Roasting Turkey Legs: How Long Should You Cook Them?

how long do you roast a turkey leg

Turkey legs are a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey. They are perfect for small-scale dinners and are easier to cook than a whole bird. The cooking time depends on the size of the legs, the type of baking pan, and the type of oven. In general, turkey legs should be roasted for about 60-90 minutes at 350-450°F. The best way to check if they are done is to use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should be at least 160-180°F.

Characteristics Values
Oven temperature 325°F-450°F
Roasting time 1 hour 20 minutes-2 hours 10 minutes
Resting time 10-30 minutes
Turkey leg weight 10-18 ounces
Turkey leg temperature 160°F-180°F

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How to get crispy skin

Prep the Turkey Legs

Firstly, rinse and dry the turkey legs. Then, rub the turkey legs with butter, oil, or a mixture of kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder. You can also try stuffing the legs with celery or creating pockets in the meat and rubbing butter and salt under and over the skin.

Cook the Turkey Legs

Roast the turkey legs at a high temperature. You can start with a high heat and finish on a low heat, or maintain a high heat throughout. For example, you could roast the turkey legs at 450°F for 25 minutes and then reduce the heat to 325°F for the remaining time. Alternatively, maintain a temperature of 350°F for 90 minutes to two hours. If you want to smoke the turkey legs, you will need to finish them in an oven at a high temperature or quickly deep-fry them to get crispy skin.

Rest the Turkey Legs

After cooking, let the turkey legs rest for 10 to 30 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and the temperature to climb, ensuring juicy meat.

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How long to roast at 350°F

Roasting turkey legs at 350°F is a great way to enjoy a smaller portion of turkey without cooking an entire bird. The cooking time will depend on the size of the legs, but you can expect them to take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to roast turkey legs at 350°F:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is a lower temperature than some other roasting methods, so it will take a little longer to cook the turkey legs but will help ensure they are cooked through without drying out.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Legs

Remove the turkey legs from the fridge about 15 minutes before you plan to roast them. This will help the meat cook more evenly. Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If you are using frozen turkey legs, be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Step 3: Season the Turkey Legs

Brush the turkey legs with olive oil or melted butter. You can also add your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. You can also try a combination of these spices and herbs to create a flavourful rub for the turkey legs.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey Legs

Place the seasoned turkey legs in a roasting pan or on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. If desired, you can line the pan or baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup. Roast the turkey legs for about 30 minutes, then flip them over and continue roasting for an additional 30-60 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the legs.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The best way to check if your turkey legs are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165-180°F when the turkey legs are cooked through. You can also check if the juices run clear as another indicator of doneness.

Step 6: Rest the Turkey Legs

Once the turkey legs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10-30 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Roasting turkey legs at 350°F is a great option for a small holiday dinner or a weeknight meal. By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time based on the size of your turkey legs, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious results.

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How to store leftovers

Roasted turkey legs are a delicious meal, but you might find yourself with leftovers. Here's how to store them:

Firstly, it's important to note that cooked turkey leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. If the temperature of your kitchen is above 90°F (32°C), then you should aim to get the leftovers in the fridge within one hour.

Leftover turkey should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days.

If you want to keep your leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the meat tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen leftover turkey will stay good for two to three months.

When you're ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them gently in the microwave. You can also eat leftover turkey cold—it's a great addition to sandwiches and salads.

There are plenty of ways to use up leftover turkey meat. You could make a pot pie, casserole, soup, curry, or pasta. You could also add it to salads and sandwiches, or use it in tacos and quesadillas.

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How to check if turkey legs are cooked

The best way to tell if your turkey legs are cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone, and make sure the internal temperature has reached 75°C (167°F).

If you don't have a thermometer, you can check if the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the leg with a knife or fork. However, using a thermometer is the safest way to ensure your meat is cooked.

The roasting time will depend on the size of the turkey legs and the efficiency of your oven, so you may need to check the legs earlier if they are smaller.

Once your turkey legs are cooked, it's important to let them rest for 10-30 minutes before serving. This allows the meat fibres to relax and the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is juicy and tender.

