Turkey Brine Kit Instructions

Create the most tender, flavorful turkey for your holiday table.

Total Time

18-24 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

12-16 people

Welcome to Perfect Turkey Brining

Thank you for choosing South Mountain Creamery’s Turkey Brine Kit! Our carefully crafted blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings will transform your holiday turkey into a succulent masterpiece. Follow these simple steps for restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients:

  • 1 SMC Turkey Brine Kit
  • 1 12-16 lb turkey
  • 1 gallon water, for boiling
  • 1 gallon water, iced

1. Prepare Your Brine (15 minutes)

Empty the contents of your South Mountain Creamery brine kit into a large pot. Add 1 gallon of water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until all ingredients are fully dissolved.

Pro Tips:

  • Use a pot large enough to hold the brine and turkey
  • Ensure all salt and sugar are completely dissolved

2. Cool the Brine (2-3 hours)

Remove the pot from heat and add 1 gallon of ice water. Stir well and let the brine cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled (below 40°F).

Pro Tips:

  • Never add a warm brine to your turkey
  • You can prepare this the night before
  • Want to try another variation of the recipe? Instead of adding 1 gallon of ice water, add 1/2 gallon of ice water and 1/2 gallon of apple cider. The apple cider will infuse the meat with a subtle sweetness and seasonal flavor.

3. Prepare Your Turkey (10 minutes)

Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Pro Tips:

  • This recipe works well for a single 12-16 lb turkey. For larger turkeys, use 2 turkey brine kits.
  • Save the giblets for gravy if desired

4. Brine Your Turkey (12-24 hours)

Place turkey in a brining bag or large container. Pour the chilled brine over the turkey, making sure it’s completely submerged. Seal and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

Pro Tips:

  • Turn the turkey occasionally for even brining
  • Keep refrigerated at all times during brining

5. Rinse and Dry (15 minutes)

Remove turkey from brine and discard the brine. Rinse turkey thoroughly inside and out with cold water. Pat completely dry with paper towels.

Pro Tips:

  • Thoroughly drying helps achieve crispy skin
  • Let turkey sit uncovered in fridge for extra crispy skin

6. Ready to Cook!

Your turkey is now perfectly brined and ready to cook according to your favorite recipe! The brine has added moisture and flavor throughout the meat.

Pro Tips:

  • Reduce added salt in your recipe
  • Expect juicy, flavorful results