The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to impress your guests than with a perfectly brined turkey? This Thanksgiving, step up your cooking game with a recipe that will have everyone talking – Southern Living's brine turkey recipe with a hint of bourbon. Not only does this recipe add a unique twist to the traditional turkey, but it also guarantees a juicy and flavorful bird that will have your guests coming back for seconds. So, put on your chef's hat and get ready to learn the secrets to the perfect brined turkey.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
This first recipe takes a classic turkey brine to the next level by adding a sweet and savory twist with brown sugar. The turkey is soaked in a mixture of water, salt, brown sugar, and a few select spices for 24 hours before roasting to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Salt, Water, Lemon Juice, Morton Table Salt, Cold
If you're new to brining and want to keep it simple, this basic turkey brine recipe is a great place to start. It calls for a mixture of water, salt, and sugar, along with some aromatic herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme. The turkey is brined for 12-24 hours, depending on its size, and then roasted for a tender and tasty main dish.
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Perfect Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable
For a foolproof brine recipe that will result in the juiciest turkey you've ever tasted, look no further than this perfect turkey brine. It combines the perfect ratio of salt, sugar, and spices to create a flavor-packed brine that will infuse your turkey with moisture and flavor. The key is to let the turkey brine for at least 24 hours before roasting.
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Simple Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Dark Brown Sugar, Black
For a no-fuss turkey brine that still packs a punch in terms of flavor, this simple turkey brine is the way to go. It calls for just a handful of ingredients, including salt, sugar, and herbs, and takes only 12 hours to brine the turkey. This is a great option for those who don't have a lot of time but still want to achieve a juicy and flavorful turkey.
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Maple Cider Bourbon Brined Turkey With Bourbon Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Apple Cider, Maple Syrup, Kosher Salt
If you want to take your turkey to the next level, try this maple cider bourbon brined turkey with bourbon gravy. The brine is made with a combination of apple cider, maple syrup, and bourbon, which infuses the turkey with a sweet and smoky flavor. The homemade bourbon gravy is the perfect finishing touch to this elevated turkey dish.
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Easy Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Wish Bone, Chicken Broth
This easy turkey brine is another great option for those who are new to brining or don't have a lot of time. It calls for just a few ingredients, including salt, sugar, and spices, and only takes 8-12 hours to brine the turkey. The end result is a tender and flavorful turkey that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
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Slow Smoked Maple Bourbon Brined Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Hot Water, Kosher Salt, Bourbon, Pure Maple
If you have a smoker and want to try something different this holiday season, give this slow smoked maple bourbon brined turkey a try. The turkey is brined in a mixture of maple syrup, bourbon, and spices for 24 hours before being slow smoked to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey with a hint of sweetness and smokiness.
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How to Brine a Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder
If you're new to brining and want a step-by-step guide on how to do it, this article has got you covered. It walks you through the brining process, from preparing the brine to soaking the turkey, and even includes tips for roasting the turkey to perfection. This is a great resource for first-time briners.
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Mom's Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Water, Montreal Steak Spice, Onion, Kosher Salt
Nothing beats a tried and true family recipe, and this mom's turkey brine is no exception. Passed down from generation to generation, this brine recipe combines salt, sugar, and spices to create a delicious and foolproof way to brine your turkey. Give it a try and it may just become a staple in your household as well.
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Easiest Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Oranges, Lemons, Sage Leaves, Bay Leaves, Whole
If you're short on time and want the easiest way to brine your turkey, this recipe is for you. With just three ingredients – water, salt, and sugar – this brine is as simple as it gets. It only takes 8-12 hours to brine the turkey, making it a great option for those who don't have a lot of time but still want a flavorful and juicy turkey.
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Dry Brine Turkey
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Orange Zested, Black Pepper
If you prefer a dry brine over a wet brine, this recipe is for you. Dry brining involves rubbing the turkey with a salt and spice mixture and letting it sit in the fridge overnight before roasting. This recipe includes a flavorful spice rub that will infuse the turkey with flavor and create a crispy and delicious skin.
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Apple and Herb Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Bay Leaves, Dried
This apple and herb turkey brine is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The brine is made with apple cider, herbs, and spices, which give the turkey a subtle apple and herb flavor. The turkey is brined for 24 hours before roasting to achieve a tender and flavorful main dish.
