Best 9 Cider Brined Turkey Breast Recipes

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Cider brining is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your turkey breast. The natural sugars in the apple cider help to caramelize the skin, while the spices and herbs infuse the meat with flavor. You can brine your turkey breast for as little as 12 hours or as long as 24 hours. The longer you brine it, the more flavor it will absorb. Once it's brined, you can roast it in the oven, grill it, or even smoke it. No matter how you cook it, you'll end up with a delicious and juicy turkey breast that your family and friends will love.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CIDER-BRINED TURKEY WITH MAPLE-CIDER GLAZE



Cider-Brined Turkey with Maple-Cider Glaze image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 15h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

8 cups good-quality apple cider
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 teaspoons peppercorns
5 cloves garlic, crushed
3 bay leaves
2 oranges, sliced
2 large shallots or medium onions, quartered
A handful fresh parsley leaves
A handful fresh sage leaves
A handful fresh thyme sprigs
4 bone-in skin-on turkey leg/thigh quarters
2 bone-in skin-on turkey breasts, about 6 to 7 pounds each
Olive oil, for drizzling
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup good-quality apple cider
1 cup turkey stock
2/3 cup dark amber maple syrup
6 tablespoons butter
10 whole black peppercorns
A couple strips orange rind

Steps:

  • For the turkey brine: Heat the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, oranges, shallots, parsley, sage and thyme in a saucepot to dissolve the sugar and salt. Then let the mixture cool completely.
  • Divide the turkey pieces between two 2 1/2-gallon resealable plastic bags or containers big enough to hold them. Add equal parts of the brine to the two bags. Let rest for several hours in the fridge, preferably overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry. Rub the skin with oil and sprinkle with pepper. Set the turkey on a metal rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet and cook about 15 minutes per pound, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers about 165 degrees F. The temperature will go up 5 to 10 degrees as it rests.
  • For the glaze: Place a small saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the apple cider, turkey stock, maple syrup, butter, peppercorns and orange rind. Bring the mixture to a light simmer and reduce by half. Baste the turkey every now and then during the last half of the cooking time.

CIDER-BRINED TURKEY



Cider-Brined Turkey image

My family had been going through some rough times, and when we were finally able to get together for Thanksgiving one year, I made this turkey. It brings back such good memories of joyful family gatherings. -Nicole Keller, Waterford, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h20m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 gallon apple cider or juice
1-3/4 cups kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed juniper berries
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 bottles (12 ounces each) dark beer, chilled
6 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth, chilled
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 turkey (18 to 20 pounds)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a stockpot, combine the first 10 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add cold beer and broth to cool the brine to room temperature., Place one turkey-size oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside both bags; pour in cooled brine. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate for 18-24 hours, turning occasionally. , Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. Discard brine. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper., Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts :

CIDER-BRINED-AND-GLAZED TURKEY



Cider-Brined-and-Glazed Turkey image

Unlike most brined turkeys, this one can be stuffed because the apple-cider brine contains less salt than the typical recipe. Begin brining two days ahead.

Categories     Fruit Juice     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Brine     Sage     Calvados     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Brine
4 quarts apple cider, divided
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1/4 cup whole allspice
8 bay leaves
4 quarts cold water
1 20-pound turkey (neck and gizzard reserved)
Sage Broth
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
1/2 onion, quartered
1 celery stalk, cut into 4 pieces
8 fresh sage leaves
Glaze
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
8 cups Apple, Sausage, and Parsnip Stuffing with Fresh Sage
Gravy
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
1/4 cup applejack brandy or Calvados
1/4 cup whipping cream

Steps:

  • For brine:
  • Simmer 1 quart apple cider, salt, allspice, and bay leaves in 20-quart pot 5 minutes, stirring often. Cool completely. Add remaining 3 quarts cider and 4 quarts water. Place turkey in brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Drain turkey and rinse. Arrange on several layers of paper towels in roasting pan. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.
  • For broth:
  • Simmer all ingredients in large saucepan 30 minutes. Strain sage broth into bowl.
  • For glaze:
  • Boil cider in saucepan until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Whisk in butter. Cool completely.
  • Set rack at lowest position in oven; preheat to 350°F. Remove paper towels from roasting pan. Pat main and neck cavities of turkey dry; stuff loosely with stuffing. Place turkey in pan, tuck wings under, and tie legs together loosely.
  • Roast turkey 1 hour. Brush with some of glaze. Roast until beginning to brown, about 1 hour. Cover with foil. Roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes and adding up to 1 cup water to pan if drippings begin to burn, about 3 hours longer. Transfer turkey to platter; tent with foil. Let stand 30 minutes.
  • For gravy:
  • Pour pan juices into large measuring cup. Spoon off fat. Reserve 3 tablespoons fat and degreased juices. Pour sage broth into roasting pan. Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Combine flour, sage leaves, and reserved 3 tablespoons fat in heavy large saucepan; stir over medium heat 1 minute. Whisk in broth from roasting pan and reserved pan juices. Add applejack and cream and boil until gravy thickens slightly, whisking often, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Strain into sauceboat. Serve turkey with gravy.

