Honey-Apple Turkey Brine

Brine a turkey (or chicken) overnight in this subtly sweet brine made with apples and honey for a juicy, flavorful showstopper that’s sure to impress!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 194 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 4 cups ice
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 2 sprigs fresh sage
• 8 cups apple cider
• 3 large bay leaves
• 1 large red apple, cored and thinly sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Add water to a large stockpot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add salt and honey, stirring to dissolve. Remove pot from the heat. Stir in apple slices, onion, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppercorns. Let brine cool to room temperature. Set the pot in a sink full of ice water to speed up the cooling process, if desired.

Step 2

Stir in apple cider, ice, and apple cider vinegar. Allow brine to fully chill to 40 degrees F (4 degrees C), or colder, before using.