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Dry Brine your Thanksgiving Turkey this Year
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Kosher Salt, Dried Thyme, Marjoram, Smoked
If you're still on the fence about whether to wet or dry brine your turkey, this article may help you make up your mind. It outlines the differences between wet and dry brining and provides a dry brine recipe using salt, sugar, and herbs. Give it a try and see which method you prefer.
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How To Brine a Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bay Leaf, Peppercorns, Cloves, Juniper Berries
For another step-by-step guide on how to brine a turkey, this article has got you covered. It breaks down the brining process into easy-to-follow steps and includes tips for a perfectly roasted turkey. This is a great resource for those who want to learn how to brine a turkey from start to finish.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Brine For Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Dried Rosemary
If you want to add a tangy twist to your turkey brine, try this apple cider vinegar brine. The vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the turkey, while the herbs and spices provide a savory balance. The turkey is brined for 24 hours before roasting to achieve a tender and flavorful main dish.
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How to Dry Brine a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Dried Herbs
For another dry brine recipe, try this one for your Thanksgiving turkey. It uses a simple salt and herb mixture to infuse the turkey with flavor and create a crispy skin. The turkey is brined for 24 hours before roasting, resulting in a tender and flavorful main dish that will impress your guests.
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Favorite Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Oranges, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme
This favorite turkey brine recipe is a tried and true method for achieving a perfectly brined turkey. It calls for a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices, along with some apple cider and herbs for added flavor. The turkey is brined for 24 hours before roasting and the end result is a juicy and flavorful main dish that will have your guests raving.
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Spatchcocked Maple Brined Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Hot Water, Kosher Salt, Bourbon, Pure Maple
If you want to try a different cooking method for your turkey, give this spatchcocked maple brined turkey a try. Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone of the turkey and flattening it for more even cooking. The turkey is brined in a mixture of maple syrup, salt, and spices before being spatchcocked and roasted to perfection.
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Cider Bourbon-Glazed Roast Turkey with Shallot Gravy
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Bourbon, Glaze, Unsalted Butter
For a show-stopping turkey that will impress even the most discerning of palates, try this cider bourbon-glazed roast turkey with shallot gravy. The turkey is brined in a mixture of apple cider, bourbon, and spices before being roasted and glazed with a delicious cider bourbon sauce. The homemade shallot gravy is the perfect finishing touch to this elevated turkey dish.
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Bourbon Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Bourbon, Brown Sugar, Mirepoix, Garlic
Last but certainly not least, this bourbon turkey brine recipe is a must-try for any bourbon lovers out there. The brine is made with a generous amount of bourbon, along with some herbs and spices, which infuse the turkey with a rich and smoky flavor. The turkey is brined for 24 hours before roasting to achieve a tender and flavorful main dish.
The Importance of Brining
What is Brining?
Before we dive into the recipe, it's important to understand the concept of brining. Brining is a process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution, which helps to tenderize and add moisture to the meat. This technique has been used for centuries and is a popular method for preparing poultry, especially turkey. By brining your turkey, you are essentially infusing it with flavor and ensuring that it stays moist and juicy during the cooking process.
The Benefits of Brining with Bourbon
Now, you may be wondering why we specifically chose to add bourbon to our brine. The answer is simple – flavor. Bourbon is a type of whiskey made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels, giving it a unique and rich taste. When added to the brine, the bourbon not only adds a subtle hint of smokiness but also helps to break down the proteins in the turkey, resulting in a more tender bird. Plus, who doesn't love a little boozy twist on their traditional Thanksgiving meal?
The Southern Living Brine Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
1 gallon of water
1 cup of salt
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of bourbon
1 tablespoon of peppercorns
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of thyme
1 tablespoon of rosemary
1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
Instructions:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add in the salt, brown sugar, bourbon, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Remove the brine from heat and allow it to cool completely.
Place the whole turkey in a large container or brining bag and pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged.
Cover or seal the container and place it in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Roast the turkey according to your preferred method, and enjoy the flavorful and juicy results!
Final Thoughts
Brining your turkey may require a little extra effort, but the end result is definitely worth it. The combination of salt, sugar, and bourbon in this Southern Living recipe creates a perfectly balanced brine that will take your Thanksgiving meal to the next level. So, this holiday season, impress your guests and give them something to talk about with this delicious and unique brine turkey recipe. Happy cooking!
