Roasted Smoky Turkey Legs
Servings: 10 | Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 26 Hours
Description:
The tantalizing taste of smoked turkey legs is something my husband and I absolutely adore, and it holds a special place in our hearts—especially those huge turkey legs served at theme parks. However, with this recipe, you can recreate that smoky, savory flavor right at home without needing a smoker. The process starts with a flavorful brine that imparts deep flavor, followed by a simple roasting technique that guarantees a crispy skin and tender meat. The best part? It doesn’t require hours of active cooking—just some patience while the turkey legs soak in the brine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Morton Tender Quick salt | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Liquid smoke | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 gallon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1216.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 54.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 579.4 mg |
| Sodium | 612.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 10.7 g |
| Protein | 159.5 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Brine:
In a large mixing bowl, combine Morton Tender Quick salt, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and water. Stir well until the salt and sugar have dissolved completely. This creates a flavorful brine that will tenderize and flavor your turkey legs. -
Brine the Turkey Legs:
Place your turkey legs into a large container or resealable bag. Pour the briny mixture over the legs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the container or bag tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Let the turkey legs brine for anywhere between 24 to 72 hours, depending on how intense you want the flavor to be. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they’ll become. -
Pre-Roasting Preparation:
After the brining period, remove the turkey legs from the brine. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt, and then pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This step helps in achieving crispy skin during roasting. -
Roast at 350°F:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes. At this point, the turkey will be almost done, with the meat cooked through. However, the skin will still be pale and soft, so we need to elevate the color and crispiness. -
Increase the Temperature for Color:
Once the turkey legs are almost cooked, increase the oven temperature to 500°F. Roast the legs for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This high temperature will help achieve a rich, mahogany color on the skin and crisp it to perfection. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once both sides of the turkey legs are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy these smoky, flavorful turkey legs that are perfect for any occasion.
These turkey legs make for a hearty, savory lunch or snack, and they’re great for family meals or gatherings. Whether you’re planning a themed dinner or simply want a delicious homemade version of your favorite theme park treat, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!
