Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Meat Church Turkey Brine for Juicy Results
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to use Meat Church Turkey Brine, you’re not alone. This flavorful brine blend is a go-to for backyard cooks and competition pitmasters who want to serve turkey that’s moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weekend smoke, this guide walks you through mixing, brining, cooking, and pairing so your turkey shines on the table.
What is Meat Church Turkey Brine?
Meat Church Turkey Brine is a pre-mixed blend of salt, sugar, and spices designed specifically for whole turkeys. Instead of guessing ratios, you simply dissolve the mix in liquid to create a brine that ensures juicy, flavorful results. Available at DDR BBQ Supply, it’s one of the most popular poultry products we carry during the holidays.
Why Brining Works for Turkey
Turkey breast meat is lean and prone to drying out during long cooks. Brining helps solve that by using salt and sugar molecules to bond with proteins, drawing seasoning inside and locking in extra moisture. The end result is turkey that stays juicy even after hours in the smoker, oven, or grill.
Mixing the Brine
The standard ratio is simple:
- 1 cup Meat Church Turkey Brine mix per 1 gallon of water or enough to completely submerse your turkey.
You can substitute part of the water with apple juice, chicken broth or chicken stock depending on the flavor profile you're trying to achieve. Always chill the liquid before submerging your turkey to ensure food safety.
How to Brine Step-by-Step
- Mix the brine: Dissolve Meat Church Turkey Brine into cold water or stock.
- Prep the turkey: Thaw completely, remove giblets, and trim excess fat or skin.
- Submerge: Place turkey in a food-safe container or brining bag. Pour brine until the bird is fully covered. We love the XL Drip Ez prep tubs for turkey.
- Refrigerate: Brine in the fridge the entire time—never at room temperature.
- Rinse and dry: After brining, rinse lightly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season & cook: Apply binder and rub, then cook using your preferred method.
Brine Times for Turkey
| Turkey Size | Brine Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 lbs | 12–18 hours | Flip halfway for even brining. |
| 12–16 lbs | 18–24 hours | Don’t exceed 24 hours to avoid over-salting. |
| 16–20 lbs | 24–30 hours | Use an extra-large brining bag for full coverage. |
Cooking After Brining
After brining, apply a binder like Double Dun Ranch BBQ Binder to help rubs stick. Then cook as desired:
- Smoked turkey: 250–275°F until breast hits 165°F and thigh 175°F.
- Grilled turkey: Indirect heat at 325°F, rotate for even cooking.
- Oven roasted: Classic method with the same target internal temps.
Pairing Rubs & Sauces
Layer flavor after brining by pairing with rubs and sauces:
- Double Dun Ranch BBQ Turkey Rub: A savory rub that goes perfect on turkey.
- Meat Church Texas Sugar BBQ Rub: Use on whole bird or turkey breast. Many use it in Meat Church’s spatchcock turkey recipes.
- Meat Church Holy Voodoo BBQ Rub: More bold, spicier direction — good contrast to sweet
- Meat Church Gospel BBQ Rub: A great all-purpose blend;
- War Pig SNAFU BBQ Sauce: Orange, pineapple, and chipotle brings a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky that pairs beautifully with turkey’s mild meat
- Craig's BBQ Sauce: A traditional BBQ sauce that pairs great with turkey.
FAQ: How to Use Meat Church Turkey Brine
Do I need to rinse after brining?
Yes. A quick rinse prevents the surface from being too salty before seasoning.
Can I dry brine instead?
You can, but Meat Church Turkey Brine is formulated for wet brining, which works best for large birds.
Do I need to inject as well?
Not required, but you can inject with broth or butter for layered flavor.
Can I brine frozen turkey?
No. Always thaw completely before brining.
What if my turkey is too big for the fridge?
Use a cooler with ice packs to keep the brine under 40°F the entire time.
Shop Essentials for Brining Turkey
Make this holiday season your best yet. Order Meat Church Turkey Brine from DDR BBQ Supply and take your turkey from dry to divine.
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. You can shop top-quality grills, smokers, the best BBQ rubs and sauces, accessories, and expert advice. Stock up on top-quality BBQ supplies to bring authentic smokehouse flavor to your backyard cookouts.
Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, offset smokers, water cookers, gravity fed smokers. BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
