How Long to Cook Brined Turkey? Cooking Time Chart

How Long to Cook Brined Turkey? Cooking Time Chart

When it comes to cooking a brined turkey, there is no definitive answer. If you are looking to cook a brined turkey, it is important to know how long to do so.

Turkey cooked in brine generally takes less time than traditional roasted turkey.

Planning on cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving?

Brining your bird will help keep it moist and flavorful.

But how long do you need to brine your turkey for maximum flavor? Check out our guide for the best times to brine your bird based on weight!

What is the best temperature to cook a brined turkey?

Brined turkey cooking time and temperature

When cooking a brined turkey, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best temperature to cook a brined turkey will depend on how long it was brined for.

If the turkey was only brined for a few hours, then a higher cooking temperature will be necessary to ensure the bird is cooked through. However, a lower cooking temperature will be sufficient if the turkey is brined for several days.

In general, it is best to cook a brined turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the turkey is juicy and flavorful without being dry or overcooked.

Do brined turkeys cook faster?

The quick answer is yes; brined turkeys do cook faster. This is because the brining process helps break down the tough muscle fibers in the turkey, making it more tender and easier to cook.

Additional Information:

  • A brined turkey is a bird soaked in a saltwater solution before cooking. The theory behind brining is that salt water helps to break down the protein fibers in the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful bird.
  • Some cooks add sugar to the brine, which adds tenderness and sweetness to the meat. While no doubt brining can result in a tastier turkey, many people are surprised to learn that it can also help the bird cook faster.
  • The reason for this is that the salt water solution helps to raise the internal temperature of the turkey, so it starts cooking as soon as it hits the oven. As a result, brining can be a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day.

How long does it take to cook a brined turkey?

How long does it take to cook a brined turkey

Brining is a popular way to ensure that a turkey remains moist and juicy during cooking. This process allows the bird to absorb additional moisture, which helps to prevent it from drying out during cooking.

As a result, many people wonder how long to cook a brined turkey. The answer depends on the bird’s size and the brine solution’s strength.

A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10 minutes per pound at 325ºF.

However, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as overcooked turkey can be dry and unpleasant to eat.

When cooked properly, a brined turkey will be moist, flavorful, and sure to please even the most discerning dinner guests.

Things to take care of when cooking a brined turkey

Cooking the turkey in the oven

There are a few things to remember when cooking a brined turkey:

  • First, remove the turkey from the brine at least 2 hours before cooking. This will help to prevent the turkey from being too salty.
  • Second, cook the turkey at a low temperature. This will help keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying.
  • Finally, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful turkey.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to cook a delicious brined turkey that everyone will enjoy.

Brined turkey cooking time chart per pound

Turkey Weight (LB)Cooking Time at 325ºF
10 lb Brined Turkey1 Hour and 36 Minutes
14 lb Brined Turkey2 Hours and 20 Minutes
18 lb Brined Turkey3 Hours and 10 Minutes
20 lb Brined Turkey3 Hours and 20 Minutes

Is your Thanksgiving menu ready yet? If you still need to decide on the main course, this handy guide to brined turkey cooking time per pound will help. Following the recommended times below, your bird will come out juicy and delicious every time.

10 lb brined turkey cooking time

It takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes to cook a 10 lb brined turkey. To ensure the turkey is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to

If you’re planning on cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving, it’s important to allow enough time for the bird to cook thoroughly. A ten-pound turkey will take approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes to cook when properly brined.

The turkey is ready to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

14 lb brined turkey cooking time

The best way to cook a 14 lb brined turkey is by roasting it in the oven. Roasting a turkey usually takes about 10 minutes per pound, so a 14 lb turkey would take about 2 hours and 20 minutes to cook.

18 lb brined turkey cooking time

An 18 lb brined turkey will take approximately 3 hours to cook.

This is the perfect size for a family gathering or large party. The turkey will be juicy and flavorful, and everyone will enjoy the delicious meal.

20 lb brined turkey cooking time

It usually takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to cook a 20 lb brined turkey.

However, cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the type of turkey you are cooking. Be sure to check the turkey frequently while cooking to ensure that it is not overcooked.

How long to roast a brined turkey?

Roasted brined turkey

To roast a brined turkey, cook it for about 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you a juicy, flavorful bird that will please your guests. 

A traditional Thanksgiving turkey can be a bit of a challenge to roast. After all, a lot is riding on getting it right. A dry, overcooked bird is no one’s idea of a good time.

On the other hand, a juicy, flavorful turkey is the show’s star.

The key to success is to start with a good quality bird and to brine it before cooking. Brining helps keep the meat moist and ensures it will be packed with flavor.

How do I know when the brined turkey is done?

Ready-to-eat turkey

The best way to know if your turkey is done is by doing the poke test. To do the poke test, insert a fork into the thickest part of the turkey breast. The turkey is done if the juices that come out are clear.

The turkey needs to continue cooking if the juices are pink or red. Additionally, you can tell that the turkey is done cooking when the legs start pulling away from the body, and the skin turns golden brown.

When cooked properly, a brined turkey will be juicy and tender, with flavorful, crispy skin. So, next time you cook a turkey, ditch the meat thermometer and go by feel. Your friends and family will be sure to thank you for it!

Tips and tricks for a better-brined turkey

Improving the turkey flavor

First of all, brine your turkey for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours for the best flavor and juiciness.

  • Add aromatics to your brine for an extra boost of flavor. Garlic, onion, peppercorns, and fresh herbs are all great additions.
  • Be sure to use a large food-grade container to hold your turkey and all of the brine.
  • If you don’t have time to make your brine, you can buy a pre-made one at the store.
  • Make sure to rinse your turkey thoroughly after brining it, as it will be quite salty.
  • Discard the used brine after each use, as it can harbor bacteria.
  • Brined turkeys cook faster than unbrined ones, so be sure to reduce the cooking time accordingly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey is cooked before serving.
  • Rest your turkey for 20-30 minutes after cooking before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Save the turkey bones to make homemade turkey stock for soup or gravy.
  • Brined turkeys are especially good for grilling or smoking, as they stay moist and juicy.
  • You can use any type of salt in your brine, but kosher salt is the most common.
  • Sugar is often added to brines to help balance out the salty flavor.
  • Don’t forget to baste your turkey regularly while it’s cooking to keep the meat moist.

Following these tips will help you create a delicious, juicy, and flavorful bird that will envy all your friends and family. Happy cooking!

What are the best side dishes to serve with brined turkey?

Mashed potatoes

Regarding holiday meals, few dishes are more impressive than a beautifully roasted turkey. While a brined turkey is delicious, it can be even better when paired with the right side dishes.

Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the succulent meat of a brined turkey. Try adding some garlic or herb-infused butter to the potatoes for an extra-special touch.
  • Green beans: A classic Thanksgiving side dish, green beans are a perfect pairing for brined turkey. Their slight bitterness helps offset the meat’s rich flavor, and their bright color is a beautiful contrast to the white flesh of the bird.
  • Cranberry sauce: The sweetness of cranberry sauce is a delicious counterpoint to the savory flavors of a brined turkey.

Final Words

Brining your turkey is the best way to ensure a moist, flavorful bird. Use these tips and tricks to ensure that your next turkey is the best!

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.