Best 13 Honey Apple Brined Turkey Recipes

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Unlock the secrets of a perfectly cooked honey apple brined turkey that will impress your family and friends. With its sweet and savory glaze, tender and juicy meat, this turkey will become the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will help you achieve a golden-brown masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for more.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

HONEY-APPLE TURKEY BRINE



Honey-Apple Turkey Brine image

Go the extra mile by brining your turkey overnight in this lightly sweetened brine. You'll end up with the juiciest, most flavorful turkey ever and maybe even a bellyache from eating too much! The brine also works well on chicken. This makes enough for a 14- to 16-pound turkey.

Provided by France C

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups water
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup honey
1 large red apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, crushed
3 large bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh sage
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
8 cups apple cider
4 cups ice
1 cup apple cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Pour water into a large stockpot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add salt and honey and stir to dissolve. Remove pot from the heat and stir in apple slices, onion, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppercorns. Let brine cool to room temperature. You can set the pot in a sink full of ice water to speed up the cooling process.
  • Stir in apple cider, ice, and apple cider vinegar. Allow brine to fully chill to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees C), or colder, before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.8 calories, Carbohydrate 49.4 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 0.3 g, Sodium 7616.8 mg, Sugar 44.6 g

HONEY BRINED SMOKED TURKEY



Honey Brined Smoked Turkey image

Take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level this year with Alton Brown's recipe for Honey Brined Smoked Turkey from Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 13h

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 gallon hot water
1 pound kosher salt
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 pound honey
1 (7-pound) bag of ice
1 (15 to 20-pound) turkey, with giblets removed
Vegetable oil, for rubbing turkey

Steps:

  • Combine the hot water and the salt in a 54-quart cooler. Stir until the salt dissolves. Stir in the vegetable broth and the honey. Add the ice and stir. Place the turkey in the brine, breast side up, and cover with cooler lid.. Brine overnight, up to 12 hours.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine and dry thoroughly. Rub the bird thoroughly with the vegetable oil.
  • Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.
  • Using a double thickness of heavy-duty aluminum foil, build a smoke bomb. Place a cup of hickory wood chips in the center of the foil and gather up the edges, making a small pouch. Leave the pouch open at the top. Set this directly on the charcoal or on the metal bar over the gas flame. Set the turkey over indirect heat, insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast meat, and set the alarm for 160 degrees F. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour.
  • After 1 hour check the bird; if the skin is golden brown, cover with aluminum foil and continue cooking. Also, after 1 hour, replace wood chips with second cup.
  • Once the bird reaches 160 degrees F, remove from grill, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 1 hour. Carve and serve.

GRILLED TURKEY BREAST WITH HONEY-APPLE GLAZE



Grilled Turkey Breast with Honey-Apple Glaze image

Yearning for fall flavors? Turn to the grill to make juicy turkey coated with a luscious--and easy--glaze based on prepared apple butter.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h40m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/3 cup apple butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 (4 to 5-lb.) fresh or frozen whole turkey breast, thawed, skin removed

Steps:

  • Heat gas or charcoal grill for indirect cooking as directed by manufacturer. In small bowl, combine all ingredients except turkey breast; blend well.
  • When grill is heated, carefully oil grill rack. Place turkey breast on grill directly over drip pan. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of breast. Brush turkey with apple butter mixture. Cover grill; cook 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until thermometer registers 170°F. and juices run clear when pierced with fork, brushing turkey breast occasionally with apple butter mixture.
  • Remove turkey breast from grill. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 95 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1/10 of Recipe, Sodium 75 mg, Sugar 2 g

HONEY-BRINED TURKEY BREAST



Honey-Brined Turkey Breast image

Here's a traditional turkey breast with a sweet and spicy zest. This moist and savory recipe also makes great leftovers. -Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 quarts apple cider or juice, divided
1 fresh rosemary sprig
2 large oven roasting bags
1 bone-in turkey breast (4 to 5 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • For brine, place first four ingredients and 4 cups cider in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until salt is dissolved. Add rosemary; remove from heat. Stir in remaining cider; cool to room temperature., Place one roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey breast inside both bags; add brine. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a baking pan. Refrigerate 6-24 hours, turning occasionally., Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottom of a roasting pan with foil. Drain turkey, discarding brine. Place on a rack in prepared pan; pat dry., Roast turkey 30 minutes. Brush with oil; roast until a thermometer reads 170°, 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.) Remove from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 88mg sodium, Carbohydrate 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

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

HONEY-APPLE TURKEY BREAST



Honey-Apple Turkey Breast image

I found this recipe in a diabetics' cookbook. We really like the honey flavor. The sweetness comes through when I use the leftovers in casseroles and soups, too.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h10m

Yield 12-14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 4

3/4 cup thawed apple juice concentrate
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon ground mustard
1 bone-in turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a small saucepan, combine apple juice concentrate, honey and mustard. Cook over low heat 2-3 minutes or just until blended, stirring occasionally., Place turkey breast on a rack in a foil-lined shallow roasting pan; pour honey mixture over the top., Bake, uncovered, 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 170°, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.) Cover and let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 72mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 40g protein.

