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Dry Brine Roast Turkey Recipe

Juicy Dry Brine Roast Turkey Recipe for a Flavorful Feast

This Dry Brine Roast Turkey Recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to create a juicy turkey with perfectly crispy skin for your holiday feast.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 13 lb Turkey Make sure it’s fully thawed to ensure even cooking.
For the Brine
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt The key dry brining agent that locks in flavor and moisture.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil For coating the turkey to help achieve crispy skin.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Rosemary Enhances the flavor; substitute with thyme if needed.
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika Provides a hint of smokiness; regular paprika can also be used.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adds a gentle kick to the turkey’s flavor profile.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 small Navel Orange or Clementines Quartered for citrus aroma; lemons can work as a substitute.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Cloves Smashed and peeled to infuse the turkey with rich flavor.

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Rack
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin 1-3 days before your feast by removing the giblets and thoroughly patting your 13 lb turkey dry with paper towels. Generously rub kosher salt all over the turkey's exterior and inside the cavity, ensuring every crevice is covered. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator to allow the skin to dry out.
  2. 1-2 hours before you’re ready to roast, take the dry-brined turkey out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper until combined. Coat the brined turkey with this aromatic mixture.
  4. Gently place the quartered navel orange and smashed garlic cloves inside the turkey’s cavity along with any remaining rosemary sprigs. Truss the legs with kitchen twine.
  5. Position the turkey in your preheated oven and roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal thermometer registers 160°F in the breast. No basting is necessary.
  6. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalProtein: 50gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Plan Ahead: Start brining your turkey 1-3 days before cooking to ensure maximum flavor. Avoid rinsing the turkey after brining and let it rest before carving.

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