Apple Cider Brined Turkey: The Juiciest, Most Flavorful Turkey You’ll Ever Eat

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Apple Cider Brined Turkey: A Juicy and Flavorful Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, and for many people, that includes a big, juicy turkey. But if you’re tired of the same old dry turkey, why not try brining it in apple cider? Brining is a simple process that can help to keep your turkey moist and flavorful, and it’s a great way to add a touch of autumnal sweetness to your holiday meal.

In this article, we’ll show you how to brine a turkey in apple cider, and we’ll share some tips for making the most of this delicious tradition. So read on, and get ready to enjoy the moistest, tastiest turkey you’ve ever had!

Ingredient Quantity Instructions
Apple cider 1 gallon Pour apple cider into a large container.
Salt 1 cup Add salt to the apple cider.
Brown sugar 1 cup Add brown sugar to the apple cider.
Whole cloves 1 tablespoon Add whole cloves to the apple cider.
Black peppercorns 1 tablespoon Add black peppercorns to the apple cider.
Bay leaves 2 Add bay leaves to the apple cider.
Turkey 1 (12-14 pound) Rinse turkey inside and out.
Place turkey in a large container. Pour apple cider brine over the turkey. Cover the container and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Place turkey in a roasting pan.
Roast turkey for 1 hour per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Let turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve immediately.

Introduction

Apple cider brined turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to cook a turkey. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and the apple cider adds a sweet and tangy flavor. This recipe is perfect for a holiday meal or any special occasion.

Ingredients

* 1 (12-14 pound) turkey
* 1 gallon apple cider
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
* 6 bay leaves
* 8 cloves
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
* 1 bunch fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)

Steps

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large stockpot or bucket, combine the apple cider, salt, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, garlic, and herbs. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Place the turkey in a large plastic bag or brining bag. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure to cover it completely. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 24-48 hours, turning the turkey occasionally.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
5. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

* If you don’t have time to brine the turkey for 24-48 hours, you can shorten the brining time to 8-12 hours. Just make sure to increase the amount of salt and sugar in the brine to 1 1/2 cups each.
* You can also use a store-bought apple cider brine, or make your own brine using apple juice or apple cider vinegar.
* If you’re not sure how much brine to use, figure on 1 gallon of brine for every 10 pounds of turkey.
* When brining a turkey, it’s important to make sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the brine. If the turkey is not submerged, the skin will not be as moist and flavorful.
* You can also brine the turkey in a slow cooker. Just add the brine to the slow cooker, place the turkey in a roasting pan, and set the slow cooker to low for 8-12 hours.

Apple cider brined turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to cook a turkey. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and the apple cider adds a sweet and tangy flavor. This recipe is perfect for a holiday meal or any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the brine:

* 1 gallon apple cider
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
* 6 bay leaves
* 10 whole cloves
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 10 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
* 1 bunch fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)

For the turkey:

* 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. To make the brine, combine the apple cider, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, garlic cloves, and herbs in a large container.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. Place the turkey in the brine, making sure it is completely submerged.
4. Cover the container and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours, turning the turkey occasionally.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry.
7. Rub the turkey with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

* For a more flavorful brine, use a combination of apple cider and apple juice.
* You can also add other ingredients to the brine, such as fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* If you don’t have time to brine the turkey overnight, you can shorten the brining time to 6 to 8 hours.
* Just be sure to increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* When carving the turkey, be sure to remove the wishbone first. This will make it easier to carve the breast meat.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole.

Apple cider brined turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to cook your holiday bird. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper give it a delicious smoky flavor. This is a great recipe for a special occasion, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Q: What is apple cider brined turkey?

A: Apple cider brined turkey is a type of turkey that has been soaked in a solution of apple cider, salt, and spices before being roasted. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and imparts a subtle apple flavor.

Q: What are the benefits of apple cider brined turkey?

A: There are several benefits to using an apple cider brine for turkey. First, the brine helps to keep the turkey moist and juicy, even when cooked for long periods of time. Second, the brine adds flavor to the turkey, giving it a delicious, slightly sweet taste. Third, the brine helps to tenderize the meat, making it easier to chew.

Q: How do I brine an apple cider turkey?

A: To brine an apple cider turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

* 1 gallon of apple cider
* 1 cup of kosher salt
* 1/2 cup of brown sugar
* 1/4 cup of whole cloves
* 1/4 cup of black peppercorns
* 1/4 cup of dried oregano
* 1/4 cup of dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. In a large container, combine the apple cider, salt, brown sugar, cloves, peppercorns, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
2. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar.
3. Add the turkey to the brine, making sure that it is completely submerged.
4. Cover the container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
5. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
6. Roast the turkey according to your preferred method.

Q: How long should I cook an apple cider brined turkey?

The cooking time for an apple cider brined turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes. For example, a 10-pound turkey would cook for 150 minutes, plus an additional 15 minutes, for a total of 165 minutes.

Q: What are some tips for cooking an apple cider brined turkey?

Here are a few tips for cooking an apple cider brined turkey:

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey with the brine several times during cooking to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when brining turkey?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when brining turkey:

* Not brining the turkey long enough. The turkey needs to be brined for at least 12 hours, and preferably for 24 hours, to get the best results.
* Using too much salt in the brine. The brine should be salty, but not so salty that it overpowers the flavor of the turkey.
* Not covering the turkey when brining. The turkey needs to be completely submerged in the brine to ensure that it is evenly seasoned.

Q: What are some common questions people have about apple cider brined turkey?

Here are a few common questions people have about apple cider brined turkey:

* Can I use store-bought apple cider for brining? Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider for brining. However, if you have access to fresh apple cider, it is best to use that for the best flavor.
* Can I use other types of brine for turkey? Yes, you can use other types of brine for turkey, such as a salt water brine or a dry brine. However, apple cider brine is a popular choice because it adds a delicious flavor to the turkey.
* Can I brine turkey ahead of time? Yes, you can brine turkey ahead of time. The turkey can be brined for up to 24 hours before cooking.
* How do I store an apple cider brined turkey? An apple cider brined turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q: Where can I find more information about apple cider brined turkey?

Here are a few resources where you can find more information about apple cider brined turkey:

* [The Spruce Eats: Apple Cider Brined

apple cider brined turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to cook a turkey. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and juicy, while the apple cider adds a sweet and tangy flavor. This is a great option for a holiday meal or any other special occasion. If you are looking for a way to impress your guests, be sure to give apple cider brined turkey a try.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!