Frio Beer-Brined Roast Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, a delicious feast. While the traditional turkey is the star of the show, there are countless ways to make it a memorable and mouthwatering centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. One surefire way to elevate your turkey game is by preparing our Frio Beer-Brined Turkey. This recipe will add a flavorful twist to your Thanksgiving dinner, that will have your guests asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Brine:

1 gallon of water
1 can (12 ounces) of Frio Beer Light
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
1 tablespoon whole cloves
4-5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 orange, cut into quarters
1 lemon, cut into quarters

For the Turkey:

12-14 pound whole turkey (thawed, if frozen)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Additional herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish
2-3 cups chicken or turkey broth (for basting)

Instructions

Preparing the Brine:

Combine the water, the Frio Beer Light, kosher salt, brown sugar, bay leaves, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and cloves in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
Remove the pot from heat and add the fresh rosemary, thyme, orange, and lemon quarters. Allow the brine to cool completely to room temperature.

Brining the Turkey:

Place your thawed turkey into a large brining bag or a food-safe container big enough to hold the turkey and the brine.
Pour the cooled brine over the turkey. Make sure the turkey is fully submerged. If needed, add more water.
Seal the bag or cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 or 24 hours. This allows the turkey to absorb the flavors and moisture from the brine.

Roasting the Turkey:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously with freshly ground black pepper. For extra flavor, you can tuck fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs under the skin.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Add the chicken or turkey broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving.

There you have it – a Frio Beer-brined roast turkey that's bound to be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner. The combination of Frio Beer's light refreshing taste and the aromatic spices and herbs in the brine creates a turkey that's both juicy and incredibly flavorful. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to impress your guests, this beer-brined turkey will be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. So, grab your favorite light beer, and start brining for a Thanksgiving feast that your loved ones will remember for years to come. Cheers to a Frio Beer-Brined Thanksgiving!

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