Best Turkey Ever!! (Brined) Recipe

Name: Best Turkey Ever!! (Brined)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 15 lbs turkey (not self Basting or kosher); 2 cups table salt (do not substitute equal amounts of kosher salt); 2 gallons icy cold water (*); 4 cups brown sugar; 1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves; 1/2 cup dried thyme, leaves; 1 small onion, peeled and quartered; 1 carrot, peeled & cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch chunks; 4 -6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; as needed fresh fruit (to garnish)

Servings: persons

15 lbs turkey (not self Basting or kosher)
2 cups table salt (do not substitute equal amounts of kosher salt)
2 gallons icy cold water (*)
4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves
1/2 cup dried thyme, leaves
1 small onion, peeled and quartered
1 carrot, peeled & cut into 1-inch chunks
1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch chunks
4 -6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
as needed fresh fruit (to garnish)

1
Rinse turkey in cool water.
2
In a very large clean container (non-corrosive pan or stockpot such as stainless steel or glass or a food-grade plastic container), mix salt and water together until salt dissolves. Stir in brown sugar and spices, mix well until sugar dissolves.
3
Totally submerge poultry in solution and store, covered, in refrigerator for at least 6 hours and up to 8 hours. Since brining does not preserve meat, the turkey must be kept below 40 degrees F throughout the entire brining process. Ice packs may also be used to keep turkey at a safe temperature of below 40u00b0F.
4
Remove turkey from brine. Discard brine. Thoroughly rinse turkey under a slow stream of cool water, rubbing gently to release salt and sugar, both inside and out. Pat skin and both interior cavities dry.
5
* NOTE: The ratio of water to salt is appropriate for a 15-pound turkey. If a larger or smaller turkey is brined, please calculate accordingly.
6
* *NOTE: Other combinations of herbs may be added including 6-8 bay leaves, 3 cloves garlic and 2 teaspoons black peppercorns. Or a spicy flavor may be achieved by the addition of 1 cup small dried red chile peppers.
7
In the cavity of turkey, place onion, carrot and celery.
8
Brush turkey with melted butter.
9
Roast turkey, breast side down, in a preheated 325 degree F oven for 2 hours. During this time, baste legs and back twice with melted butter.
10
Remove turkey from oven and protecting your hands, grasp turkey with several layers of clean paper towels at both ends, and turn turkey, breast side up.
11
Return turkey to oven and continue to roast, basting twice with pan dripping. Continue to roast until internal temperature reaches 170u00b0F in the breast and 180u00b0F in the thigh. NOTE: A brined turkey cooks slightly faster than an unbrined turkey, so check the internal temperature frequently.
12
Remove turkey from the oven and allow to stand for 20 minutes before carving.
13
Transfer to a platter and garnish with fresh fruit.

4858

kcal

Calories

202

Fat

235

Carbs

498

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.

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

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 15 lbs turkey (not self Basting or kosher), 2 cups table salt (do not substitute equal amounts of kosher salt), 2 gallons icy cold water (*), 4 cups brown sugar, and more.

Yes, Best Turkey Ever!! (Brined) 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.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Best Turkey Ever!! (Brined)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions