Sugar and Spice Cured Turkey
Infuse your holiday feast with bold, aromatic flavors by preparing this Sugar and Spice Cured Turkey. This recipe combines a perfectly balanced blend of warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—with the richness of brown sugar and the depth of smoky paprika, creating a brine that transforms your turkey into a juicy, flavorful centerpiece. The overnight curing process ensures every bite is infused with sweet and savory goodness, while the slow roasting locks in moisture for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this foolproof recipe will delight your guests with its stunning presentation and unforgettable taste. Pair it with classic holiday sides for a meal that will make your celebration truly magical!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 lb Whole turkey
- 1 cup Kosher salt
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Ground black pepper
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Ground cloves
- 1 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 4 Bay leaves
- 1 gallon Water
- 8 cups Ice
Instructions
Begin by defrosting the turkey completely if frozen. Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
In a large stockpot, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and paprika with 1 gallon of water. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
Add the bay leaves to the brine mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Place the cooled brine in a large brining bag or a non-reactive container big enough to hold the turkey. Add 8 cups of ice to the brine to ensure it is completely cold.
Submerge the turkey fully in the brine. Seal the bag or cover the container, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
Once the turkey has finished brining, remove it from the liquid and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Lightly season the outside with additional ground black pepper or paprika if desired.
Roast the turkey uncovered in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with its juices, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thighs reach 175°F (79°C).
Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Serve your Sugar and Spice Cured Turkey alongside your favorite holiday sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
914 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.7 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 350 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 11034 mg | 480% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.3 g | ||
| Protein | 108.6 g | 217% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 194 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1345 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