HONEY CLOVE BRINE FOR MR. TURKEY



Honey Clove Brine for Mr. Turkey image

Brining a turkey before roasting, or deep frying, will give the turkey more flavor and keep it juicy after cooking. No more dried out bird. This is my personal recipe that I used for the 2009 family Christmas dinner. I only cooked a turkey breast, family doesn't care for dark meat so why bother cooking it. Calling the bird Mr. Turkey is not mandatory, but it does make the little cousins giggle.

Provided by Bowen Cormac

Categories     Turkey Breasts

Time 16h

Yield 11-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 -8 lbs turkey breast
1 cup whole cloves
1/2 cup allspice berry
5 bay leaves
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 cups kosher salt
1 gallon beer
1 gallon chicken broth
1 gallon water
7 lbs ice

Steps:

  • In a large stock pot, I use a 5 gallon pot, bring water, beer and chicken broth to a rolling boil. Add salt, honey and sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Drop heat until the liquid is at a simmer, then add the cloves, bay leaves and allspice berries. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat, let stand while putting the 7 pound bag of ice into the drinking cooler. Pour the hot brine into the ice.
  • When the brine is cool place turkey into the brine for no less than 16 hours, my best result was after 48 hours in the brine. Rinse the turkey, inside and out.
  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Stick probe thermometer into breast meat of turkey, make sure not to hit the bone. Set temp alarm to go off at 160 degrees, if your thermometer has that function otherwise you'll have to keep an eye on the temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2369.3, Fat 21.2, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 160.8, Sodium 22014.8, Carbohydrate 185.7, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 33.1, Protein 80.6

APPLE BRINE FOR TURKEY



Apple Brine for Turkey image

This is a very simple brine for turkey to insure that you have a moist turkey once you roast it. It isn't full of spices, allowing you to season your turkey with fresh herbs, etc while you roast it. I use it in combination with Recipe #267634 267634. I haven't included the overnight brining time in the cook and prep time, since the turkey is just hanging out by itself in the cooler. I use a brining bag that I get at my local grocery store...basically a huge ziplock with a double zipper seal. Food.com wouldn't accept "brining bag" as an ingredient, but you have to have a food quality bag to brine in.

Provided by breezermom

Categories     Apple

Time 10h10m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 quarts apple juice
1 gallon cold water
1 cup kosher salt
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 turkey, 15 to 17 lbs
ice

Steps:

  • Combine the apple juice, water, and salt in a large stock pan, Heat and stir until the salt has dissolved completely and the liquid looks clear. Add the garlic and remove from heat.
  • Allow the brine to cool completely.
  • Wash your turkey thoroughly, removing the neck and giblets so the brine can get to the interior of the bird. Save the neck and giblets for gravy or stock.
  • Place some ice in the bottom of a cooler (large enough to hold your turkey. Place the turkey in your brining bag, and place upright in your cooler. Pour the brine over the turkey, and seal the bag securely, removing any excess air so the turkey is totally submerged and covered with the brine. Pour more ice in the cooler so that your turkey will stay cold overnight.
  • When you are ready to roast your turkey, remove it from the brine, and rinse the turkey again. Pat the turkey dry, and season your turkey as you prefer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 11336.9, Carbohydrate 23, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 19.1, Protein 0.3

WET TURKEY APPLE BRINE



Wet Turkey Apple Brine image

Wet turkey apple brine is perfect for your Thanksgiving turkey.

Provided by Don Troudy

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 1

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 gallons cold water
3 cups apple juice
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup kosher salt
1 orange, peeled
¼ cup chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons whole allspice berries
1 ½ teaspoons chopped crystallized ginger
5 bay leaves

Steps:

  • Combine water, apple juice, brown sugar, kosher salt, orange peel, rosemary, peppercorns, garlic, allspice, ginger, and bay leaves in a stock pot; bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1264.4 calories, Carbohydrate 321.4 g, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 91414.2 mg, Sugar 295.8 g

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.

HONEY BRINED HERB ROASTED TURKEY



Honey Brined Herb Roasted Turkey image

Allow 12 - 18 hours for the turkey to marinate in the brine. It's worth the wait as this process always assures a moist, flavorful turkey.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 16h

