16 Southern Living Smoked Turkey Brine Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 22, 2024
For any Thanksgiving meal, a perfectly cooked turkey is a must-have main dish. However, it can be a daunting task for many home cooks to achieve a juicy and flavorful turkey. That's where the Southern Living smoked turkey brine recipe comes in. This tried and true recipe has been perfected over the years to give you a succulent and delicious smoked turkey that will impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Light Mayonnaise, Crusty
This delicious twist on a classic sandwich features smoked turkey, crisp bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy tomato, all pressed between two slices of crusty bread and grilled to perfection. The smokiness of the turkey adds a depth of flavor that takes this panini to the next level. Serve with a side of homemade spicy potato chips for a truly satisfying meal.
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Smoked Turkey Brie and Apple Panini
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Bread, Smoked Turkey, Brie Cheese, Apple, Red
Brie and apple are a classic flavor combination, and when paired with smoked turkey and grilled between two slices of bread, the result is a mouthwatering panini that will have you coming back for seconds. Crisp granny smith apples add a refreshing crunch to balance out the creaminess of the brie and the smokiness of the turkey. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a fun and flavorful meal.
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Country Style Green Beans With Red Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Smoked Turkey, Green Beans, Onions, Small Red Potatoes
This hearty side dish is the perfect accompaniment to any smoked meat, including beer can chicken. Tender green beans and creamy red potatoes are seasoned with garlic and herbs and cooked to perfection. The addition of smoked turkey adds a depth of flavor that sets this dish apart from your average green bean and potato casserole.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of black-eyed peas, and this recipe takes them to a whole new level. Smoked turkey is added to the pot along with the traditional seasonings, giving these peas a rich and smoky flavor. Serve with a side of cornbread for a true taste of the South.
For a classic Southern side dish, look no further than these soulful greens. Collard, mustard, and turnip greens are simmered with smoked turkey and spices until tender and flavorful. Serve alongside a plate of BBQ or as a standalone dish for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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African Stewed Spinach
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Smoked Turkey, Onion, Minced Garlic, Thyme
This flavorful and healthy dish features spinach stewed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, and is topped with chunks of smoked turkey. The combination of the smoky meat and the savory stewed spinach is a match made in culinary heaven. Serve over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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5-ingredient Turkey Sliders
Main Ingredients: Hawaiian Rolls, Honey Mustard, Mayonnaise, Swiss
These easy and delicious sliders are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Smoked turkey is layered on top of toasted buns along with creamy avocado and sharp cheddar cheese for a simple yet flavorful sandwich. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Protein Snack Boxes with Turkey and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Smoked Turkey, Cheese, Nuts, Chocolate Covered Nuts
Perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a light lunch, these protein snack boxes are packed with flavor and nutrition. Slices of smoked turkey, crunchy almonds, sliced cheese, and fresh fruit make for a well-rounded and satisfying snack. These boxes are also great for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite fruits and nuts.
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Hot Brown
Main Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Whole Milk, Ground Cayenne Pepper
This Kentucky favorite features an open-faced sandwich topped with smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce. The sandwich is then broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of potato chips for a delicious and indulgent meal.
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Low-Carb Smoked Turkey and Cucumber 'Sandwiches'
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Cheese, Dried Dill, Smoked Turkey, Pepper
For a lighter take on the classic sandwich, try these low-carb cucumber 'sandwiches'. Slices of cucumber are filled with smoked turkey, fresh mozzarella, and sliced avocado for a refreshing and flavorful twist on a traditional sandwich. These 'sandwiches' are also great for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
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Beef Wellington
Main Ingredients: Ribeye Steak, Cremini Mushrooms, Shallots, Fresh
For a show-stopping main dish, try this classic recipe featuring a tender beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry and filled with a savory mushroom duxelles. To give this dish a smoky twist, add some smoked turkey to the duxelles mixture for a unique and delicious flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and elegant meal.
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Smoked Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Sugar, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Fresh Thyme
For the juiciest and most flavorful smoked turkey, try brining it before cooking. This simple brine recipe features apple cider, brown sugar, and spices to infuse the turkey with a sweet and savory flavor. Brining the turkey also helps to keep it moist while it cooks, resulting in a delicious and tender bird.
