This basic turkey brine recipe will teach you how to brine a turkey - the easy way! Takes just 3 simple ingredients and is failproof. This is the best recipe for beginners and makes a great Thanksgiving dinner!
Prep Time: 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 2 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Total Time: 2 hourshours40 minutesminutes
Servings: 16
Equipment
large food-safe plastic bag or deep non-metallic container
Optional: Lemon slices and fresh herbs for topping
Instructions
Thaw turkey (will take about 4 days in a refrigerator or 8 hours in cold water).
Remove neck and giblets from body and neck cavities, discard.
Place turkey breast side down in a bag or container. Pour dressing and broth over turkey. Close bag and cover pan. Marinate in refrigerator 12 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove turkey from bag or pan and discard brine.
Place turkey in roasting pan. Add fresh herbs and lemon if you’d like. Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reaches 180°F. Cover loosely with foil after the first 30 minutes to prevent from browning.