Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this turkey leg recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Turkey Legs – Choose bone-in, skin-on turkey drumsticks that weigh about 12 ounces each. Other sizes will work for roasted turkey legs, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. If you have turkey leg quarters instead (which include both the turkey thighs and drumsticks attached to each other), you can cook those in a similar way, but they will take longer to cook through. For more dark meat options, try my turkey wings recipe. Olive Oil – Oil helps to crisp up the skin. I used olive oil, but you can also use any neutral oil, such as avocado oil. Melted butter can work as well, but is more prone to burning, so you may need to tent the top with foil sooner during baking. Seasonings – Paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
How To Cook Turkey Legs
This section shows how to cook turkey legs, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Try Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or Cajun seasoning instead of the herb and spice blend here. Poultry seasoning is also a classic choice that’s great for Thanksgiving!
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat: Warm this dish gently in the microwave at 50% power so they don’t dry out, or in a 350 degree oven until heated through. Leftovers also taste great cold! Freeze: Allow the roasted turkey legs to cool to room temperature, then place onto a baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour, until solid. Transfer to a zip lock bag and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Roasted Turkey Legs
Just like a roasted turkey breast, so many traditional and delicious sides can pair with baked turkey legs!
Holiday sauces – Gluten-free gravy and sugar-free cranberry sauce would pair perfectly with this turkey. Roasted vegetables – Try this roasted turkey leg recipe with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted green beans, or smashed brussels sprouts. For a classic fall side make buttercup squash or kabocha squash. Seasonal salads – Baked turkey legs taste great with a butternut squash salad, kale crunch salad, or French carrot salad.
More Holiday Turkey Recipes
Like more white meat with your whole turkey legs? Try more festive ways to cook turkey here: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle!
