34 Reviews of Turkey Brine

From: Heather Reynolds in Virginia

On Nov 18, 2006

Fantastic brine. I just combines the everything with a couple quarts of warm water then put 5 pints of ice in my large cooler and covered the turkey. I used the cooler with a spout on it. Ya know the kind that hold gallons of drinks. I just let the turkey sit there for a couple of days and checked to make sure it was staying good and chilled. I couldnt use the bags as i am a mess in the kitchen.

From: JenSmith

On Nov 27, 2005

I brined our Thanksgiving turkey in this. I added some allspice berries, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to the brine to spice it up a bit. Boy, our turkey was so moist and delicious, I know I'll be doing this for the next several years! thanks!

From: ~Bekah~

On Nov 24, 2005

Absolute one of the best turkeys I have ever made. The meat was very juicy and flavorful. I used 1/2 water and 1/2 apple juice. Perfect! Thank you.

From: sashagnb

On Oct 10, 2006

I am an admitted turkey hater... But my husband wanted one for Thankgiving and so I thought I would give this brine a shot. I am so glad I did. In fact, I had a second helping and I don't think I can label myself a hater any more! I ended up doubling the recipe in order to cover the turkey that I had placed in an X-Large tupperware bowl. I added a handfull of peppercorns and some red pepper flakes to the brine as well. I had a 10lbs turkey and left it in the brine for 12 hours. The only reason I did not give this recipe a 5 star is because I found the gravy was a bit too salty altough everyone else said it was perfectly fine for them. Even my picky toddler had no problem with it. Next time I use this recipe (Yes, I will indeed make turkey again), I will either not leave the turkey in the brine for as long or maybe I will just leave it in a bowl of fresh water for an hour or so to make sure the extra salt it out. Thanks for the great recipe!

From: invictus

On Nov 10, 2008

I did a practice run last night on a chicken that I had planned to roast. I didn't brine the chicken as long as I would have liked (everybody was hungry) but this was hands down the best chicken I have ever roasted. Easy and delicious and I can't wait to use it this Thanksgiving for our turkey. I added thyme and peppercorns.

From: Loves2Teach

On Dec 29, 2005

This turkey was AWESOME! I can not believe how moist it was. My dh, who has always been afraid of brines, ate a ton! He is looking forward to tryint it with chicken. Thank you for sharing!

From: Amberngriffinco

On Apr 7, 2005

Did this in pieces not a whole turkey. DO NOT FORGET TO RINSE WELL!!!!!! My turkey came out so tender!! I had forgotten since my last brine was in 99!!! WOW, for sure I'll do it again and again and again!! THANKS!

From: Pickles M

On Sep 7, 2009

I have used this brine as a base several times now and love it! Usually when I make chicken I marinate it overnight so it has a chance to take on some flavor, but this is so much quicker! For chicken pieces I only marinate for an hour and a half since it was a little salty for my taste the first time I tried it (at 2 hours). I usually replace half the water with beer and might try it with wine next. I also add in some garlic cloves, black peppercorns, fresh rosemary or other herbs from my garden...makes the most flavorful and moist chicken!

From: LonghornMama

On Nov 26, 2005

Simple, no nonsense brine that makes a wonderful turkey. I can't wait to try it with chicken. I double bagged the turkey bags for brining and they still leaked, so I may try a bucket in the refrigerator next year, a minor problem that had nothing to do with the recipe. Cooked my turkey in a turkey bag and it came out moist and delicious. Thanks for posting the recipe!

From: Chef Vigé

On Dec 5, 2005

Our guests are STILL raving about the turkey .. it was the juciest, tastiest turkey we've ever cooked! Definitely worth the (minimally) extra effort! Thanks for sharing!!