How to Cook the Perfect Turkey
Large two-use Ultimate Turkey Kit Seasoning Notes: Layer with a light layer of SPG and then a layer of Spellbound rub.
Quick Turkey Tips:
- Total Time: Thaw 1–5 days → Brine 12–24 hrs → Dry 8–12 hrs → Smoke ~2.5–3.5 hrs → Rest 20–30 mins
- General Thaw Time: 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds. (Examples: 12-lb turkey = 2 full days, 15-lb turkey = 3–4 days.)
- Brine Tip: No need to boil - Mix, soak, and go.
- Turkey temp: Internal Temp needs to be 160 (use an instant-read meat thermometer) - Turkeys vary in size, be sure to cook to temp and not time.
- Tools: Smoker/grill/oven, meat thermometer, big brining bag or bucket, roasting rack, carving knife, seasoning & brine kit
- Biggest Tips: Plan ahead, brine for flavor, pat that skin dry, cook to temp, not time, let it rest before carving.
- For Ultimate Turkey Brine Kit (Spellbound + SPG): Season with a light layer of SPG, then a layer of Spellbound.
Step-by-Step Brining Instructions
Brining and cooking a turkey can be intimidating but we make it as easy as possible for you to walk step by step through the whole process. Plus, we are here to help if you get stuck.
24 Hour Brine:
- Pour a gallon of water into the brining bag. (Cold water is fine, no need to boil.)
- Add the full brine mix packet and stir.
- Add your turkey (if not fully submerged, add more water) and then seal the bag.
- Place in a food-grade container/bucket/large bowl to keep the seal upright.
- Place in the refrigerator and brine for 24 hours.
Please see our step-by-step Brining Guide for more help if needed.
Air Dry (Optional):
For a crispier skin, which we suggest, allow the turkey to air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for 12 hours before seasoning, preferably on a rack if you have one.
Season and Cook
- Remove Turkey from brine and pat dry, if you didn't air dry.
- Use olive oil as a binder and season with Lane’s Turkey Time Seasoning or (Light layer of SPG and a layer of Spellbound Rub).
- Oven - Set oven to 325 degrees and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees in the breast. (See step-by-step "How to Cook a Turkey in the Oven" Guide)
- Smoker - Set smoker indirect to 325 degrees and smoke for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees in the breast. We prefer cherry wood for the smoke. (See step-by-step "How to Smoke a Turkey" Guide.)
- IMPORTANT: Always cook turkey to temp and not time. Turkeys vary in size, so your cooking time may vary. It's best to use a meat thermometer to hit the 160 degree temp.
Holiday Brining Articles and Videos
We have tons of in-depth information and recipes to help you on your journey to cook the perfect turkey.
Step-by-Step Brining Guide & Video
A simple guide to brining meat—why it works and how to do it for juicier, more flavorful results.
Ultimate Guide to Smoking a Turkey & Recipe
Key tips and techniques for smoking, brining, seasoning, and cooking a moist, flavorful turkey.
How to Cook a Turkey in the Oven Guide & Recipe
Our step-by-step guide walks you through from start to finish for cooking a delicious turkey in the oven.
How to Spatchcock a Turkey Guide & Recipe
How to prep, season, & smoke a spatchcocked turkey for a faster cook & juicier, crisp-skinned result.
How to Carve a Turkey
Learn how to carve a turkey like a pro. Step-by-step carving tutorial from Lane’s BBQ to create the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Need more Brine & Seasoning?
Everything You Need to Brine One Juicy, Flavorful Turkey
Take the guesswork out of your Thanksgiving turkey with Lane's Turkey Brine Kit. This all-in-one, single-use kit includes our Signature Turkey Brine, Turkey Time Seasoning, and an XL heavy-duty brining bag, all pre-measured and ready to help you prepare one tender, juicy, flavor-packed turkey.
Our Signature Brine seasons the turkey from the inside out while helping it stay juicy through roasting, smoking, or grilling. Once it's brined, finish it with Turkey Time Seasoning for savory herbs and classic holiday flavor on the outside.
No measuring out a homemade turkey brine. No hunting down a brining bag. No wondering which seasoning to use afterward. Just brine it, season it, cook it, and get ready for a turkey everyone actually wants seconds of.
Why You'll Love It
- Everything for One Turkey: Brine, seasoning, brining bag, and easy-to-follow instructions are all included.
- Pre-Measured & Easy: Skip the measuring cups and guesswork so you can spend less time worrying about the turkey.
- Made for a Juicier Turkey: Brining helps your turkey stay moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
- Works with Your Cooking Method: Use it before smoking, roasting, or grilling your Thanksgiving turkey.
- Gluten-Free: Made without MSG or preservatives.
What's Included in the Turkey Brine Kit?
- 1 (7.55 oz) bag of Lane's Signature Brine
- 1 (2.5 oz) packet of Turkey Time Seasoning
- 1 XL heavy-duty brining bag - 24" x 24", 4 mil
- Easy-to-follow instructions with QR code access to video help
One Turkey. One Kit. No Guesswork.
Whether this is your first Thanksgiving turkey or you've been cooking the bird for years, this kit makes the prep simple. Brine your turkey for juicy, seasoned meat, add Turkey Time before cooking, then roast it in the oven, smoke it, or fire up the grill.
The result? A savory, herb-forward turkey with balanced flavor and moisture where it matters most.
Flavor Profile: Savory, herbaceous, lightly sweet, and well-balanced
Heat Level: Mild
Designed For: Preparing one tender, juicy, and flavorful whole turkey
Great For: Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas dinner, smoked turkey, oven-roasted turkey, and grilled turkey
Prepares: One whole turkey
A Good Choice If: You want an easy turkey brine kit that includes the brine, seasoning, bag, and instructions needed to prepare one whole turkey without buying everything separately.
Top Lane's Products to Try Next:
Other Ways to Brine
It's not just for Turkeys! Brining is a powerful, flavorful cooking method for all types of meats and veggies. - Check these recipes & articles out that include brining!
Brined chicken wings sauced up with a combo of our Sorta White sauce and One-Legged Chicken Buffalo Sauce.
Chicken WIngs RecipeThis is a sweet and savory dish that will rock your flavor palate. The salt from the brine and the sweetness from the apple pie seasoning are a killer combo.
Pork Chops RecipeWhile we prefer wet brining, dry brining is another method to give a try and taste the difference.
Dry Brine Secrets You’ll Actually UsePopular How To's & Guides
How to Smoke a Turkey Guide & Recipe
Check out this easy step-by-step guide for brining, smoking & carving a turkey.
How to Smoke a Brisket Guide & Recipe
Step-by-step instructions for smoking the perfect brisket, helpful tips, and essential techniques that will ensure your brisket turns out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Smoking a Pork Butt Guide & Recipe
Easy step by step guide to smoking a pork butt with our Pork Butt recipe.
