Roasted Brined Turkey Recipe
Are you on the lookout for the right recipe to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey? Check out this roasted brined turkey recipe for a simple yet tasty process!
Why brine a turkey before cooking it? Soaking your turkey in a salty solution (brine) will produce a roasted turkey that is more tender because it retains more moisture during the cooking process. It also has more flavor because of marinating in the brine overnight.
Whatever else you might be doing to plan your perfect Thanksgiving, at least you know you have the turkey covered!
Ingredients for Roasted Brined Turkey
- 1 turkey
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 2 gallons water
- 1 apple, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, cut into pieces
- 1 carrot, cut into pieces (optional)
- 1 stalk celery, cut into pieces
The day before cooking this brined turkey recipe:
Step One: Remove the turkey from its packaging. Remove the gravy packet (if included) and giblets. Rinse the turkey well on the inside and outside.
Step Two: In a large stock pot, dissolve kosher salt in water. Once the salt is completely dissolved, add the turkey to the pot. Cover and refrigerate overnight. This is the part of the brined turkey recipe that makes your turkey juicier and more flavorful.
When ready to roast the turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it well on the inside and outside. Pat the turkey dry. Place it in a roasting pan and bend the wings under the bird.
- To the cavities of the turkey, add the diced apple and vegetables.
- Baste the turkey with olive oil and generously salt and pepper on all sides.
- Place the turkey in the oven and cook according to the chart below or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- At this part of preparing the brined turkey recipe, you’ll want to watch the turkey carefully. If the skin on top begins to brown faster than the rest of the turkey, create a loose tent of aluminum foil over the top of the turkey.
- When done, allow the turkey to rest for 20 to 30 minutes prior to carving.
Unstuffed turkey cooking times:
- 10 to 18 pounds 3 to 3 ½ hours
- 18 to 22 pounds 3 ½ to 4 hours
- 22 to 24 pounds 4 to 4 ½ hours
- 24 to 29 pounds 4 ½ to 5 hours
Thanksgiving Desserts and Sides
If you need a few ideas for side dishes or Thanksgiving treats, here are a few of our favorites:
Roasted Brined Turkey Recipe
Description
Are you on the lookout for the right recipe to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey? Check out this roasted brined turkey recipe for a simple yet tasty process!
Ingredients
- 1 turkey
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 2 gallons water
- 1 apple, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, cut into pieces
- 1 stalk celery, cut into pieces
Instructions
The day before cooking:
- Remove the turkey from its packaging. Remove the gravy packet (if included) and giblets. Rinse the turkey well on the inside and outside.
- In a large stock pot, dissolve kosher salt in water. Once the salt is completely dissolved, add the turkey to the pot. Cover and refrigerate overnight. This is the part of the brined turkey recipe that makes your turkey juicier and more flavorful.
When ready to cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it well on the inside and outside. Pat the turkey dry. Place it in a roasting pan and bend the wings under the bird.
- To the cavities of the turkey, add the diced apple and vegetables.
- Baste the turkey with olive oil and generously salt and pepper on all sides.
- Place the turkey in the oven and cook according to the chart below or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- At this part of preparing the brined turkey recipe, you’ll want to watch the turkey carefully. If the skin on top begins to brown faster than the rest of the turkey, create a loose tent of aluminum foil over the top of the turkey.
- When done, allow the turkey to rest for 20 to 30 minutes prior to carving.
Notes
Unstuffed turkey cooking times:
- 10 to 18 pounds 3 to 3 ½ hours
- 18 to 22 pounds 3 ½ to 4 hours
- 22 to 24 pounds 4 to 4 ½ hours
- 24 to 29 pounds 4 ½ to 5 hours
