Apple Cider Brined Turkey Recipe

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this incredibly juicy and flavorful Apple Cider Brined Turkey! Adapted from Diane Morgan's 'The Thanksgiving Table,' this recipe guarantees a moist, tender bird every time. The simple brine, made with apple cider, spices, and salt, infuses the turkey with delicious flavor and ensures unbelievably tender meat. Say goodbye to dry turkey forever! This recipe is perfect for a stress-free holiday celebration.

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 720 mins
Calories 5962.3 kcal
Protein 1361g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Apple Cider Brined Turkey 39

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Brined Turkey

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How to Make Apple Cider Brined Turkey

  1. In a 3-to 4-quart saucepan, combine: 1/4 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 4 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon allspice berries.
  2. Add 8 cups of apple cider or apple juice and stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
  4. Boil for 3 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 4 cups of ice-cold water. Let cool completely.
  6. Prepare two heavy-duty freezer bags large enough to hold the turkey. Place one bag inside the other for double protection.
  7. Place the open bags in a large roasting pan.
  8. Remove the turkey from its packaging. Remove the neck and giblet bag from the cavities; refrigerate for later gravy use.
  9. Stuff the turkey cavity with 4 quartered oranges.
  10. Carefully place the turkey into the double-bagged roasting pan. Pour the cooled apple cider brine over the turkey. Add an additional 2 cups of cold water.
  11. Fold the top of the inner bag over the turkey, squeezing out as much air as possible. Secure with a twist tie. Repeat for the outer bag.
  12. Refrigerate the brined turkey, breast-side down, for 12-24 hours, turning 3-4 times during brining.
  13. Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine and discard the bags and brine.
  14. Discard the oranges and remaining herbs/spices from the turkey.
  15. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  16. Roast the turkey according to your preferred roasting method and time.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3235 g

Sugar

632g

Fat

375g

Carbs

55g

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