Garlic Butter Turkey Legs Thanksgiving Special

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, family, and, of course, delicious food. While turkey is the star of the show, sometimes you want to add a little something extra to your holiday feast. Enter garlic butter turkey legs – a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This Thanksgiving, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this delectable twist on a classic favorite.

Why Garlic Butter Turkey Legs?

Turkey legs are often overlooked, but they’re a hidden gem of flavor. They are a great way to add variety to your Thanksgiving spread. Choosing to prepare them with garlic butter brings an intense layer of flavor that complements the traditional Thanksgiving flavors while offering something unique.

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a savory sensation that will have your taste buds singing.
• Budget-Friendly: Turkey legs are typically more affordable than a whole turkey, making this a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your guests.
• Perfect for Sharing: Turkey legs are fun to eat and great for sharing, adding a playful element to your Thanksgiving meal.
• Juicy and Tender: When cooked properly, turkey legs are incredibly moist and tender, offering a satisfying bite.

Selecting and Preparing Your Turkey Legs

The key to exceptional garlic butter turkey legs lies in selecting high-quality legs and preparing them correctly.

Choosing the Right Turkey Legs

• Size Matters: Look for turkey legs that are of a uniform size to ensure even cooking. Aim for legs that are about 1 to 1.5 pounds each.
• Freshness is Key: Choose turkey legs that are fresh, plump, and have a healthy pink color. Avoid legs that look discolored or have an off-putting smell.
• Organic vs. Conventional: Opt for organic turkey legs if possible, as they are typically raised without antibiotics and hormones. However, conventional turkey legs will also work well.
• Consider Skin Quality: Choose legs with smooth, unbroken skin. While the skin will render and crisp during cooking, avoiding major tears ensures better presentation and moisture retention.

Preparing the Turkey Legs

• Thawing Properly: If your turkey legs are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Do not thaw them at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
• Brining (Optional): Brining the turkey legs for a few hours before cooking will result in even juicier and more flavorful meat. Use a simple brine of water, salt, sugar, and your favorite herbs.
• Patting Dry: Before applying the garlic butter, pat the turkey legs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking.
• Scoring the Skin (Optional): Lightly scoring the skin in a diamond pattern can help the garlic butter penetrate the meat and encourage even rendering of fat.

The Ultimate Garlic Butter Recipe

This recipe creates a rich and flavorful garlic butter that will transform your turkey legs into a Thanksgiving masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).

2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

4. Using your hands, gently loosen the skin of the turkey legs from the meat.

5. Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture under the skin, ensuring that the meat is evenly coated.

6. Rub the remaining garlic butter over the skin of the turkey legs.

7. Cover the turkey legs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Methods for Garlic Butter Turkey Legs

There are several ways to cook your garlic butter turkey legs, each offering a slightly different result. Here are three popular methods:

Oven-Baked

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the turkey legs to cook evenly and prevent them from sitting in their own juices.
• Arrange Turkey Legs: Place the turkey legs on the wire rack, skin-side up.
• Bake: Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Baste (Optional): Baste the turkey legs with the pan juices every 30 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.
• Broil for Crispy Skin: For the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, broil the turkey legs to crisp up the skin. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Rest: Let the turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Smoked

• Prepare Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
• Add Wood Chips: Add your favorite wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, to the smoker.
• Smoke Turkey Legs: Place the turkey legs directly on the smoker rack, skin-side up.
• Smoke: Smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Baste (Optional): Baste the turkey legs with melted butter or pan juices every hour for extra moisture.
• Rest: Let the turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Grilled

• Prepare Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
• Grill Turkey Legs: Place the turkey legs on the grill, skin-side up.
• Grill: Grill for 30-40 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Baste (Optional): Baste the turkey legs with melted butter or pan juices every 15 minutes for extra moisture.
• Rest: Let the turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Thanksgiving Pairings

Garlic butter turkey legs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes.

Side Dish Recommendations

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side that complements the savory turkey legs perfectly.
• Stuffing: A flavorful stuffing, whether it’s traditional bread stuffing or a wild rice stuffing, is a must-have for Thanksgiving.
• Green Bean Casserole: This classic casserole adds a touch of comfort and nostalgia to your Thanksgiving meal.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the richness of the garlic butter turkey legs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes add a healthy and colorful element to your Thanksgiving spread.

Drink Pairings

• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs well with the savory flavors of the turkey legs and the richness of the garlic butter.
• Chardonnay: A crisp Chardonnay complements the garlic and herbs in the butter sauce.
• Cranberry Mimosa: A festive Cranberry Mimosa adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving celebration.
• Apple Cider: A warm glass of apple cider is a comforting and seasonal choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may need to reduce the amount of salt you add to the garlic butter mixture. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

• Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the garlic butter ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more. You can store the garlic butter in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• How do I know when the turkey legs are done?

The best way to determine if the 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°F (74°C).

• Can I freeze leftover garlic butter turkey legs?

Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey legs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• What if the skin isn’t crispy enough?

If the skin isn't crispy enough after baking, smoking, or grilling, you can broil the turkey legs for a few minutes to crisp it up. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Can I add other herbs and spices to the garlic butter?

Definitely! Feel free to customize the garlic butter with your favorite herbs and spices. Some other great additions include oregano, basil, paprika, and onion powder.

• How do I prevent the skin from burning while cooking?

To prevent burning, especially when grilling or broiling, make sure the heat isn't too high. You can also tent the turkey legs with foil for part of the cooking time and remove it towards the end to crisp the skin.

• Is it safe to stuff garlic butter under the skin of poultry?

Yes, it is generally safe. The high cooking temperatures kill any harmful bacteria. Just make sure to cook the turkey legs to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Can I cook the turkey legs in a slow cooker?

While it's possible, it's not the ideal method for achieving crispy skin. If you choose to use a slow cooker, cook the turkey legs on low for 6-8 hours, and then broil them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp the skin.

• What’s the best way to reheat leftover turkey legs?

The best way to reheat leftover turkey legs is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.