Roast Turkey Legs

My son and I love going to theme parks and county fairs! We always enjoy the rides and catching live shows. And we can’t go home without indulging in a smoky, succulent roast turkey leg. When we’re in the mood for a hearty snack, it totally hits the spot! So, tender turkey legs have become a go-to for parties and home cookouts. They’re divine and super easy to make. These beauties are also incredibly versatile—an ideal grab-and-go snack or a weeknight dinner with your favorite sides.

Recipe Ingredients

How to Roast Turkey Legs

Prep Ingredients

Herb Butter – Combine softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Then, keep it in the fridge until ready to season your turkey legs. You can make the herb butter a day or so ahead. (Photos 1-2) Dry – Rinse the turkey legs with water, then pat dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper or turkey seasoning. Warm Butter – Remove the herbed butter mixture from the fridge and bring it to room temperature or microwave for about 20 seconds. Prep Turkey Legs – Loosen the skin by running your fingers carefully between the skin and the meat (the skin is fragile, so be careful not to tear it). Butter the Legs – Generously rub the thighs underneath the skin with the herbed butter. Refrigerate until ready to roast (you can do this up to 24 hours ahead).

Roast Turkey Legs

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Prep Baking Tray – Place onion, celery, and rosemary and thyme stems in a 3-quart baking dish or tray, depending on the size of the turkey legs. Then, place the legs on top of the vegetables. (Photos 3-4) Roast the turkey legs for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F (160℃). Continue roasting until your instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F/75℃ (30-40 minutes more, depending on their size). (Photos 5-6) Rest – Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving so the juices settle back into the meat. Serve – Reserve turkey drippings to make gravy (if desired) and enjoy with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Variations

Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Instructions

For a delicious grab-and-go snack, make these guys ahead of time! Let them cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or the freezer for 3 months. Then reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through, or enjoy them cold.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Roast turkey legs make a satisfying weeknight meal fresh from the oven. They’re also the perfect addition to an appetizer table on game day. Leftover turkey is a tasty addition to soups, stews, and pastas! Refrigerate leftover drumsticks tightly covered for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Defrost frozen turkey legs in the fridge overnight. Then warm them in a 300℉ (150℃) oven for 20 minutes. Or reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warm.

What to Serve With Roast Turkey Legs

Pair these guys with spicy green beans, grilled carrots, and garlic mashed potatoes. Merlot or Spanish Garnacha are perfect wine pairings for an intimate holiday gathering!