Go Back
A perfectly cooked whole brined turkey, golden brown and ready to serve.

Best way to grow a 12 lb Brined Turkey

This recipe focuses on the brining and cooking process for a 12 lb turkey, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 lb Turkey
  • 2 gallons Water
  • 1 cup Kosher Salt
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Peppercorns
  • 2 Oranges, halved
  • 4 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

Equipment

  • Large Stockpot
  • Roasting Pan
  • Roasting Rack
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Brining the Turkey
  1. In a large stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns; bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve, then remove from heat.
  2. Add the remaining 1 gallon of cold water to cool the brine, then add the orange halves and rosemary sprigs.
  3. Once the brine is completely cool, submerge the turkey in the brine, ensuring it is fully covered; if needed, use a plate to keep the turkey submerged, then refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
Roasting the Turkey
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and remove the turkey from the brine, patting it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan and roast for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  3. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to ensure the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

Notes

Brining is crucial for a moist turkey, especially for a 12 lb bird. Ensure the brine is completely cooled before adding the turkey to prevent cooking. Patting the turkey dry before roasting helps achieve crispy skin. For extra flavor, you can stuff the turkey cavity with aromatics like onions, apples, or herbs before roasting.