Easy Turkey Brine

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 carrot, peeled, diced
  • 1 large onion, peeled, diced
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 2 large sprigs thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

Directions

  1. Bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil in a large (16-qt.) pot, stirring until salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
  2. Turn off heat.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to brine base.
  4. Refrigerate, uncovered, until cold.
  5. Add 6 quarts cold water to pot.
  6. Add turkey.
  7. Place a plate on top of turkey to keep submerged.
  8. Cover; chill for up to 72 hours. (The turkey will be juicier and more flavorful if allowed to brine the full 72 hours.)