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Summertime Turkey Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Bread, Unsalted Butter, Garlic Clove
For a refreshing and light summer meal, try this delicious sandwich featuring smoked turkey, sliced avocado, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a tangy honey mustard dressing. This sandwich is perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch on a hot day. Serve with a side of fruit salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Smoked Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Diced Onions, Celery, Carrots
This hearty and comforting soup is a twist on the classic chicken pot pie. Chunks of smoked turkey, mixed vegetables, and a creamy potato broth make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping for a complete and hearty meal.
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Smoked Turkey Chowder with Mushrooms and Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Bacon, Celery, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Fresh
This hearty and flavorful chowder is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night. Smoked turkey is combined with creamy sweet potatoes, savory mushrooms, and crisp bacon for a delicious and satisfying soup. Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete and comforting meal.
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20 Minute Tex-Mex Sausage and Rice Skillet
Main Ingredients: Smoked Turkey, Olive Oil, Flour, Cumin, Oregano, Smoked
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this flavorful and colorful skillet featuring smoked turkey sausage, spicy rice, black beans, and corn. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is packed with protein and flavor. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a fun and delicious meal.
For a classic Southern side dish, look no further than these soulful collard greens. Simmered with smoked turkey, onions, and spices, these greens are the perfect accompaniment to any smoked meat. Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete and comforting meal.
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Creamy Smoked Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Carrot, Chopped Onion, Green Onion, Fresh
This rich and creamy soup is filled with tender chunks of smoked turkey, nutty wild rice, and vegetables in a savory and comforting broth. This soup is perfect for a chilly day and can be made in under 30 minutes. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Hawaiian Bread Rolls, Honey, Swiss Cheese, Smoked
For a fun and flavorful twist on the classic ham and cheese sandwich, try these baked Hawaiian sandwiches. Smoked turkey, sweet pineapple, spicy pepper jack cheese, and a tangy honey mustard sauce are layered between slices of soft Hawaiian rolls and baked until warm and melty. Serve with a side of macaroni salad for a taste of the islands.
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Turkey Cobb with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese
This hearty salad features all the classic ingredients of a Cobb salad, with the addition of smoked turkey for a twist. Crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, hard boiled eggs, and crumbled bacon are topped with a tangy Gorgonzola vinaigrette for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.
The Importance of Brining Your Turkey
What is Brining?
Brining is the process of soaking food, usually poultry or pork, in a saltwater solution. This technique not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process. The salt in the brine solution helps to break down the muscle fibers, allowing the meat to retain more moisture. This is especially important for lean meats like turkey, which can easily dry out if not cooked properly.
Why Use the Southern Living Smoked Turkey Brine Recipe?
The Southern Living smoked turkey brine recipe is a favorite among many home cooks for several reasons. Firstly, it uses a combination of featured keywords: herbs, spices, and citrus to infuse the turkey with a delicious and complex flavor. Secondly, the brine solution also includes related main keyword: brown sugar, which not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps to create a beautiful golden brown skin on the turkey.
How to Prepare the Brine
To prepare the brine, you will need a large pot or container that can hold enough liquid to completely submerge your turkey. In a large saucepan, combine water, featured keyword: kosher salt, and related main keyword: brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Then, add in your desired featured keywords: herbs, spices, and citrus and let the brine cool completely before submerging your turkey.
The Brining Process
How Long to Brine Your Turkey
The recommended time for brining a turkey is about 1 hour per pound. So, if you have a 15-pound turkey, it should soak in the brine for 15 hours. Make sure to keep the turkey refrigerated during this time. You can also use a cooler with ice packs to keep the turkey cold if you do not have enough space in your fridge.
After Brining
Once the turkey has finished brining, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature, which will help it cook more evenly.
Final Thoughts
Brining your turkey with the Southern Living smoked turkey brine recipe will result in a moist and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Your guests will be raving about your delicious and perfectly cooked turkey for years to come.
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