APPLE CIDER TURKEY BRINE



Apple Cider Turkey Brine image

Delicious apple cider brining liquid for turkey. Brined turkeys tend to shorten your roasting time by about half an hour. But be sure your bird cooks to an internal temperature of 180 degrees when tested through the thigh. Season and roast according to any of your favorite recipes.

Provided by AngelinaLaRue

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 gallon water, or as needed, divided
2 cups apple cider
1 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 cups ice cubes

Steps:

  • Combine 4 cups water, apple cider, kosher salt, sage, rosemary, thyme, and peppercorns together in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil; cook and stir brine until the salt is just dissolved. Remove from heat; add ice cubes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 23.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.9 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 7607.7 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

CIDER-BRINED TURKEY BREAST



Cider-Brined Turkey Breast image

Apple cider brine makes turkey breast succulent and flavorful. This roast recipe is perfect for a Christmas dinner.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 14h35m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 gallon apple cider (64 oz)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup kosher (coarse) salt
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole allspice
2 dried bay leaves
1 bone-in whole turkey breast (5 to 6 lb), thawed if frozen
1/2 cup real maple syrup
1/4 cup butter or margarine

Steps:

  • Reserve 1 cup of the apple cider; cover and refrigerate. In 6-quart container or stockpot, mix remaining cider, the brown sugar, salt, 3 thyme sprigs, the sage, peppercorns, allspice and bay leaves; stir until salt is dissolved. Add turkey breast. Cover; refrigerate at least 12 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
  • Heat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from brine; discard brine. Rinse turkey thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry.
  • Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of breast and does not touch bone. Roast uncovered 1 hour.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, heat reserved 1 cup apple cider to boiling; cook 10 minutes or until reduced by half. Reduce heat to medium. Add syrup and butter; cook until butter is melted and mixture is hot.
  • Brush turkey with about 1/3 cup of the cider mixture. Roast uncovered about 1 hour longer or until thermometer reads 165°F, brushing generously with pan juices and remaining cider mixture every 15 minutes. Cover turkey loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning, if necessary. Place turkey on warm platter; cover with foil. Let stand 15 minutes for easier carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 9 g, Fat 2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 49 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 760 mg

CIDER BRINED TURKEY



Cider Brined Turkey image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     main-dish

Time 15h40m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 tablespoons canola oil
1 head garlic, cut in half
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
1 orange, cut into wedges
1/2 gallon apple cider
1/2 cup kosher salt
8 fresh sage leaves
8 sprigs fresh thyme
6 cups water
6 cups ice
One 12-pound turkey, washed and patted dry
One 15-ounce can chicken broth
Gravy, recipe follows
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pan drippings from roasted turkey
One 15-ounce can chicken broth
4 sprigs thyme, leaves removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the oil garlic, onions, and orange and saute for 4 minutes. Add the cider and bring to a simmer. Add the salt and herbs and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, add the water and the ice. Stir until the brine is cooled to at least room temperature. Add the turkey to the pot. The turkey should be completely submerged in the brine. Cover with a lid and put in the refrigerator. Let the turkey brine for a minimum of 12 hours and no more than 24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  • Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse and pat dry. Tuck the wings under the back portion of the breast. Tie the legs together with piece of butcher's twine. Put the turkey, breast side up, in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Add the chicken broth to the roasting pan. Put in the oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F, 15 to 20 minutes per pound, about 3 hours. Make sure to baste the turkey every 20 minutes with the pan drippings. If the turkey begins to brown too quickly tent it loosely with foil. Remove the foil the last 30 minutes of cooking. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board or serving platter and let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.
  • Carve the turkey and serve with the Gravy.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until the flour turns a light brown color, about 3 to 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the pan drippings and the chicken broth. Add the thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Let the gravy simmer until thick, about 5 minutes.

