Best 10 Apple Turkey Brine Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey with our apple-turkey brine recipes, a delightful blend of flavors that will elevate your Thanksgiving or any special occasion feast. Discover the zesty Apple Pie Brine, bursting with the essence of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, infusing the turkey with a sweet and aromatic symphony. For a more savory twist, try the Apple Cider Brine, where the rich flavors of apple cider, sage, and thyme come together to create a tantalizing herb-infused delight. And for those who enjoy a hint of citrus, the Apple-Orange Brine offers a refreshing twist with orange zest and juice, adding a vibrant brightness to the turkey. Each recipe provides detailed instructions, ensuring a perfectly brined turkey that will be the star of your dinner table.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

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

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

APPLE-SPICE BRINE FOR TURKEY BREAST



Apple-Spice Brine for Turkey Breast image

This is the recipe I developed for a turkey breast destined for my stove-top smoker. I'll never make another turkey breast without using this method. It was so moist and flavorful! UPDATE: Just smoked a large turkey breast on the stove top using an enamel roasting pan, with lid. I made a small tray of aluminum foil for the wood chips and placed at one end on the bottom of the roaster . Placed a sheet of heavy duty foil on top of wood chips as a drip tray (turned up corners to catch juices). Then placed a small rack (I used a collapsible steam basket) on top of the foil to hold the meat. Once smoke started, I placed the roaster lid on top and then crimped heavy duty foil over the top. Worked perfectly! Besure to run the vent on the stove or open a window slightly. The smell within the house was heavenly!

Provided by Galley Wench

Categories     Turkey Breasts

Time 4h15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups apple cider
2 cups water
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup kosher salt
4 -6 garlic cloves, sliced
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig rosemary
1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Steps:

  • In saucpan stir together, apple cider, brown sugar, salt, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and add water and allow to cool.
  • Place poultry in a container large enough to hold the poultry (I used plastic container for a turkey breast).
  • Pour cooled brine over poultry and seal. (If using a ziplock bag, squeeze out as much as possible before sealing).
  • Refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
  • PREPARE STOVE-TOP SMOKER:.
  • Add 2 tablespoon Alder wood to bottom of stove-top smoker.
  • Line drip tray with foil and spray.
  • Remove turkey from brine and place on rack.
  • Use closing lid if possible, otherwise fashion an aluminum tent for the cover.
  • Follow stove-smokers manufacture instructions for smoking poultry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108.2, Sodium 14160.3, Carbohydrate 27.8, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 26.5, Protein 0.2

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

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 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.).

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

APPLE TURKEY BRINE



Apple Turkey Brine image

We are in love with this simple turkey brine. It's one of the best we've ever used. The turkey comes out moist and lightly salted with an underlying sweetness. It has hints of spice, citrus, apple, and herbs that are so expertly balanced you'd swear it was prepared by a 5-star restaurant chef. If you want to try a new outstanding...

Provided by barbara lentz

Categories     Marinades

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 qt water
1 gal apple juice
2 c kosher salt
1 c brown sugar
12 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 Tbsp black peppercorns
1 Tbsp pink peppercorns
4 sprig(s) rosemary
8 sprig(s) thyme
10 clove garlic
1 large onion, halved
2 large oranges, halved

Steps:

  • 1. In a large pan combine salt, sugar, and 1 quart of water.
  • 2. Bring to a simmer and simmer until salt and sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat and let cool.
  • 3. Add the remaining ingredients to the cooled brine.
  • 4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.
  • 5. Place the turkey in a container large enough to hold the turkey and brine.
  • 6. Pour the cold brine over the turkey.
  • 7. If there is not enough brine to cover the turkey add more water.
  • 8. Cover and brine for 24 hours.
  • 9. Remove the turkey and rinse well.
  • 10. Then dry.
  • 11. Now the turkey is ready to roast.

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

Tips:

  • For the best results, use a large stockpot or brining bag that can hold the turkey and brine comfortably.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine solution.
  • Use a combination of apple cider, water, salt, brown sugar, and spices for a flavorful brine.
  • Add aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
  • Brine the turkey for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours.
  • Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water before cooking.
  • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before roasting.
  • Roast the turkey according to the recipe directions.

Conclusion:

Apple brining is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your holiday turkey. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey turns out perfectly cooked and juicy. Experiment with different apple varieties and spices to create a unique flavor profile that your family and friends will love.

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