Roasted Turkey Legs

These simple roasted turkey legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfect for a small-scale holiday dinner idea or an impressive entrée to serve any time of year."

Where to Buy Turkey Legs

Whole turkey legs are made up of the thigh and drumstick, but many people use "turkey leg" to refer to just the drumstick. Drumsticks should be readily available in the meat section of your local grocery store. Though whole legs are harder to come by, you may be able to find them at a butcher.

How to Cook Turkey Legs

It's easier than you think to roast turkey legs at home. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

Prepare the turkey legs: Rinse and dry the turkey legs. Use a sharp knife to create two or three pockets deep into the tissue, then press a piece of celery into each pocket. Rub butter and sprinkle salt under and over the skin.
Roast the turkey legs: Place the legs in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven, basting occasionally with the juices, until the skin is golden brown.

roasted turkey legs in a pan — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

How Long to Cook Turkey Legs In the Oven

The turkey legs should be perfectly golden brown and juicy in about 90 minutes to two hours.

When the turkey leg is done, an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat should register 180 degrees F.

What to Serve With Turkey Legs

If you don't want to cook a whole turkey for Thanksgiving, consider serving these roasted turkey legs instead: They come together much more quickly and they're perfect for small groups. Pair the turkey legs with traditional holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or macaroni and cheese.

Need some delicious inspiration? Explore our collection of .

How to Store Turkey Legs

Store your leftovers turkey legs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days. Enjoy them cold or reheat gently in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This turkey was amazing," raves . "Something about the celery makes this sooo good and juicy, and my kids don't even like celery. Next time I will add garlic and thyme for more flavor, but that is just an option for a different flavor."

"The meat is so juicy and tender," according to . "I also roasted vegetables alongside it to complete the flavor. For a side dish, I cooked some wild grain brown rice."

"Delicious," says . "I used sweet onions (like Vidalias) since I don't care for celery. The flavor permeated the meat well and gave it added tenderness. I'll be doing this one again."

Editorial contributions by

Roasted Turkey Legs

4.7

(105)

Overhead looking down at a few roasted turkey legs served on a platter with rosemary and cranberry garnishes.

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 45 mins

Servings:

3

Ingredients

3 stalks celery stalks, cut in thirds
3 turkey legs
6 tablespoons butter
salt to taste
½ cup water, or as needed

Directions

Gather all ingredients.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Rinse turkey legs and pat dry.
Stand turkey legs upright (as if the turkey were standing). Press a knife downward into the deep tissue, creating 2 or 3 long pockets. Press a piece of celery into each opening. Pull back the skin on the legs, rub with butter, and season with a little salt. Put the skin back into place, rub with more butter, and season lightly with salt. Lay the turkey legs in a roasting pan. Pour in water.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Roast uncovered until the legs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Add more water if needed while roasting, and baste occasionally with the juices or melted butter.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

558	Calories
40g	Fat
1g	Carbs
48g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 3
Calories 558
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 40g	51%
Saturated Fat 19g	95%
Cholesterol 287mg	96%
Sodium 602mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate 1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 48g	96%
Vitamin C 1mg	1%
Calcium 50mg	4%
Iron 3mg	14%
Potassium 585mg	12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.