Honey-Apple Turkey Brine

1. Add water to a large stockpot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add salt and honey, stirring to dissolve. Remove pot from the heat. Stir in apple slices, onion, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppercorns. Let brine cool to room temperature. Set the pot in a sink full of ice water to speed up the cooling process, if desired.

2. Stir in apple cider, ice, and apple cider vinegar. Allow brine to fully chill to 40 degrees F (4 degrees C), or colder, before using.

Cook’s Notes:

Submerge turkey in cool brine for 1 hour per pound, preferably overnight. For prebrined frozen turkeys, you may wish to reduce the salt by half.

Alternatively, use jumbo-sized brining bags set inside a small cooler. Place turkey and brine into the bag, squeeze the air out and seal, then surround the bag with ice.

Brined turkeys cook faster, so keep an eye on the thermometer.

Editor’s Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of brine ingredients. The actual amount of brine consumed will vary.