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A Simple and Delicious Brine for a roasted turkey

  • Prep Time

    15 min

  • Cooking Time

    18 hours

organic-american-heirloom-whole-turkey

  • 1 Diestel American Heirloom whole turkey
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup black peppercorns
  • 10 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoonsdried thyme
  • 2 tablespoonsdried sage
  • 1 tablespoondried rosemary
  • 1 largeonion, quartered
  • 4 clovesgarlic, minced

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large stockpot, combine water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, sage, rosemary, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
  2. Cool the Brine: Let the brine cool completely before using.
  3. Prepare the Turkey: Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Brine the Turkey: Place the turkey in a large, food-safe container or a large, clean garbage bag. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is completely submerged. If needed, add more cold water to cover the turkey.
  5. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the brined turkey for 18 hours.
  6. Rinse and Roast: Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.

ROASTING TIMES

HOW LONG ‘TIL WE EAT?

If your bird is unstuffed, then you’re in luck: take 30 minutes off the cook time listed below.*

Weight Approx. Roasting Time
6-10lbs 2 hrs
10-12 lbs 2 -2.75 hrs
12-14 lbs 2.75-3.5 hrs
14-16 lbs 3.5 - 3.75 hrs
16-18 lbs 3.754 hrs
18-20 lbs 4-4.5 hrs
20-22 lbs 4.5-5 hrs
Weight Approx. Roasting Time
22-24 lbs 5 -5.25 hrs
24-26 lbs 5.25 -5.5 hrs
28-30 lbs 5.5 - 5.75 hrs
32-34 lbs 5.756.25 hrs
34-36+ lbs 6.25 -6.5 hrs