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Juicy Apple Cider-Brined Turkey Breast: Easy Thanksgiving Recipe

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This Juicy Apple Cider-Brined Turkey Breast is the perfect solution for small gatherings, delivering incredibly moist and flavorful meat with a crispy, caramelized skin. The apple cider brine works magic overnight, making this a stress-free yet impressive dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered, if possible)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; if using Morton’s, use 1/3 cup)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
  • 1 orange, quartered
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–7 pounds / 2.3–3.2 kg)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Brine (Day Before, 15 minutes): In a large pot, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup kosher salt, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons peppercorns, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 3 sprigs rosemary, 4 sprigs thyme, 3 bay leaves, quartered orange, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining 2 cups cold water. Cool completely to room temperature.
  2. Brine the Turkey (Day Before, 5 minutes): Place turkey breast in a brining container. Pour cooled brine over turkey, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Add more cold water if needed. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 12 hours.
  3. Prepare for Roasting (Roasting Day, 15 minutes): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove turkey from brine and discard brine. Rinse turkey thoroughly under cold running water. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  4. Season the Turkey (5 minutes): In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dried sage. Rub turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over entire surface, including under the skin if possible. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up.
  5. Roast the Turkey (1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes): Roast for 45 minutes. Start checking internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone. When it reaches 155°F (68°C), start brushing with glaze.
  6. Make the Glaze (During Roasting, 5 minutes): In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat.
  7. Glaze and Finish (15-20 minutes): Once turkey hits 155°F, brush a generous layer of glaze over the skin. Return to oven and continue roasting, brushing with more glaze every 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Total roasting time is about 15-20 minutes per pound.
  8. Rest and Serve (20 minutes): Remove turkey from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the turkey after brining to avoid overly salty skin. Pat the turkey very dry for crispy skin. Use a thermometer, not a timer, to check doneness. Pull the turkey at 155-158°F and let it rest; carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F. Baste with the glaze, not pan juices, to keep skin crispy. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, apple cider brine, Thanksgiving, small gathering, juicy turkey, roasted turkey, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/juicy-apple-cider-brined-turkey-breast-easy-thanksgiving-recipe/