Alton Brown Turkey Recipe

Alton Brown Turkey Recipe is made with vegetable broth, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and fresh herbs like rosemary and sage. This recipe creates a juicy, flavorful roast turkey. It takes about 11 hours to prepare and serves 10 to 12.

Alton Brown Turkey Recipe Ingredients

For the brine

• 1 (14- to 16-pound) frozen natural, young turkey
• 1 gallon vegetable broth, packaged, not low-sodium or sodium-free
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice berries
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped candied ginger
• 1 gallon heavily iced water

For the aromatics

• 1 red apple, quartered
• 1/2 yellow onion, quartered
• 1 cup water
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 leaves fresh sage
• Canola oil

How To Make Alton Brown Turkey Recipe

1. Thaw the Turkey: Two to three days before roasting, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator or a 38ºF cooler.
2. Make the Brine: In a large stockpot, bring the broth, salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, and candied ginger to a boil, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
3. Brine the Turkey: Combine chilled brine and ice water in a 5-gallon cooler. Submerge the turkey breast side-down, weigh it down if needed, and let brine for 8 to 16 hours, turning halfway through.
4. Prep for Roasting: Preheat oven to 500ºF. Remove turkey from brine, rinse inside and out with cold water, and pat dry.
5. Shape the Foil Shield: Fold heavy-duty foil into a triangle, grease with canola oil, mold over turkey breast, then set aside.
6. Prepare Aromatics: Microwave apple, onion, and water with a cinnamon stick for 5 minutes. Stuff steeped aromatics (not water), rosemary, and sage into the turkey cavity.
7. Oil and Roast: Tuck wings under the bird, coat skin lightly with canola oil, and roast on lowest oven rack for 30 minutes.
8. Insert Thermometer and Shield: Insert probe into thickest breast area, place foil shield on breast, reduce oven to 350ºF, and roast until internal temp reaches 155ºF (about 90 minutes to 2 hours).
9. Rest the Turkey: Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

Recipe Tips

• Brine Thoroughly: Ensure the turkey is fully submerged in the brine for even seasoning.
• Don’t Skip the Foil Triangle: It protects the breast from overcooking during roasting.
• Use a Probe Thermometer: Monitoring internal temperature ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
• Dry the Skin Well: Patting the turkey dry helps achieve crispy, golden skin.
• Rest Before Carving: Letting the turkey rest allows juices to redistribute for better flavor.

What To Serve With Turkey

This turkey pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and warm dinner rolls. For drinks, consider apple cider, Pinot Noir, or sparkling water with lemon.

How To Store Turkey

Refrigerate: Store carved turkey in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze turkey portions tightly wrapped or in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Turkey Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 55g
• Sodium: 890mg

FAQs

Can I use a fresh turkey instead of frozen?
Yes, a fresh turkey works well and skips the thawing step, but still needs brining.

Do I need to baste the turkey?
No basting is required; the brine keeps the turkey moist throughout roasting.

Can I make the brine ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and chill the brine up to three days in advance.

What can I use instead of a probe thermometer?
A regular meat thermometer works; just check often to avoid overcooking.

Is it safe to roast at 500ºF?
Yes, it’s only for 30 minutes to brown the skin, then the oven is lowered.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Baked Potato Fries Recipe
• Alton Brown Baked Pork Chops Recipe
• Alton Brown Baked Meatballs Recipe