Honey-Apple Turkey Brine || Gracefult Kitchen

Honey-Apple Turkey Brine

Turkey

Brine your turkey overnight in this subtly sweet honey-apple brine for a juicy, flavorful showstopper that’s sure to impress. This recipe makes enough for a 14- to 16-pound turkey and works beautifully on chicken, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.

Ingredients

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

Description

Heat water in a large stockpot over medium-high heat to a simmer. Add salt and honey; stir to dissolve. Off heat, stir in apple slices, onion, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppercorns. Cool brine to room temperature. Set the pot in a sink full of ice water to speed up the cooling process, if desired.
Stir in apple cider, ice, and apple cider vinegar. Chill brine to 40 degrees F (4 degrees C), or colder, before using.