Apple Cider Rosemary Christmas Turkey Recipe

My apple cider rosemary Christmas turkey is juicy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, thanks to a savory apple cider brine and classic rosemary-forward seasoning. Balanced with warm Southern soul food spices, this holiday turkey delivers tender meat, golden skin, and comforting Christmas flavor without complicated steps. Perfect for a stress-free, show-stopping holiday centerpiece!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe!

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 1 30

Making The Turkey Brine: 40

Total Time: 2 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food

Servings:

Calories: 594kcal

Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

Large pot
Reusable straining bag (for the brine)
9x13 deep-dish roasting pan with a lid

Ingredients

Ingredients for the brine

8 cups water
5 apples quartered – and another apple or two to garnish (You can use a mix of tart and sweet if you like (i.e., Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delicious)
1 orange with the peel on, quartered (and another orange or two to garnish)
2 tablespoons ginger minced
1 ½ tablespoons whole cloves
1 pomegranate quartered
½ cup brown sugar
3 cinnamon sticks

Ingredients for the turkey

10 pound turkey This recipe works for a 10-15 pound turkey
2 tablespoons seasoning Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning, or similar
2 tablespoons seasoning Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning, or similar
6-8 sprigs rosemary fresh
4 sprigs herbs to garnish: fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, and thyme

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, add water, apple slices, and brown sugar.
Place the cloves, ginger, cinnamon sticks, pomegranate, and orange slices into a strainer bag. Tighten the strings of the bag and place the strainer in the pot.
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer (a gentle heat, softer than a low boil) for 40 minutes.
Once the simmering time is finished, remove the strainer bag and use a slotted spoon to scoop out the apples.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine the seasonings (Famous Dave’s seasoning and roasted garlic & herb spice) to create a Southern spice rub for the turkey.
Spoon some of the apple cider brine onto the turkey to keep it moist, then rub the Southern spice rub mixture all over the bird.
Lift the turkey to ensure you rub the seasoning on the bottom of the bird as well.
Pour the apple cider into the deep-dish pan with the turkey for roasting.
You may want to add a little more of the seasoning rub in areas where it may have rinsed off the turkey when the apple cider was added. Then, tuck fresh sprigs of rosemary on top and around the turkey.
Place the turkey on the lower rack in the oven, uncovered.
Roast the turkey at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 30 minutes in the apple cider brine.
Baste the turkey with the brine every 20 to 30 minutes during roasting.
When the cooking time is complete, remove the turkey from the oven and baste it again with the pan juices.
Let the turkey sit for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, as well as slices of apple and orange. Serve with the turkey broth ladled on top or optional giblet gravy, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition

❤️ Why trust this recipe?

Created + tested by Shaunda Necole, creator of The Soul Food Pot® (real cook, real kitchen). Rooted in African American culinary traditions, with modern shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or legacy. No AI-generated instructions — measurements, timing, and techniques are written, cooked, and verified by Shaunda. Make-it-your-way guidance included, so you can cook confidently with the tools you have.

Save it so you can make it!Pin this recipe to remember it later.