Garlic Brown Sugar Dry Brine Turkey: The BEST Roast Turkey! | The Recipe Rebel

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, while white sugar is more economical.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a healthier fat profile, while canola is budget-friendly.

Place turkey in a large baking dish or roasting pan.

In a medium bowl, combine salt, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic and pepper. Rub all over turkey and under the skin where possible, using a large spoon to loosen the skin if necessary.

Place uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days. It will dry out, but don't worry -- that is normal!

Remove turkey from the fridge 1 hour before roasting.

Place turkey in a roasting pan or on a large rimmed sheet pan on a roasting rack. Use cooking twine to tie the legs together.

Combine melted butter, 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp minced garlic and brush over turkey.

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.

Pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan and roast turkey at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, until just starting to brown.

Reduce oven heat to 350 and continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F in the breast, about 2-2.5 hours more.

Remove turkey from the oven and let rest for 30-60 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens