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5 from 2 votes

Best Dry Brine Recipe for Turkey

Our dry brine recipe for turkey is all about simplicity and superb flavor. In other words, minimum effort and ease to elevate your holiday turkey. With a mix of salt and herbs, it enhances the natural juiciness of the bird while infusing it with a mouthwatering flavor. Say goodbye to messy wet brines and hello to this easy, no-fuss dry brine recipe. Perfect for your Thanksgiving turkey or special occasions.
Prep Time1 day
Total Time1 day
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 brine
Calories: 6124kcal
Author: Kita Roberts

Ingredients

  • 12-14 pound fresh turkey use fresh thawed turkey. Avoid Kosher turkeys
  • ⅛ cup Kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp Rosemary
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp sage
  • 1 tsp Lemon pepper or ground black pepper and a hint of lemon zest

Instructions

  • Start with a thawed turkey that has been removed from its package. Make sure the neck and giblets are set aside.
  • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels over the entire surface of the skin and inside the cavity.
  • Combine the salt, rosemary, thyme, sage and lemon pepper in a bowl and mix to combine.
  • Using a spoon or your fingers, rub the outside of the turkey on all sides and under the skin liberally with the salt mixture.
  • Transfer the turkey to a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet, breast side up.
  • Place the rack in refrigerate uncovered for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Remove the turkey from the frdige after 24 to 48 hours, and cook as desired.

Video

Notes

  • This dry brine works for most turkey recipes, whether left a whole traditional turkey or spatchcocked to lay flat.
  • Fresh or dried herbs work for this recipe, but we find dried work easier for a brine.
  • We do not recommend rinsing the bird after it has dry brined.
  • Remember, no matter how you cook your turkey after you use a dry brine recipe, the internal temperature should reach 165°F in the breast meat and 170 degrees F in the dark meat with a meat thermometer, according to the USDA.
Now that you have a perfectly brined turkey, here are some more helpful turkey guides: How to Wet Brine a Turkey
See our roast turkey recipe for a classic Thanksgiving dinner, or view all of our favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes.

Nutrition

Serving: -36g | Calories: 6124kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1233g | Fat: 106g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 3647mg | Sodium: 20572mg | Potassium: 12908mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2039IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 710mg | Iron: 50mg