Best Thanksgiving Turkey Brine (Juicy & Foolproof!)
This easy turkey brine recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful Thanksgiving turkey every time. Made with simple ingredients like salt, citrus, herbs, and spices, this foolproof brine locks in moisture and delivers incredible flavor throughout the meat.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Marinate Time: 12-24 HOURS
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12-20LB TURKEY 1x
- Category: HOLIDAYS, Thanksgiving, Turkey
- Cuisine: American, Holiday Recipes
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 gallons cold water
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh sage
- 4 cups ice
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1 quart of water and stir in the kosher salt and brown sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, lemon, orange, and fresh herbs.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Pour the brine into a large container or brining bag and add the remaining cold water and ice.
- Submerge the whole turkey in the brine, making sure it is fully covered.
- Refrigerate or keep in a cooler at 40°F or below for 12–24 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse lightly, and pat dry before cooking.
Notes
- Do not brine longer than 24 hours or the turkey may become too salty.
- Always keep the turkey fully submerged and cold.
- Let the turkey air dry in the fridge for a few hours after brining for crispier skin.
- Use a cooler with ice if you don’t have enough fridge space.