Best 9 Apple Brine For Turkey Recipes

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Are you looking for a flavorful and moist turkey dish for your next special occasion? Look no further than apple brine! This unique brining method infuses the turkey with a sweet and tangy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. With the right combination of spices and apple juice, you can create a truly memorable dish that your family and friends will love. In this article, we will delve into the secrets of making the perfect apple brine and provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure that your turkey comes out juicy, flavorful, and golden brown.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

APPLE BRINE FOR TURKEY THE NIGHT BEFORE COOKING



Apple Brine for Turkey the Night Before Cooking image

I have used this recipe for many years. It makes a turkey fall-apart moist every time.

Provided by Godiva Goddess

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 quarts apple juice
1 gallon cold water
1 cup kosher salt
6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
5 pounds ice cubes

Steps:

  • Line a cooler with a large food safe bag. Combine the apple juice, water, and salt in the bag; stir until the salt is dissolved; add the garlic.
  • To use: Lie your turkey into the brine with the breast-side down; add more water to submerge turkey completely if needed. Pour the ice over the turkey. Seal the bag and close the cooler; allow to sit overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 79.5 calories, Carbohydrate 19.7 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 7611.2 mg, Sugar 17.9 g

STEVE'S APPLE BRINE FOR TURKEY



Steve's Apple Brine for Turkey image

An apple brine not only adds flavor to the meat, it adds moisture through osmosis. This moisture will prevent the meat from drying out while slow-roasting for many hours.

Provided by Steve Brown

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 1

Number Of Ingredients 8

¼ cup dried rosemary
¼ cup ground thyme
2 tablespoons rubbed sage
4 bay leaves
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 gallon boiling water
1 pound kosher salt
1 gallon cold apple juice

Steps:

  • Place rosemary, thyme, sage, bay leaves, and black pepper into a cloth spice bag.
  • Combine water and salt in a stock pot; stir until salt dissolves. Bring to a boil, place spice bag into water, and simmer until flavors combine, about 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature, at least 1 hour.
  • Pour cold apple juice into cold spice mixture and stir until combined.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1964.3 calories, Carbohydrate 484.3 g, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 18.2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 181849.4 mg, Sugar 430.2 g

APPLE BRINED TURKEY



Apple Brined Turkey image

A spectacular brine of apple cider, orange juice, and warm spices gives your holiday bird sweet and spiced undertones and keeps it super moist.

Provided by reuben_barton

Time 5h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 pounds uncooked turkey (not injected with a salt solution)
Brine
8 cups apple juice or cider (bottled or from frozen concentrate)
1 pound brown sugar (light or dark)
1 cup kosher salt
12 cups cold water
2 cups orange juice
1 tablespoon ground ginger
15 whole cloves
6 large bay leaves
3 tablespoons crushed garlic

Steps:

  • Combine apple juice, brown sugar, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Boil for one minute and remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. In a large food safe container (2 to 5-gallons), combine the apple juice mixture with the remaining ingredients, then refrigerate to 40 degrees F. Remove giblets and neck from raw turkey and place turkey in the brine solution, breast side down. Place a heavy plate or bowl on top to keep the bird submerged, if necessary. Place container in fridge and brine the turkey for 24 hours. Discard brine solution and rinse turkey well, inside and outside. Pat turkey dry and air dry in fridge for about 4-hours, uncovered. Coat turkey with light coating of oil or butter and bake in oven (or smoke, outdoors, in bbq smoker) at 325 degrees F. until thermometer placed in breast reads 165 degrees F (about 3-hours).

Nutrition Facts :

BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT5h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

7 quarts water
1 quart apple cider
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large onion, diced
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 head garlic, cut in 1/2 equatorially
1/2 bunch fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 bay leaves
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, free range organic is great!
1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 bunch fresh sage, leaves finely chopped
3 sticks butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bunch thyme
Kosher salt
1 quart chicken stock, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • To brine the turkey: Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large container. Add the turkey and let it brine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • To prepare the turkey for cooking: Remove the turkey from the brine the night before roasting and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine the rosemary, sage, and butter for the herb crust in a small bowl. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Work the butter under the skin of the turkey and massage it into the breasts and the legs. Massage the butter on the outside of the skin as well. Tie the legs together over the breast so they will protect it during cooking and help keep it moist and juicy.
  • Gravy preparation: Put the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, apples, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Arrange the turkey on top of the veggies and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that's right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Make sure that there is no raw food near the turkey in the refrigerator. After refrigerating overnight, the turkey is ready to go in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Put 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup apple cider in the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the skin gets really nice and brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350 degrees F for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan, if needed. Cook about 17 minutes per pound. Once it gets to the proper color, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey registers 160 degrees F. Make sure that the thermometer is not touching a bone when doing the reading. When the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the roasting pan to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Strain all the veggies over a bowl to separate them from the stock/mixture. Discard the veggies. Skim off the fat and add it to the roasting pan. This is the fat for the roux. Put the roasting pan over 2 burners and over a low heat and whisk in the flour. Cook until the mixture looks like wet sand, about 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 cup apple cider, remaining chicken stock and the stock/cider mixture. Cook until the mixture has thickened and reached a gravy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into a serving pitcher or bowl.
  • Carve the turkey, transfer to a serving platter and serve with the gravy.
  • Give thanks for such a great turkey!!!

APPLE JUICE TURKEY BRINE RECIPE - (4.2/5)



APPLE JUICE TURKEY BRINE Recipe - (4.2/5) image

Provided by Beefman-2

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 gallon apple juice, chilled
1 cup Kosher Salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients in a non-reactive container until dissolved. If you are using a salt other than Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, substitute 3/4 cup Morton Kosher Salt, or 1/2 cup pickling salt, or 1/2 cup of non-iodized table salt. Rinse turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Then immerse turkey in the cooled brine. Turkey should be completely submerged in liquid (place a plate on top of the bird if necessary to keep it covered with the liquid). Cover the pot and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. After brining, rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels. If you have the time, place on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet and allow to air-dry 8-12 hours in the refrigerator. This helps create crispy skin during cooking

APPLE AND HERB BRINE FOR TURKEY



Apple and Herb Brine for Turkey image

A mixture of sweet and savory flavors makes this brine a good choice for preparing the holiday turkey. The Herbs De Provence really adds some depth to the brine. It enhances the taste of the bird without overpowering. Make sure that you rinse the turkey well after brining to remove excess salt.

Provided by bakedapple42

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 35m

Yield 1 pot full of brine, 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 gallons fresh water
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups orange juice
1 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons herbes de provence
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
5 bay leaves
1 large apple, cut up
5 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients (except olive oil and butter) in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  • Turn off heat and let the brine cool completely.
  • Place a cleaned turkey (giblets removed) breast-side down into the brine. You can brine it right in the pot if it fits, or in a brining bag.
  • Refridgerate turkey in brine for 16 - 24 hours.
  • Remove turkey from brine and rinse really well to remove excess salt from surface of the bird. (All the good brine flavor will be inside the meat).
  • Pat your turkey dry with paper towels and brush a mixture of olive oil and butter all over your bird.
  • Roast your turkey according to your directions. (I roast mine in a roasting bag.).

GRILLED APPLE-BRINED TURKEY



Grilled Apple-Brined Turkey image

Producing a juicy, amber-colored turkey infused with flavor is possible with this apple juice turkey brine. You won't regret planning for the long marinating time. This tasty turkey is worth every minute. -Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h30m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 quarts unsweetened apple juice
2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup kosher salt
4 ounces fresh gingerroot, peeled and thinly sliced
15 whole cloves
6 garlic cloves, crushed
3 bay leaves
3 medium oranges, quartered
3 quarts cold water
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
2 tablespoons canola oil

Steps:

  • To make the brine, in a large kettle, combine the first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in oranges. Remove from the heat. Add cold water to cool the brine to room temperature., Remove giblets from turkey (discard or save for another use). Place a turkey-sized oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add turkey. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bags and turn to coat. Place in a roasting pan or other large container. Refrigerate for 18-24 hours, turning occasionally., Prepare grill for indirect heat. Drain turkey, discarding brine. Rinse turkey under cold water; pat dry. Rub oil over skin. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together., Place breast side up on a rack in a disposable foil roasting pan. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 30-40 minutes. Tent turkey with foil; grill, covered, until a thermometer reads 165°, 2-1/2 to 3 hours longer. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Fat 23g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 210mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 62g protein.

MEAN CHEF'S APPLE BRINE



Mean Chef's Apple Brine image

Make and share this Mean Chef's Apple Brine recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Bekah

Categories     Apple

Time 50m

Yield 6 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 quarts apple juice
1 lb brown sugar
1 cup kosher salt
3 quarts water
3 oranges, quartered
4 ounces fresh ginger, thinly sliced
15 whole cloves
6 bay leaves
6 garlic cloves, crushed

Steps:

  • bring apple juice, sugar and salt to a boil over high heat, skim foam, let cool to room temperature.
  • Add remaining ingredients.
  • Brine turkey for 24 hours.
  • Quantity is sufficient for a 14 pound turkey.

SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY WITH APPLE GRAVY



Slow-Roasted Turkey With Apple Gravy image

Padma Lakshmi likes big, bold flavors - spices and citrus especially - and infuses her Thanksgiving turkey with them. She prepares the bird over a bed of herbs and produce, then uses those pan juices to create a fruity yet savory gravy. To keep the turkey moist, Ms. Lakshmi starts with a buttermilk brine, then roasts the bird at a low temperature to make sure it cooks through but doesn't dry out. But first, an initial blast in a very hot oven darkens the turkey in spots thanks to the sugar in the buttermilk brine. A final basting and uncovered cooking in the oven helps even out the mottled skin and ensures a delicate crispness. You can garnish the platter with the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the recipe or serve the bird unadorned.

Provided by Genevieve Ko

Time P2DT6h

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

8 fresh bay leaves
2 1/2 quarts buttermilk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, toasted and ground (see Tip)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cayenne
1 (14-pound) fresh or thawed frozen whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
20 fresh bay leaves
3 small Fuji or Honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small fennel bulbs, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 small bunch thyme
10 slices fresh ginger
12 garlic cloves, sliced
1 orange, cut into 1-inch wedges
Coarse sea salt
1 1/2 tablespoons black peppercorns, toasted (see Tip), plus more toasted and ground for seasoning
1 lemon, quartered
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brandy, preferably Pomona or Calvados (optional)
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brine the turkey: Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Place in a large bowl with the buttermilk, sugar, salt, black pepper and cayenne, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Place the turkey in a brining bag or clean unscented garbage bag, pour in the buttermilk mixture and tightly tie the bag closed. Place in a pot or bowl that holds it snugly, making sure the legs are fully immersed in the brine, and refrigerate for at least 48 hours and up to 72 hours.
  • Make the turkey: Position a rack at the bottom of the oven and heat oven (not convection) to 450 degrees. Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Spread the apples, fennel, onions, 12 bay leaves and half of the thyme, ginger, garlic and orange across the bottom of a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and the whole peppercorns.
  • Drain the turkey and wipe dry. (Discard the brine.) Place the turkey in the pan breast side up, and rub its cavity with salt and ground pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon and the remaining bay leaves, thyme, ginger, garlic and orange. Tuck the wings underneath and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and ground pepper, and drizzle everything with oil. Drizzle more oil all over the turkey and rub to generously and evenly coat the skin. Transfer to the oven and roast until browned in spots all over but not burned, 20 to 40 minutes. (Ovens vary widely in how quickly they brown such a large bird, so start checking at 20 minutes and keep going until it's spotted all over.)
  • Pour 2 cups water into the pan, cover the turkey with foil and loosely crimp around the edges of the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees and slide the pan back into the oven. Slow-roast until the turkey is almost cooked through (a meat thermometer will register 150 degrees in the thickest part of the breast and 160 degrees in the thigh), about 4 hours.
  • Uncover, baste all over with the pan juices and roast uncovered until the skin is more evenly browned and the meat registers 155 degrees in the breast and 165 degrees in the thigh, 30 to 45 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests. Let cool slightly in the pan, then transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
  • Make the gravy: Smash the fruits and vegetables in the roasting pan. Set a colander with small holes or a medium-mesh strainer over a bowl or pot, and pour in everything from the pan, working in batches if needed. Press hard on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible along with fruit and vegetable pulp. Discard the solids in the colander; scrape any strained pulp into the bowl. Skim and discard fat from the strained juices.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. While whisking, add the defatted pan juices a little at a time, whisking until smooth, then stir in the brandy. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Keep warm over low.
  • When ready to serve, season the gravy to taste with salt and pepper. Carve the turkey and serve with the hot gravy.

Tips:

  • Use a large pot or container that can hold the turkey and the brine solution.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine solution.
  • Keep the turkey in the brine solution for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours.
  • If you are using a wet brine, you can add additional flavorings to the brine solution, such as herbs, spices, or citrus fruits.
  • If you are using a dry brine, you can rub the turkey with the brine mixture and then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
  • When you are ready to cook the turkey, rinse it thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry.

Conclusion:

Brining a turkey is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey turns out juicy and delicious. Whether you choose to use a wet or dry brine, make sure to experiment with different flavorings to find the ones that you enjoy the most.

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