The Best Homemade Turkey Brine Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade turkey brine recipe brings out the best in your bird, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat every time. It’s simple to make and uses easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfectly balanced flavors with just the right mix of sweetness, saltiness, and herbs.
- Keeps your turkey moist and tender, even if you accidentally overcook it a bit.
- Customizable, so you can tweak the herbs and spices to match your personal taste.
Recipe
Brining a turkey is a great way to guarantee it stays moist and flavorful during roasting. This simple homemade brine enhances the natural taste of the turkey while keeping it juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Add peppercorns, allspice, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, orange slices, and lemon slices to the brine.
- Submerge the turkey in the brine, guaranteeing it is fully covered. Refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
- Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. Discard the brine.
Notes:
- Do not brine a pre-brined or self-basting turkey.
- Always keep the turkey refrigerated while brining.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Brining bag or large container
- Refrigerator space
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: Brining time (12–24 hours)
Cuisine: American
Serving: 1 turkey (12–16 servings)
Nutrition
The nutrition information for this homemade turkey brine recipe is based on the ingredients used.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 10 kcal |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
What To Serve With It
After making a delicious brined turkey, I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for a classic feast. For dessert, I always go for something light, like a tart lemon pie or spiced apple crisp, to balance the meal. What’re your favorite sides and sweets to serve with turkey? Let’s swap ideas!
Side Dishes
When I’m serving up a brined turkey, I love to pair it with sides that complement its rich, savory flavor without stealing the spotlight. I often make healthy swaps, like roasted seasonal vegetables instead of heavy casseroles. Think carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs—simple but delicious. Mashed cauliflower is another favorite, offering a lighter alternative to traditional potatoes. I also add a fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal. These sides let the turkey shine while keeping everything fresh, flavorful, and just a bit lighter.
Dessert Pairings
Now that we’ve covered sides, let’s talk about ending the meal on a sweet note. After savoring that juicy turkey, I love finishing with a rich chocolate cake—it’s decadent but perfectly balanced after all those savory flavors. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh fruit salad is a revitalizing choice, especially with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of mint. Both desserts complement the meal without overpowering it, and they’re crowd-pleasers every time. Personally, I alternate between the two depending on the mood—sometimes you want indulgence, other times something bright and zesty. Either way, dessert’s the cherry on top!
