How to Cook the Perfect Turkey
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.
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.
- 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?
Lane’s Turkey Brine Kit (1 Use) – Brine, Rub & Bag for a Juicy, Flavor-Packed Bird
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ No More Dry Turkey! - Juicy, flavorful results every time
✅ Pre-measured & Foolproof: Forget the measuring cups and guesswork. Spend less time worrying about the turkey and more time with family.
✅ All-natural, gluten-free, no MSG, and preservative-free - No Junk!
✅ Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any feast
Take the stress out of holiday cooking with Lane’s Turkey Brine Kit – your all-in-one solution for a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed turkey. This Single-use kit has everything you need: our signature brine mix, Turkey Time rub, and a heavy-duty brine bag big enough to handle the bird and the flavor.
What’s Inside:
- 1 (7.55 oz) bag of Lane’s Signature Brine
- 1 (4.6 oz) packet of Turkey Time Rub
- 1 XL heavy-duty brine bag (24"x24", 4 mil)
- Easy-to-follow instructions + QR code for video help
Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or smoking, this kit is perfect for first-timers and seasoned pros alike. Just soak, season, and cook – your guests will be begging for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Brine like a pro and show your turkey who’s boss. Lane’s Turkey Brine Kit is the secret weapon your holiday table’s been waiting for.
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 - Recipe & Guide
Unlock turkey perfection this season with Lane’s ultimate turkey guide — from brining to crisp skin, size tips to accurate smoking, we've got everything you need to serve up a show-stopping bird.
Smoking a Pork Butt Guide & Recipe
Easy step by step guide to smoking a pork butt with our Pork Butt recipe.
How to Smoke Ribs / Lane's Ribs Recipe
Check out this quick guide for smoked ribs & the famous Lane's Ribs recipe.
