Surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has become a go-to destination for holiday gatherings. Now, the resort’s own culinary expert is sharing one of his seasonal secrets.

In the video, Executive Chef Lonny Huot—of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa—walks viewers through creating a flavorful turkey brine that’s easy to make at home and guarantees a moist, delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.

Holiday Turkey Brine Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups apple cider

2 gallons cold water

4 tablespoons fresh rosemary

5 cloves garlic

1 ½ cups kosher salt

1 tablespoon allspice berries

3 tablespoons black peppercorns

3 large oranges, cut into wedges

How to Make It

1. Make the brine

In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Remove from heat, cover, and let the brine cool completely.

2. Brine the turkey

Place the uncooked turkey in a large brining bag or pot. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it’s fully submerged. Refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.

3. Rinse the turkey

Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid. Submerge the turkey in fresh, cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt.

4. Prepare for roasting

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and cook using your preferred roasting method.

Why It Works

This blend of citrus, herbs, and spices locks in moisture while infusing subtle, festive flavor deep into the meat — the same technique used in Dollywood’s award-winning resort kitchens.

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(Video courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)