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What to serve with turkey legs

Turkey legs are a flavorful and hearty option for a satisfying meal. When it comes to pairing them with the right sides, you want dishes that complement their rich, tender, and juicy meat. Here are some ideas for what to serve with turkey legs:

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey legs. Their creamy texture and buttery taste are the perfect match for the juicy, savory meat. It is also great for soaking up any sauce or juices from the turkey.

Cornbread

Cornbread, with its sweet and savory notes, is an excellent choice to serve alongside turkey legs. Its slightly crumbly texture and hint of sweetness offset the richness of the meat. Bake it until golden and serve it warm for a tasty and traditional touch to your meal.

Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it complements the meaty turkey legs well. Use a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor and bake until bubbly and golden. This dish adds a rich and satisfying element to your meal.

Green bean casserole

Green bean casserole is a comforting classic, perfect alongside turkey legs. It is made by blending tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the casserole complement the rich, meaty turkey legs, while the crispy onions add an enjoyable textural contrast.

Blooming onion

A blooming onion is an eye-catching and flavorful side dish. It is a whole onion cut to bloom open, battered, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a spicy or creamy dipping sauce, its crispy, savory layers are fun to pull apart and eat. The contrast between the crispy onion and the tender turkey legs makes for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side that adds a crunchy and refreshing element to the meal. Made with shredded cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, it offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The crisp texture of the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the juicy turkey legs, balancing out the richness of the dish.

Garlic bread

Garlic bread is a simple yet universally loved side dish. The buttery, garlicky taste is a perfect match for the savory turkey legs, and the crisp texture of the bread is great for soaking up any juices or sauces.

Cheese dip

Cheese dip is a creamy and indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with turkey legs. Dip the meat into the rich, cheesy goodness, or use it as a topping. You can easily make it by melting a mix of your favorite cheeses with some milk and spices.

Red beans and rice

Red beans and rice is a hearty and flavorful side dish. It is a combination of tender red beans, spices, and rice, often cooked with sausage or ham for extra flavor. This dish complements the turkey legs with its savory, slightly smoky taste and comforting, filling nature.

Honey-glazed carrots

Honey-glazed carrots offer a sweet and slightly savory touch. Roast carrots with honey, butter, and a sprinkle of salt until tender and caramelized. Their natural sweetness and tender texture are a perfect match for the savory turkey legs, adding a bright touch to the meal.

Chili cheese fries

Chili cheese fries are a decadent and satisfying side dish. Top crispy fries with warm chili and melted cheese for a dish that is full of flavor and texture. The spiciness of the chili and the creaminess of the cheese make for a great combination with the juicy turkey legs.

Baked zucchini slices

Baked zucchini slices are a light and healthy option to serve with turkey legs. Season sliced zucchini with herbs and a bit of cheese, and bake until crispy. These slices offer a soft interior with a slightly crispy exterior, providing a nice contrast to the rich turkey legs and adding a fresh element to the meal.

Garden salad

A garden salad brings a crisp and refreshing balance to the hearty turkey legs. Combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing for a light and fresh complement to the meal.

Baked sweet potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet delicious side dish. Bake them whole until they are soft and caramelized. Their natural sweetness and soft texture pair wonderfully with the turkey legs, adding a wholesome and flavorful component to the meal.

Sautéed spinach with garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a quick and nutritious side dish. Cook spinach with garlic and olive oil until just wilted to add a garlicky and earthy flavor, along with a tender texture that goes well with the turkey legs.

Creamed peas

Creamed peas are a comforting classic. Simmer peas in a creamy sauce with a hint of nutmeg for a velvety and slightly sweet side dish. They add a lovely creaminess and a pop of color, complementing the rich flavors of the turkey legs.

Other ideas

Other side dishes that go well with turkey legs include roasted vegetables, wild rice, roasted peppers, roasted broccoli, roasted okra, carrot chips, cranberry sauce, sausage stuffing, cauliflower stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, and green bean casserole.

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