Turkey Brine

Name: Turkey Brine
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey, up to 18 pounds; 2 gallon water; 2 cup kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred); 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 0.25 cup sweet paprika; 0.25 cup chili powder; 2 tbsp onion powder; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Deep-Flavored Turkey Brine with Smoky Spices

A proper brine transforms even the largest turkey into something juicy and well-seasoned throughout. This blend balances salt and brown sugar with a warm, smoky spice mix that penetrates deep into the meat during its overnight bath.

AmericanGluten FreeDairy FreeNut FreeMeal PrepHolidayTurkey

Prep15 min

Cook—

Total15 min

Servings—

Difficultyeasy

Ingredients

1 whole turkey, up to 18 pounds
2 gallonwater
2 cupkosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
1 cuplight brown sugar, packed
¼ cupsweet paprika
¼ cupchili powder
2 tbsponion powder
2 tbspgarlic powder
2 tspcayenne pepper
1 tspred pepper flakes

Instructions

Combine water, salt, brown sugar, and all spices in your largest pot. Warm over medium heat while stirring — you want everything dissolved completely, not boiling. Once the salt and sugar disappear into the water, remove from heat and refrigerate until completely cold.
Place your turkey in a container large enough to hold both bird and brine — a clean cooler or large stockpot works well. Pour the chilled brine over the turkey, making sure it's completely submerged. Cover tightly and keep refrigerated for at least 8 hours, though 18 hours gives you the deepest flavor penetration.
⏱ 8 hrs
Lift the turkey from the brine and thoroughly pat every surface dry with paper towels. The skin should feel tacky, not wet — this ensures proper browning during cooking.
For the crispiest skin possible, place the dried turkey on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for an hour. This final air-drying step helps remove surface moisture that can prevent browning.
⏱ 1 hr