercorns; 4 parsley sprigs; 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 yellow onion, unpeeled and quartered

Try this homemade Apple Cider-Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy recipe the whole family will love. Made with Brine, apple cider, kosher salt and suga…

This Apple Cider-Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as brine, apple cider, kosher salt and sugar. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1219 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Meat & Poultry

Servings: persons

Brine
8 cups apple cider
2/3 cup kosher salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
1 tablespoon whole allspice, coarsely crushed
8 ginger, slices (peeled and fresh)
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 turkey (12 lb. fresh or frozen)
2 oranges (quartered)
6 cups ice
Remaining ingredients
4 garlic cloves
4 sage leaves
4 thyme, springs
4 parsley sprigs
1 onion, quartered
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and divided0)
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
Savory Herb Gravy
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
turkey neck, and giblets
4 cups water
6 black peppercorns
4 parsley sprigs
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 yellow onion, unpeeled and quartered
1 carrot, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 bay leaf
reserved turkey drippings
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1
To prepare brine, combine first 8 ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes or until sugar and salt dissolve. Cool completely.
2
Remove giblets and neck from turkey; reserve for Savory Herb Gravy. Rinse Turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Stuff body cavity with orange quarters. Place a turkey-sized oven bag inside a second bag to form a double thickness. Place bags in a large stockpot. Place turkey inside inner bag. Add cider mixture and ice. Secure bags with several twist ties. Refrigerat for 12 to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
3
Preheat oven to 500 degrees:.
4
Remove turkey from bags and discard bring, orange quarters, and bags. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Tie legs together with kitchen twine. Place garlic, sage, thyme, parsely, onion, and broth in the botom of a roasting pan. Place roasting rack in pan. Arrange turkey, breast side down on roastick rack. Brush turkey back with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 500% for 30 minutes.
5
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
6
Remove turkey from oven. Carefully turn turkey over (breast side up) using tongs. Brush turkey breast with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into meat party of thigh registers 170 degrees. Remove turkey from oven; let stand20 minutes. Reserve pan drippings for Savory Herb Gravy.
7
Directions for Gravy:.
8
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add turkey neck and giblets; cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Add water and next 7 ingredients (through bay leaf); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is reduced to about 2 1/2 cups (about 1 hours). Strain through a colander over a bowl, reserving cooking liquid and turkey neck. Discard remaining solids. Chill cooking liquid completely.Skim fat from surface, and discard. Remove meat from neck; finely chop meat. Discard neck bone. Add neck meat to cooking liquid.
9
Strain the reserved turkey drippings throug a colander over a shallow bowl; discard solids. Place strained drippings in freezer for 20 minutes. Skim fat from surface; discard.
10
Place flour in a medium saucepan; add 1/4 cup cooking liquid, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add remaining cooking liquid, turkey drippings, salt and pepper; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

1219

kcal

Calories

Fat

249

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 38 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Brine, 8 cups apple cider, 2/3 cup kosher salt, 2/3 cup sugar, and more.

Yes, Apple Cider-Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
1219 kcal
Category
Meat & Poultry

Eats Now Editorial Team

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