Name: Wet Brine for Turkey
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 8 to 18 hours (does not include roasting time)
Yield: Brine for 1 (12- to 14- pound) turkey
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1 cup Morton kosher salt or 2/3 cup fine table or sea salt); 1 gallon cool water; 1 (12- to 14- pound) turkey,* neck and giblets removed; *Avoid brining a kosher turkey, which has already been salted.; Equipment: 1 heavy-duty brining bag or 2 oven-roasting bags; 1 twist tie or rubber band; large roasting pan or extra-large bowl; N/A 1 twist tie or rubber band; N/A large roasting pan

Image may contain Supper Dinner Food Meal Roast Turkey Dinner Animal Seafood Sea Life and Lobster

Cookbook author and culinary pro Molly Stevens created this recipe exclusively for Epicurious. A wet turkey can be slow to brown, so for the best results, remove the turkey from the brine 8 to 12 hours before you plan to roast, pat it dry, and let it sit in the refrigerator, uncovered to dry the surface. If you don't have time to let it air-dry, do your best to thoroughly dry the surface after brining. Rubbing the skin with butter or oil will also encourage browning.

Keep in mind that it's best not to stuff a brined turkey, because the juices will concentrate in the cavity and overseason your stuffing. Instead, cook your stuffing in a baking dish alongside the turkey.

See our Complete Guide to Brining for more on wet and dry brining.

Recipe notes

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Rouille

This piquant French sauce comes together in the blender in just five minutes.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Key Lime Pie Thumbprint Cookies

The classic dessert reimagined as a soft and chewy cookie with a buttery, brown-sugar-sweetened graham cracker dough and a silky lime custard filling.