CIDER-BRINED TURKEY



Cider-Brined Turkey image

This delicious cider-brined turkey recipe from Emeril is sure to be a Thanksgiving hit. Try it with his Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Mustard Greens.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 cups Wood's Cider Mill Boiled Cider
4 cups hard cider
8 cups fresh apple cider
2 cups coarse salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole allspice
4 cinnamon sticks
4 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh oregano
2 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 gallon ice water
1 whole (10-to-12-pound) turkey, fresh or frozen (defrosted)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Freshly ground pepper
2 apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
1 sweet onion, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium store-bought chicken stock or broth, for basting

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, combine boiled cider, hard cider, fresh cider, 2 cups salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar and salt dissolve, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add thyme, rosemary, oregano, and parsley. Let steep for 5 minutes. Add ice water, stir, and let brine cool to room temperature.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out under cool running water. Remove giblets and neck; set aside for gravy or stuffing, if desired. Place turkey in a pot large enough to hold the turkey and the brine or a large, food-safe plastic bag, set in a pot or roasting pan. Cover turkey with brine, make sure both cavities of turkey are filled. Cover or tightly close bag and refrigerate 10 to 12 hours. If using a bag, rotate turkey occasionally to make sure it is evenly brined.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Remove turkey from brine and rinse well under cold running water; pat dry with paper towels inside and out. Place turkey, breast-side up, in a large, heavy-bottomed roasting pan fitted with a rack. Rub all sides with butter, stuffing some underneath the skin. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff turkey with apples, celery, and onion. Loosely tie drumsticks together with kitchen twine. Transfer to oven and roast until skin is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Cover turkey loosely with a double layer of parchment paper-lined aluminum foil. Continue roasting, basting once every half hour with 1/2 to 3/4 cup stock, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the largest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) registers 161 degrees, about 1 hour more.
  • Remove from oven and transfer turkey to a serving platter. Let turkey stand, tented with foil, about 20 minutes before carving.

CIDER-BAKED TURKEY BREAST



Cider-Baked Turkey Breast image

I make this throughout the year, but always use cider instead of apple juice in the fall. Recipe came from "Mr Food Cooks Like Mama". I usually cut back a tad on the soy sauce and I don't always thicken the juice with cornstarch. It's a nice twist to just baking a turkey breast. Servings is estimated. Cook time is rounded off. Hope you enjoy!

Provided by Satisfied Kris

Categories     Poultry

Time 3h5m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

5 -6 lbs turkey breast
1 1/2 cups apple cider or 1 1/2 cups juice
1/2 cup apple cider or 1/2 cup juice
1/4 cup soy sauce (may want to cut back some on this)
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Place turkey breast skin side up, in a large roasting pan.
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  • Remove turkey from oven and lower temperature to 325°.
  • In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups cider and soy sauce.
  • Pour mixture over turkey.
  • Cover and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting turkey frequently with cider mixture.
  • In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup cider.
  • Remove turkey from oven and stir cornstarch mixture into pan drippings.
  • Return turkey to oven and bake uncovered until sauce is thickened (15- 20 minutes).
  • Transfer turkey to serving platter and serve with the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610.8, Fat 26.6, SaturatedFat 7.2, Cholesterol 245.7, Sodium 893.6, Carbohydrate 3.1, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.2, Protein 84

CIDER MARINATED TURKEY BREAST



Cider Marinated Turkey Breast image

I came up with this marinade from several different recipes. The brine gives the turkey a great flavor and it always comes out moist and yummy. You could also use a whole turkey as well. Whenever I make it I always get requests for the recipe. It even passed the "Mom test"; she says it's better than hers.

Provided by Kady3782

Categories     Turkey Breasts

Time 1h50m

Yield 1 turkey breast, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 cups unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup kosher salt
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 sprigs fresh sage or 1 tablespoon dried sage
8 whole cloves
6 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 1/2 quarts cold water
1 medium orange, quartered
5 lbs turkey breast
cooking spray

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, or 2 gallon freezer bag, combine the apple juice through the water.
  • Squeeze the juice from the orange quarters and add to the brine.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Add the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged in the brine.
  • Refrigerate for 8-10 hours.
  • Drain and discard marinade.
  • Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry.
  • Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Spray the breast with cooking spray to promote browning.
  • Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.
  • Let rest 15 minutes before carving.

Tips:

  • Brining the Turkey Breast: Brining the turkey breast in a mixture of apple cider, water, salt, and spices helps to infuse it with flavor and moisture, resulting in a juicy and tender roast.
  • Choosing the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the cider brine. Good options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn.
  • Roasting the Turkey Breast: Roast the turkey breast uncovered at a high temperature initially to sear the skin and then reduce the heat to finish cooking the meat through.
  • Making the Gravy: Use the pan drippings from roasting the turkey breast to make a flavorful gravy. Add some apple cider to the gravy for extra flavor.
  • Serving the Turkey Breast: Serve the turkey breast sliced with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

Cider-brined turkey breast is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The brining process helps to ensure that the turkey breast is moist and flavorful, while the roasting process creates a crispy skin and a tender interior. Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

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