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 fresh frozen whole turkey, thawed or 1 fresh frozen whole turkey
8 -10 quarts water
2 cups kosher salt
1 cup honey
3 -4 teaspoons fresh coarse ground black pepper
10 -12 garlic cloves, peeled
2 bunches fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh sage
4 -5 cups chicken stock
2 -3 lemons
2 -4 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Remove giblets and neck from turkey, reserve for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold running water and drain well. Blot dry with paper towels.
  • Prepare brine by mixing water, honey and salt in a large bowl. Stir until honey dissolves. Add half the thyme and sage along with the garlic and black pepper. Set aside. Add chicken stock.
  • Line an extra-large stock pot with a food-safe plastic bag. Place the rinsed turkey in the bag and pour brine over the turkey. Gather the bag tightly around the turkey, causing the turkey to be surrounded by the brine. Seal the bag and refrigerate the pot, bag and brined turkey for at least 12 hours.
  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F Remove turkey from brine and pat dry inside and out. Discard brine. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large shallow (about 2 1/2" deep) roasting pan.
  • Squeeze lemon juice into the main turkey cavity. Put the squeezed lemon halves into the cavity along with the rest of the thyme and sage. Coat turkey lightly with oil and sprinkle inside and out with salt, pepper.
  • Insert an oven safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful the pointed end of the thermometer does not touch the bone. Roast turkey, basting with poultry stock every half hour or so.
  • Loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent over browning, remove foil during last hour and a half of cooking time. Continue to roast until thermometer registers 180°F in the thigh, or 170°F in the breast.
  • Remove turkey from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before carving.

HONEY APPLE BRINED TURKEY



Honey Apple Brined Turkey image

Delicious mixture of several recipes we love. My father-in-law raves it is the best turkey he's ever had.

Provided by Ajlayne

Categories     Turkey Brine

Time P1DT4h5m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
3 cups apple cider
2 cups honey
2 cups kosher salt
2 bunches fresh thyme, divided
1 bunch fresh sage, divided
10 cloves garlic, peeled, or more to taste
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, or more to taste
4 cups water, or more if needed
1 (20 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
2 oranges, halved
2 lemons, halved, or more to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil, or more as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine chicken stock, apple cider, honey, and salt in a large bowl; stir until honey is dissolved. Add 1/2 of the thyme, 1/2 of the sage, garlic, and black pepper; stir. Add water and stir until brine is evenly combined.
  • Place turkey in a food-safe cooking bag and pour brine over turkey. Inject the meaty parts of turkey with brine using an injector. Gather bag tightly around turkey so that brine completely surrounds turkey, adding more water if needed. Seal bag, place in a large pot, and refrigerate, 24 to 48 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a rack in a large 2 1/2-inch deep roasting pan.
  • Remove turkey from brine and pat dry inside and out. Reserve about 1/2 of the brine. Place turkey in a fresh oven-safe baking bag, breast-side down and place on the rack.
  • Squeeze oranges and lemons into the main cavity of the turkey. Place squeezed oranges and lemons, remaining thyme, and remaining sage in the cavity. Lightly coat turkey with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Insert an oven-safe thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, basting with brine every 30 minutes, for 2 1/2 hours. Flip turkey and continue baking until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more. The thermometer should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Allow turkey to rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 817.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 268.4 mg, Fat 32.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 92.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 9483.2 mg, Sugar 32.3 g

HONEY APPLE BRINED TURKEY



Honey Apple Brined Turkey image

Delicious mixture of several recipes we love. My father-in-law raves it is the best turkey he's ever had.

Provided by Ajlayne

Categories     Turkey Brine

Time P1DT4h5m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
3 cups apple cider
2 cups honey
2 cups kosher salt
2 bunches fresh thyme, divided
1 bunch fresh sage, divided
10 cloves garlic, peeled, or more to taste
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, or more to taste
4 cups water, or more if needed
1 (20 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
2 oranges, halved
2 lemons, halved, or more to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil, or more as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine chicken stock, apple cider, honey, and salt in a large bowl; stir until honey is dissolved. Add 1/2 of the thyme, 1/2 of the sage, garlic, and black pepper; stir. Add water and stir until brine is evenly combined.
  • Place turkey in a food-safe cooking bag and pour brine over turkey. Inject the meaty parts of turkey with brine using an injector. Gather bag tightly around turkey so that brine completely surrounds turkey, adding more water if needed. Seal bag, place in a large pot, and refrigerate, 24 to 48 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a rack in a large 2 1/2-inch deep roasting pan.
  • Remove turkey from brine and pat dry inside and out. Reserve about 1/2 of the brine. Place turkey in a fresh oven-safe baking bag, breast-side down and place on the rack.
  • Squeeze oranges and lemons into the main cavity of the turkey. Place squeezed oranges and lemons, remaining thyme, and remaining sage in the cavity. Lightly coat turkey with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Insert an oven-safe thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, basting with brine every 30 minutes, for 2 1/2 hours. Flip turkey and continue baking until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more. The thermometer should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Allow turkey to rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 817.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 268.4 mg, Fat 32.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 92.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 9483.2 mg, Sugar 32.3 g

Tips:

  • Brine the turkey for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
  • Use a large pot or container for brining the turkey. The turkey should be completely submerged in the brine.
  • Keep the turkey in the refrigerator while it is brining. This will help to prevent the turkey from becoming contaminated with bacteria.
  • Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water before cooking. This will remove any excess salt from the brine.
  • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before roasting. This will help the skin to crisp up.
  • Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to prevent the turkey from becoming dry or overcooked.
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey.

Conclusion:

Following these tips will help you to cook a moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked honey apple brined turkey. This recipe is perfect for any special occasion, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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