Honey-Apple Turkey Brine

Brine a turkey (or chicken) overnight in this recipe for a subtly sweet brine made with apples and honey for a juicy, flavorful showstopper turkey.

• 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

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.

Step 2

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