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Roasted Turkey That Stays Juicy Every Time (Easy Brined Holiday Recipe)

Julia
This roasted turkey recipe uses a simple brine for juicy meat and crispy skin. Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinner and easy enough for beginners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 12 servings
Calories 440 kcal

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INGREDIENTS
  

  • 1 whole turkey, about 18 pounds, neck and giblets removed
  • 1 ½ cups sea salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 quarts cold water
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
  • 2 large onions, chopped, divided
  • 4 carrots, coarsely chopped, divided
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped, divided
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Dissolve brine ingredients: Combine sea salt, brown sugar, and cold water until dissolved.
  • Brine turkey: Submerge turkey, cover, and refrigerate 12 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
  • Rinse and dry turkey: Remove from brine, rinse thoroughly, pat dry.
  • Butter turkey: Brush inside and out with half melted butter.
  • Season cavity: Add pepper and stuff with aromatics.
  • Prepare roasting pan: Place turkey breast-side down on rack. Scatter vegetables and bay leaf. Add wine.
  • Roast turkey: Roast 3 ½ to 4 hours uncovered.
  • Flip and baste: Turn breast-side up two-thirds through cooking and brush with remaining butter.
  • Check temperature: Ensure thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest turkey: Let rest 30 minutes before carving.
  • Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!

NOTES

  • Brining makes the biggest difference in moisture.
  • Drying the skin ensures crispiness.
  • Resting keeps juices locked inside.

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NUTRITION

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 47gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 14408mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 3762IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 2mg
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