Maple Brined Turkey

Recipe courtesy Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh

Show: Party Line with the Hearty BoysEpisode: Thanksgiving

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (15)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(15)

Cook Time:
5 hr 15 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
1 (20-pound) turkey; 15 to 20 servings

Times:

Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: 1 hr 0 min
Cook: 5 hr 15 min
Total:: 6 hr 30 min

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Ingredients

8 quarts water
2 cups kosher salt
2 cups pure maple syrup
2 bunches fresh thyme
6 bay leaves
4 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
3 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 (20-pound) turkey

Directions

Place all the ingredients, except the turkey, in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Line a large stockpot with an unscented garbage bag and put the turkey into the pot. Pour the cooled brine over the bird, close and seal the bag, and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the brine, dry well, and discard the brine.

Roast the turkey as you normally would, approximately 15 minutes a pound. Let stand for 30 minutes before carving.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Maple Brined Turkey
Reid Palm Springs, CA 11-27-2009
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My First Turkey Got Rave Reviews
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was my first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner and I hosted 10 people. Needless to say, I was very nervous. I soaked the... large turkey in the brine for about 14 hours and it was absolutely moist and delicious. I got rave reviews from my guests and my mother actually pulled me aside after dinner and said it was the best turkey she's ever had. Thank you Dan Smith, Steve McDonagh, and the Food Network.Read more
recipe Maple Brined Turkey
Damaris Miami, FL 11-23-2009
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Great!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I used this recipe last year and I plan on using it again. I added some fresh rosemary and thyme to give it a little extra... flavor. It was great! I can't wait to make it again this year!Read more
recipe Maple Brined Turkey
CHERISHEA Colton, CA 11-05-2009
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moistest Turkey
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was my first year cooking my own turkey and it came out great! I have to admit i have never tasted a more tender turkey.... Cant wait to use it again this year.Read more
recipe Maple Brined Turkey
Masa Little Neck , NY 11-27-2008
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Ruined My Thanksgiving Meal!!!!!
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

I always use food network and what I look for is the rating and then I try it. Listen, I'm an exceptional cook, and I have... tried brines before, on larger turkeys and it was wonderful. This time it made it sooooo salty. I did exactly what it said and it came out like salty turkey, my family tried to make me happy saying it was great then later my sister confessed to me my fears were true and one by one my family told me it was way too salty. If I were you, do yourself a favor the only thing I would change on this is add one cup of salt instead of 2 cups. Another thing I noticed is that the turkey didn't give any drippings, just a little, and it burned on the bottom below the roasting rack. I tried to make gravy with it and when I tasted it, it was really salty too. I even stuff my turkey with fruits and vegetables and herbs so it makes alot for drippings and makes it nice a favorful. I think it had something to do with all that salt. Thanks for reading. Read more
recipe Maple Brined Turkey
Jay Edina, MN 08-30-2008
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Guests will call it "Best Turkey I've ever had"
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've used this a number of times and I have had several guest make this very comment. In the summer, I use this recipie... and then smoke it on the grill for a few hrs. I usually just do a breast as it's easier to handle and we're white meat fans anyway. Can't go wrong. just remember Low and slow for smoking and make sure you let it rest for a good 15 minutes before carving. It will be incredibly moist if you wait.Read more
recipe Maple Brined Turkey
Laurele Richfield, MN 01-06-2008
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My first brined turkey
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I have never made a turkey this way but wanted to give it a try. I made this for Thanksgiving dinner and it was awesome. ... The turkey was very moist and flavorful. Rave reviews. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you guys!!Read more