Roasted Turkey with White Wine and Pineapple Brine (Hawaiian Style)

ESPAÑOL For over 13 years, I’ve been preparing turkeys for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and this White Wine and pineapple marinade for Roasted Turkey has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Let me tell you the story of how this recipe came to life.

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A close friend of ours, who happens to be a chef at a renowned restaurant in Chicago, served us the most incredible caramelized pineapple pork chops. The sweet and tangy flavors paired perfectly with the savory pork, and as I enjoyed every bite, a lightbulb went off in my head: “Why not try something similar with a holiday turkey?”

The idea was too tempting to resist, so I got to work in my kitchen, combining white wine, pineapple juice, and a few of my favorite ingredients to create a marinade. The result? A beautifully golden, tender, and flavorful turkey that stole the show at our Christmas dinner. The sweet aroma of pineapple, mingling with the depth of white wine, filled our home as it roasted—and when I finally placed it on the table, the whole family couldn’t stop marveling at how gorgeous it looked.

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This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big holiday feast. Over the years, I’ve refined it to perfection, ensuring that every step is simple to follow and results in a turkey that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.

If you are looking for something more traditional Mexican, check out my Pavo Adobado marinated in achiote and guajillo sauce or, for a classic, Perfect Roasted Orange Turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (7–11 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cup pineapple juice
• 3 cans pineapple slices in syrup
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 bunch cilantro
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 tbsp ground pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• tbsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 apple
• 1 head garlic
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• cherries for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a blender, combine: Orange juice, 3 slices of pineapple and the whole can syrup, soy sauce, 6 whole garlic cloves, Ketchup, Cilantro, White wine, Ground pepper, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ginger, salt.

2. Prepare the Turkey

Remove the turkey giblets. Carefully loosen the turkey skin using a knife or spoon, ensuring it doesn’t tear.

Rub the marinade under the skin and inside the turkey cavity. I like to add half a garlic head inside the cavity as well as an quarter apple to keep the turkey moisture while roasting.

Place the turkey in an oven bag or roasting pan. Add any remaining marinade on top and seal.

Refrigerate overnight, turning the turkey occasionally to ensure even marination.

3. Bake the Turkey

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• If using an oven bag, cut a small slit on top to let steam escape.
• If using foil paper, cover the whole turkey in foil.
• Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour per every pounds pound or kilogram. A meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the deepest part to ensure is fully cooked.
• Once baked, carefully open the oven bag to release steam. Brush the turkey with oil or cooking spray and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes to brown the skin.

Caramelized Pineapple Garnish

To create beautifully caramelized pineapple slices that will elevate your turkey presentation:

• Soak in White Wine: Submerge the pineapple slices in white wine for at least 5 minutes. This step infuses the fruit with a subtle depth of flavor.
• Coat with Brown Sugar: Generously sprinkle each slice with brown sugar, ensuring an even coating for that irresistible caramelized finish.
• Cook to Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt a generous amount of butter. Add the pineapple slices and cook until the brown sugar caramelizes, forming a golden, glossy coating. Flip as needed to ensure both sides are evenly caramelized.

Decorate Your Turkey: Once the pineapple slices are beautifully caramelized, use them to garnish your turkey. Arrange them around or on top of the turkey for a stunning, flavorful finishing touch.

These caramelized pineapple slices not only add a visual wow factor but also bring a sweet, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the turkey.

White Wine Gravy Recipe

1. Mix ½ cup pineapple syrup with 2 tbsp flour until fully dissolved.
2. Combine the mixture with the turkey drippings.
3. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. For a thicker gravy, dissolve more flour in cold pineapple juice before adding.

Additional Tips

• Always let your turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving to retain its juices.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

This Hawaiian-style baked turkey is a unique twist on a holiday classic. The sweetness of pineapple, the richness of white wine, and the savory depth of the marinade create a symphony of flavors your family will love.

Injected vs. Marinated Turke

While some prefer injecting marinades directly into the turkey, I recommend marinating instead. Injected flavors tend to stay localized, while marinating ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the turkey. However, if you love using an injector, you can definitely use the pineapple and white wine marinade for this Hawaiian-style recipe.