Roasted Turkey Legs ๐Ÿ—

Roasted Turkey Legs :poultry_leg:

Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 2 hours 10 minutes
Makes 4 turkey legs
Serves 4

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly to a loose, spreadable consistency
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves (from about 3 sprigs)
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves (from about 7 sprigs)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon packed dark or light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 skin-on, bone-in turkey drumsticks (10- to 18-ounces each), patted dry

Directions:

  1. Arrange an oven rack 8 to 10 inches from the broiling element and heat the oven to 325ยบF. Fit a wire rack onto a baking sheet (line the baking sheet with aluminum foil first if desired).

  2. Stir together 1 stick spreadable unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard if using, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper together in a small bowl.

  3. Rub the mixture all over 4 skin-on, bone-in turkey drumsticks, carefully tucking some under the skin. Wrap each drumstick in aluminum foil. Place on the wire rack.

  4. Bake until the turkey is extremely tender and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone registers at least 165ยบF, 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

  5. Remove from the oven and heat the broiler. Unwrap the drumsticks and return them to the wire rack. (Carefully pour any liquid in the foil into a heat-proof container, cool, and then use to make gravy or refrigerate for another use if desired.)

  6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil until the turkey skin is crispy, flipping halfway through, 8 to 10 minutes total (watch closely, it can burn quickly!). Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

Helpful Swaps:

Add 1/2 teaspoon dry rubbed sage or poultry seasoning to the butter for some extra holiday flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for a little heat.
Sprinkle the finished turkey legs with a little finely chopped parsley.
You can use salted butter in place of unsalted; just give it a taste before adding salt to make sure you donโ€™t overdo it.
Replace garlic powder with freshly grated garlic cloves.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

If you want extra-crispy skin, set the turkey legs on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, overnight. This will thoroughly dry the skin (and make the butter go on a little easier, too!).
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Recipe courtesy of The Kitchn.com

4 Likes

A renaissance faire specialty! Although itโ€™s much cheaper (and probably even tastier) to make turkey legs at home. Best of all, you can still wear a costume while you eat them :joy: :dragon: :princess: :poultry_leg:

Thanks for the fun recipe, Amethyst!

1 Like

Youโ€™re welcome! I figured it was getting to be Fall, and that would be a good recipe. Plus, you know, good for pirates as well as knights!

1 Like