10 Turkey Brine Recipes for Flavorful, Juicy Birds

Citrus Turkey Brine

Infuse your turkey with the bright, tangy flavors of citrus from lemon and orange slices. The sweetness of the fruit is perfectly balanced by the savory combination of onions, garlic, and herbs. Reviewers suggest some useful tips, such as using citrus juices instead of whole fruits, applying the brine to chicken, or adding a bit of Liquid Smoke for a smoky flavor if you don't have a smoker.

• How to Brine a Turkey

Dry Brine Turkey

Dry brining eliminates the hassle of using a bucket to brine your turkey. By applying salt a few days ahead, you allow the bird to absorb flavor while locking in moisture for a juicier roast. This recipe from Hello Angie keeps it simple with just a few ingredients: salt, pepper, onions, and celery.

Out of This World Turkey Brine

This turkey brine recipe is designed specifically for birds that will be smoked afterward. With just five simple ingredients (plus water), it lets the natural flavors of the turkey shine. Reviewers recommend adding a sliced onion or a few dashes of liquid smoke if you’re not smoking the turkey.

• 17 Fool-Proof Thanksgiving Recipes for Beginner Cooks

Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Combine two holiday classics, apple cider and turkey, in this mouthwatering brine recipe. The sweet cider pairs perfectly with black peppercorns and aromatic herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. For an extra apple twist, stuff your turkey with Cranberry, Sausage, and Apple Stuffing.

Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Infuse your turkey with a bold herbaceous kick this holiday season. This brine uses a blend of eight dried herbs, which provide a deeper, more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs when used in a marinade. Reviewers have successfully adapted this recipe for turkey breasts and whole chickens by reducing the quantities.

Salty and Sweet Cranberry Citrus Brine

This vibrant brine is packed with flavor, thanks to a distinctive combination of orange juice, cranberry juice concentrate, herbs, red onions, and spices. The result is a sweet and salty turkey that pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce or gravy.

Maple Turkey Brine

Who says maple glaze is only for ham? This turkey brine brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory with maple syrup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and whiskey. Due to its high sugar content, be sure to cover the turkey with foil until the last few minutes of baking to achieve a beautifully caramelized skin, instead of a burnt one.

Orange Turkey Brine

This tangy turkey brine gives your bird a burst of citrus with orange juice, fresh lemon, lime slices, and a whole orange. The result is an incredibly juicy and flavorful turkey. To unlock the full flavor, roll the citrus fruits before slicing to release their natural oils into the marinade.

• How to Cook a Turkey

Juicy Two-Stage Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade

"Two-stage" brining may sound like a lot of work, but the extra time and effort will pay off for your Thanksgiving feast. This turkey brine recipe is split into two stages: the first brine on Tuesday morning and the marinade on Wednesday morning. The turkey is brined overnight, then rinsed before marinating for another full day. The result is a flavorful, tender turkey that will wow your guests.

Joe's Turkey Brine

This is a timeless turkey brine recipe, combining sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The apple cider and juice in the brine help the turkey develop a rich, caramelized skin, though be sure to cover the bird during the early stages of baking. Many reviewers have successfully used this brine for turkey breasts as well.

Check out our collection of the 14 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes of All Time. Plus, explore more in our full Turkey Recipes and Thanksgiving Recipes collections.

• Perfect Turkey
• Herb-Glazed Roasted Turkey
• Rosemary Roasted Turkey