Lauren's Cider-Brined Roast Turkey

Name: Lauren's Cider-Brined Roast Turkey
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 15 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 gal Apple Cider; 0.25 tsp Dried Thyme; 0.25 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil; 0.25 tsp Poultry Seasoning; 1.5 cups Sea Salt; 1 cup Sugar; 1.5 gal Water; 1 whole Whole Chicken

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Low-Sodium Gluten-Free

Lauren's Cider-Brined Roast Turkey features a gentle sweetness from apple cider balanced by a light herb aroma, yielding tender, succulent meat beneath beautifully crisped skin. The brine infuses deep flavor throughout, making each slice moist and richly seasoned. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a special Sunday dinner when you want a showstopping centerpiece.

Prep20 mins
Cook4 hrs
Serves15
DifficultyMedium

1

Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
2

Combine water, apple cider, kosher salt, and sugar in a large pot or 5-gallon food-grade bucket, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Submerge the turkey in the brine, cover the container, and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
3

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
4

Remove the turkey from the brine; discard the brine. Place the turkey, breast-side up, in a roasting pan; pat the turkey and cavity dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin over the breast and thighs with your fingers.
5

Whisk olive oil, thyme, and poultry seasoning together in a small bowl; rub over the turkey and underneath the loosened skin. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
6

Cook in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near but not touching the bone, reads 165 to 175 degrees F (75 to 80 degrees C), about 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Remove the foil about 45 minutes before the end of the cook time to brown the skin. Let the turkey rest before carving, 30 to 45 minutes.