Simple Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe
Apple Cider Turkey Brine is a flavorful way to take your holiday turkey up a notch. Instead of plain water or broth, the turkey soaks in a brine made with apple cider, salt, herbs, and spices. The cider adds a touch of sweetness and fall flavor while the salt works its magic, locking in moisture so the bird roasts up juicy and tender.
It’s one of those little extra steps that makes a huge difference, your turkey will come out not just moist, but also subtly infused with apple and spice. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you really want that wow factor on the table.
If you love a good holiday bird, check out my Oven Roasted Sliced Turkey Breasts, or for something a little different, try my Smoked Turkey. Want a cozy side? You can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy results: If you’re tired of dry, bland turkey and want a bird that turns out mouthwateringly juicy every single time, this brine is the answer.
- Sweet flavor: The apple cider adds a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the herbs and spices, giving your turkey a subtle but unforgettable flavor that screams fall.
- Basic ingredients: You only need simple ingredients and a little preparation the day before, but the payoff is huge – a turkey so good that people will be asking for your secret.
Ingredients
This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Apple cider: Gives the brine a sweet fall flavor. I like to look for brands that don’t add extra sugar like RW Knudsen.
- Kosher salt: Seals the moisture into the turkey.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Increases the flavor, you can never go wrong with garlic.
- Onion: Yellow onion always works well in a brine.
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves add that delicious holiday flavor we all love.
- Spices: Black peppercorns, allspice, and cinnamon stick. These staples bring a tasty punch of flavor.
How to Make Apple Cider Turkey Brine
This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a big stockpot, combine apple cider, 1/2 gallon of water, salt, and brown sugar. Heat on medium, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the water, garlic, onion, herbs, bay leaves, and spices. Let the brine cool completely.
- Place thawed turkey in a large brining bag or clean pot. Pour the brine over the turkey. Add cold water or ice if it doesn’t fully cover. Chill for 12-24 hours.
- When ready, remove the turkey, rinse well, and pat dry. Roast your turkey at 325°F.
What To Serve With This Dish
Turkey is a versatile protein that pairs well with just about any side dish. Some of my favorites for the holiday season are fresh green bean casserole, no-drain mashed potatoes, and fluffy Hawaiian rolls.
Substitutions and Additions
- Juice: Use apple juice if you can’t find cider.
- Sweetener: Swap maple syrup for brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
- Citrus: Add a few orange slices for a citrus twist.
- Herbs: No fresh herbs? Use dried, but just cut the amount in half.
How To Store
- Storage: Keep leftover brine in the fridge up to 3 days before using.
- Freezing: Don’t freeze the brine, but you can freeze cooked leftover turkey.
- Reheating: Warm slices of turkey in the oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Chill: Let the brine cool completely before adding the turkey.
- Gallon bag: Use a food-safe ice chest if you’re tight on fridge space.
- Submerge fully: Weigh down the turkey with a plate to keep it submerged.
- Rinse well: Rinse the turkey thoroughly before roasting it. Otherwise, the turkey will be too salty.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes! Otherwise, it might end up too salty.
Only after it’s completely thawed.
Anywhere from 12 to 24 hours depending on its size. Longer for bigger birds.
Yes, always keep it cold to avoid any food safety issues.
Other Delicious Turkey Recipes You May Enjoy
Simple Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe
Equipment
- Large stock pot or brining bag
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves smashed
- 1 large onion quartered
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- Optional: 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries or 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, combine apple cider, ½ gallon of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Heat over medium until the salt and sugar dissolve, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the remaining ½ gallon of cold water along with garlic, onion, herbs, bay leaves, and spices. Let the brine cool completely.
- Place your thawed turkey (up to 18 lbs) in a large brining bag or clean stockpot. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. Add extra cold water or ice if needed.
- Refrigerate and brine for 12–24 hours.
- When ready to cook, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Discard the brine.
- Roast the turkey at 325°F. See notes for roasting time.
Notes
-
- 12-15 pounds – brine from 8-24 hours
- 15-18 pounds – brine from 15-24 hours
- 18 pounds and larger – brine from 18- 24 hours
- Heat oven to 325°F.
- Lightly season the turkey with salt and pepper (go easy on the salt, since the brine already seasoned the meat). Rub with butter or oil for crisp skin.
- Place turkey on a roasting pan.
- Unstuffed turkey: 15–17 minutes per pound
- Stuffed turkey: 16–18 minutes per pound
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
