Apple Cider & Sage Brined Turkey
Apple Cider & Sage Brined Turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for your fall gatherings. This succulent turkey, infused with the sweet tang of apple cider and aromatic sage, boasts a crispy golden skin and juicy meat that will leave your guests raving. Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy family dinners, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create restaurant-quality flavors that elevate any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 4 cups fresh apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 8 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, and sage. Stir until dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add cold water to cool the brine.
- Submerge the turkey in the cooled brine in a large container or brining bag. Refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a roasting pan with foil.
- Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry, and rub with olive oil. Season with extra pepper and sage if desired.
- Roast breast-side up for about 13 minutes per pound until juices run clear.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor. For a citrus twist, substitute half of the apple cider with orange juice.