7 Best Smoked Turkey Legs to Satisfy Your Cravings

Feeling like a king or queen at a medieval feast is one of the reasons why giant turkey legs have become such a popular treat at fairs, theme parks, and even some restaurants. However, with great size comes great responsibility – especially when it comes to your diet.

When choosing smoked turkey legs, consider factors such as the quality of the meat, the ingredients used for seasoning, and the brand’s reputation. It’s also crucial to keep in mind the nutritional content, as some options may be higher in calories and fat than others.

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Diestel Family Ranch

The Diestel Family Ranch offers naturally smoked turkey drumsticks that are slow-roasted over real hardwoods, giving them a hearty, decadent flavor. Their turkey legs are seasoned with a blend of spices, garlic powder, and natural flavorings. You can find more information about their product here.

Frick’s Quality Meats

Frick’s Quality Meats provides smoked turkey legs that are cooked slowly over hardwood chips for an authentic, smoky flavor. Their drumsticks are gluten-free and contain no MSG or added fillers. Check out their website here for more information.

Kirkland Signature

Kirkland Signature, the private-label brand of Costco, offers a variety of smoked turkey products, including their delicious turkey legs. Their drumsticks are seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. Find them at your local Costco store or visit their website here.

Walmart

Walmart offers a selection of smoked turkey legs from various brands. You can find them in the deli section of your local Walmart or browse their selection online here.

Whole Foods Market

They offer Smokehouse Smoked Turkey Drumsticks, which are known for their quality and taste.

Amazon

A variety of smoked turkey legs from different brands can be found on Amazon, making it a convenient option for online shoppers.

Farmer’s Fresh Meat

They sell turkey drumsticks at a reasonable per-pound price, with the option to buy them by the case for a slight discount.

Local Butcher Shops

Many local butcher shops can provide smoked turkey legs or take special orders for them. It’s a good idea to establish a relationship with your local butcher for personalized service.

Online Meat Retailers

There are several online retailers that specialize in selling various types of meats, including smoked turkey legs. Some examples include D’Artagnan and Crowd Cow.

Homemade

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try making your own smoked turkey legs at home. This way, you can control the seasoning and the size of the drumsticks, allowing you to create a healthier option tailored to your taste preferences.

How to Make a Smoked Turkey Leg

Here’s a simple recipe to prepare delicious smoked turkey legs at home:

1. Prepare a brine by combining water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and your choice of herbs and spices. Submerge the turkey legs in the brine and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and set up your preferred wood chips for smoking.
3. Remove the turkey legs from the brine, rinse them with cold water, and pat dry.
4. Apply a thin layer of olive oil or mustard to the turkey legs, then season them with your choice of dry rub or spices.
5. Place the turkey legs on the smoker and cook for 4-5 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the smoked turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Preparing a Smoked Turkey Leg

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your homemade smoked turkey legs turn out perfect:

• Brining the turkey legs helps to keep them moist and flavorful during the smoking process.
• Injecting the turkey legs with marinade can add extra flavor and juiciness.
• Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process is crucial for evenly cooked and tender meat.
• Adjust the salt levels and smoke intensity to your preference, keeping in mind that too much salt can make the dish overpowering.

Health Benefits of Eating Smoked Turkey Legs

While giant turkey legs may not be the healthiest option, smaller portions of smoked turkey legs can still provide some health benefits. The dark meat of smoked turkey legs contains higher amounts of zinc and selenium compared to white meat.

These essential minerals play a vital role in maintaining a robust immune system and supporting overall health. Moreover, turkey is a good source of protein, which is crucial for muscle growth and repair.

By choosing a reputable brand that uses high-quality, organic ingredients and practicing portion control, you can enjoy smoked turkey legs as part of a balanced, healthy diet.

Cooking and Reheating Instructions

If you purchase pre-cooked smoked turkey legs or have leftovers from your homemade batch, it’s essential to know how to reheat them properly. Here are some guidelines for reheating smoked turkey legs:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Wrap the turkey legs in aluminum foil to help retain moisture during reheating.
• Place the wrapped turkey legs on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Following these steps will help ensure your smoked turkey legs are heated evenly and maintain their delicious flavor and texture.