17+ Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey Brine Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!

Published on: Mar 13, 2024

Ina Garten, also known as the "Barefoot Contessa," is a renowned chef and cookbook author who has been inspiring home cooks for years with her delicious and approachable recipes. And when it comes to Thanksgiving, Garten's turkey brine recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday feast. Not only does brining add flavor and tenderness to the turkey, but it also helps to ensure a moist and juicy bird. In this article, we will dive into the details of Ina Garten's famous Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe and why it should be a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire.

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Roasted Turkey with Brown Sugar Brine

Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice

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If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than this roasted turkey with brown sugar brine recipe. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your taste buds singing with joy. Not to mention, the brine keeps the turkey incredibly moist and tender, making for a truly delicious and impressive main dish for your holiday feast.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches

Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Buns, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes

Turkey-mashed potato breakfast sandwiches for a luscious holiday ...

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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich ⋆ Mrs. Hungry Blog | Recipe ...

One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. And what better way to enjoy them than in a delicious breakfast sandwich? Layer slices of leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing between two slices of bread, then top with a fried egg and some gravy. It's the perfect way to kick off the day after Thanksgiving and use up those leftovers in a creative and tasty way.

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Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Orange, Rosemary Sprigs, Salt, Black

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Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe — Easy and Juicy | Nkechi Ajaeroh

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For a classic and no-fail Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than this roasted turkey recipe. With a simple and flavorful herb butter rub, your turkey will come out of the oven perfectly golden brown and juicy. And don't forget to save the drippings to make a delicious gravy to serve alongside the turkey.

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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Main Ingredients: Ice Water, Tap Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt

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Take your turkey to the next level with this ultimate Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe. Brining the turkey before roasting it results in a juicier and more flavorful bird. This recipe includes a variety of herbs and spices, as well as citrus and apple juice, for a truly delicious and aromatic brine. Your Thanksgiving guests will be amazed by the flavor of this turkey.

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Dry Brine your Thanksgiving Turkey this Year

Main Ingredients: Garlic, Kosher Salt, Dried Thyme, Marjoram, Smoked

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If you're short on time or fridge space, consider dry brining your Thanksgiving turkey this year. Dry brining involves rubbing the turkey with a salt and herb mixture and letting it sit in the fridge for a day or two. This method still results in a juicy and flavorful turkey without the need for a large container or a lot of prep time. Give it a try and see for yourself.

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How to Dry Brine a Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Dried Herbs

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If you're new to the idea of dry brining a turkey, don't worry – it's easier than you think. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right salt to making sure the turkey is properly seasoned. With this method, you'll have a perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.

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Perfect Turkey Brine

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable

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If you've never brined a turkey before, this perfect turkey brine recipe is a great place to start. It uses a combination of salt, sugar, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and moist turkey that will impress your guests. Don't be intimidated by the brining process – it's easier than you think and the results are well worth it.

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Thanksgiving Turkey With Apple Cider Brine

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Apple Cider, Maple Syrup, Whole

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Upgrade your Thanksgiving turkey with this apple cider brine recipe. The combination of apple cider, spices, and herbs creates a unique and delicious flavor that will have your guests raving. And the brine also helps to keep the turkey moist and tender, making it a must-try for your holiday feast.

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White Wine Turkey Brine

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Kosher Salt, Bay Leaves, Whole Black

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For a truly elegant and flavorful turkey, try this white wine turkey brine recipe. The addition of white wine adds a subtle depth of flavor to the turkey, while the herbs and spices provide a classic and delicious taste. Your guests will be impressed by the flavor and presentation of this brined turkey.

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Easy Turkey Brine

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Wish Bone, Chicken Broth

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If you're short on time but still want to brine your turkey, this easy turkey brine recipe is for you. With only a few ingredients and a short brining time, you can still achieve a juicy and flavorful turkey without a lot of hassle. This recipe is perfect for busy Thanksgiving hosts who want to impress their guests with a brined turkey.

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Turkey Brine

Main Ingredients: Coarse Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Bay Leaves, Turkey

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For a simple and classic turkey brine, try this basic turkey brine recipe. With a combination of salt, sugar, and spices, this recipe will enhance the flavor of your turkey without any fancy ingredients. It's a great starting point for those new to brining and can be easily customized to your personal taste.

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Thanksgiving Croquettes

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Large Eggs, Water

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Don't let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste – turn them into these delicious and crispy Thanksgiving croquettes. Simply mix together your leftover turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, then form them into balls and fry them up. They make for a tasty and creative way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers.

