how to make your own deli meat
how to make your own deli meat is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Brown Sugar on YouTube.
Prep: 14 hrs 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 15 hrs 30 min
Cost: $13.75 total, $3.44 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 gallon Water (cold tap water)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 0.5 cup Kosher Salt (coarse)
- 2 tablespoon Black Peppercorns (whole)
- 2 piece Bay Leaves (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (optional for smoky flavor)
- 2 piece Turkey Breast (large, about 2‑3 lb each, skinless, bone‑in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (fine)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet)
- 1 sheet Aluminum Foil (heavy‑duty)
Instructions
Make the Brine
Combine the cold water, brown sugar, kosher salt, whole peppercorns, bay leaves, and liquid smoke in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the Turkey
Pat the two turkey breasts dry with paper towels. Place them into the brine, making sure they are fully submerged. If needed, weigh the container down with a plate.
Time: PT5M
Brine Overnight
Transfer the container to the refrigerator and let the turkey brine for 12‑14 hours (overnight).
Time: PT12H
Remove and Dry
Take the turkey out of the brine, discard the brine, and pat the breasts dry again. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 250°F
Season the Surface
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Brush each turkey breast with olive oil, then sprinkle with fine salt, ground black pepper, and sweet paprika.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Turkey
Bake the turkey breasts for about 45 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C) is reached. Remove and let rest; the temperature will rise to the safe 165°F (74°C) while cooling.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 250°F
Cool to Room Temperature
Transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board and allow it to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Chill for Firmness
Wrap the cooled turkey tightly in heavy‑duty aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This firms the meat for clean slicing.
Time: PT2H
Slice and Serve
Unwrap the turkey, place on a cutting board, and slice thinly (about 1 mm) using a sharp knife. Use immediately in sandwiches or store as described.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Carb, Paleo‑Friendly
Last updated: April 15, 2026








