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Easy Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A tender, juicy, flavor-packed turkey brined in buttermilk for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 1 day
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dinner, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Buttermilk Brine
  • 6 cups buttermilk
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp crushed garlic
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme
Turkey
  • 1 whole turkey 12–14 lbs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Roasting pan
  • Brining bag or large container
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Whisk buttermilk, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme to make brine.
  2. Place turkey into brining bag and cover fully with buttermilk brine. Refrigerate 24 hours.
  3. Remove turkey, discard brine, and pat dry completely.
  4. Rub turkey with olive oil or butter and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Roast turkey at 325°F (165°C) for 3 to 3.5 hours or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  6. Rest turkey 20–30 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

Allowing the turkey to dry in the fridge before roasting helps create extra crispy skin.