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How to Brine a Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder

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Brining a turkey may seem like an intimidating task, but with this step-by-step guide, it's actually quite simple. Learn all the tips and tricks for choosing the right salt, herbs, and spices, as well as how long to brine your turkey for the best results. Your Thanksgiving turkey will be the talk of the holiday with this brining method.

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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Garlic, Onion, Frozen Corn Kernels

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Another delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers is in this leftover Thanksgiving turkey pot pie. The flaky pie crust is filled with a creamy and flavorful mixture of turkey, vegetables, and gravy. It's a comforting and hearty dish that will have your whole family asking for seconds.

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Easiest Turkey Brine

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Oranges, Lemons, Sage Leaves, Bay Leaves, Whole

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If you're short on time and ingredients, this easiest turkey brine recipe is for you. With only a few basic ingredients and a short brining time, you can still achieve a juicy and flavorful turkey. This recipe is perfect for those who want to try brining for the first time without committing to a longer and more complex recipe.

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Easy Juicy Oven Roasted Brined Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage

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This easy and juicy oven roasted brined Thanksgiving turkey recipe is perfect for those who want a fuss-free and delicious turkey. Brining the turkey before roasting it results in a moist and flavorful bird, while the simple seasoning allows the turkey's natural flavor to shine. Your Thanksgiving guests will be impressed by the tenderness and taste of this turkey.

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Dry Brine Turkey

Main Ingredients: Light Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, Turkey, Fresh Thyme

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If you're a fan of crispy and flavorful skin on your turkey, try this dry brine turkey recipe. This method involves rubbing the turkey with a salt and herb mixture and letting it sit uncovered in the fridge for a day or two. The result is a perfectly seasoned and crispy skin that will have everyone raving.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Turkey

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If you're tired of the same old Thanksgiving leftovers, mix things up with this Thanksgiving leftover casserole. Layer your leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables in a casserole dish, then top with a creamy and cheesy sauce. Bake it in the oven for a comforting and tasty meal that will use up all your leftovers in a creative way.

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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh

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For a truly juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that uses both a wet and dry brine. The combination of the two methods results in a turkey that is both tender and full of flavor. With a simple and aromatic herb rub, this turkey is sure to be a hit at your holiday feast.

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Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper

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Start your Thanksgiving day off right with these delicious and easy Thanksgiving breakfast cups. Simply line a muffin tin with slices of bread, fill with a mixture of beaten eggs, leftover turkey, and vegetables, then top with cheese and bake in the oven. It's a tasty and creative way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers in the morning.

Why Brine Your Turkey?

The Science Behind Brining

Before we get into the specifics of Ina Garten's turkey brine recipe, let's first understand why brining is such an essential step in the turkey-cooking process. Brining is a method of soaking meat in a saltwater solution, which helps to break down the tough muscle fibers and infuse the meat with flavor. This is achieved through osmosis, where the saltwater solution moves into the meat cells, carrying with it the flavors and moisture from the brine. As a result, the turkey becomes more tender, juicy, and flavorful.

The Key Ingredients

Salt

While there are various brine recipes out there, Ina Garten's version keeps it simple with a combination of kosher salt, brown sugar, and peppercorns. The kosher salt is essential as it does not contain any additives, unlike table salt, which can result in an overly salty brine.

Aromatics

In addition to the salt and sugar, Garten's brine recipe also includes fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and onion to add depth of flavor to the turkey. These aromatics infuse the brine with their essence, which in turn gets absorbed by the turkey, making it incredibly flavorful.

The Brining Process

Timing is Key

According to Ina Garten, the key to a successful turkey brine is timing. It's crucial to give the turkey enough time to soak in the brine, but not too much that it becomes too salty. Garten suggests brining the turkey for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the bird.

Proper Storage

While brining your turkey, it's crucial to keep it in a cool place, such as a refrigerator or a cooler with ice. This ensures that the turkey stays at a safe temperature and prevents any bacteria from growing.

The End Result

Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

After brining and roasting your turkey according to Ina Garten's recipe, you can expect a beautifully golden and crispy skin on the outside and juicy and flavorful meat on the inside. The brine not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meat moist and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process. In conclusion, Ina Garten's Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe is a tried and tested method for achieving the perfect holiday turkey. With simple yet flavorful ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can elevate your Thanksgiving feast and impress your family and friends. Give it a try this holiday season and taste the difference that brining can make.