Recipe

As the holidays draw near, one of the season’s biggest stars is back on center stage: the Thanksgiving turkey! And if you want your turkey to be juicy, tender, and full of flavor, a good brine is key. Brining enhances flavor and moisture, so even if the bird is slightly overcooked, it stays delicious and juicy. Let’s dive into brine recipes from three of the world’s most celebrated chefs: Martha Stewart, Julia Child, and Ina Garten.

Plus, you can snag a viral Butterball Turkey on Amazon Fresh for just $0.49 per pound—the perfect foundation for a holiday feast!


Photo by Monstera Production

Martha Stewart's Classic Turkey Brine

Martha’s approach to turkey brine is classic, using ingredients that enhance the natural flavors of the bird while adding a subtle hint of sweetness and herbiness. Here’s her process:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup coarse salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh sage
• 5 bay leaves

Steps:

1. Combine the water, salt, and sugar in a large pot. Stir over medium heat until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
2. Remove the pot from heat, then add the peppercorns, allspice berries, rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves.
3. Allow the brine to cool completely. You can chill it quickly by adding a few cups of ice.
4. Submerge the turkey in the cooled brine, and refrigerate it for 12-24 hours.
5. Rinse the turkey thoroughly before cooking, then roast as desired.

Get the full details on Martha Stewart’s website here.

Julia Child’s Turkey Brine & Stuffing Tips

Julia Child’s take on turkey preparation includes a unique approach to brining. Her updated recipe from America’s Test Kitchen suggests adding aromatics to the brine for extra depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup table salt (or 3/4 cup kosher salt)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 gallon water
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns

Steps:

1. Dissolve the salt and sugar in water over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, thyme, lemon, and peppercorns once the mixture has cooled.
3. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate it for 8-12 hours.
4. Rinse the bird thoroughly before roasting.

For a real Julia-inspired turkey, consider pairing this brine with her special stuffing! Check out the full updated recipe from America's Test Kitchen here.

Ina Garten’s Easy But Delicious Turkey Brine

Ina Garten’s recipes are known for being straightforward yet incredible. Her brine incorporates sweet and savory flavors that enhance the turkey without overpowering it.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• 5 whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 4 sprigs rosemary
• 4 sprigs thyme

Steps:

1. In a large stockpot, combine the apple cider, salt, and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until dissolved.
2. Add the peppercorns, cloves, star anise, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Cool the brine completely, then submerge the turkey in the mixture.
4. Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
5. Before roasting, rinse the turkey to remove excess salt.

You can find the full recipe and Ina’s roasting tips on The Kitchn here.

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Now that you’re armed with three brine recipes from the culinary elite, make sure you’re starting with a high-quality bird. Butterball turkeys have been trending for their consistent quality, and Amazon Fresh is offering them for only $0.49 per pound. This is the perfect chance to stock up and make the holiday feast unforgettable!

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No matter which brine you choose, each of these recipes will help you achieve an unforgettable Thanksgiving centerpiece. Enjoy the holidays and your delicious, brined turkey!