This Stuffed Turkey Legs recipe is partially inspired by the popular Turkey Leg Hut restaurant creations. These drumsticks are prepared to fall off the bone, all while loaded with cheesy, creamy mac and cheese or your favorite items.
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This recipe is wonderful for a few different reasons! If you have leftover turkey and/or leftover side dishes from the holidays, this is for you! If you are trying to create the experience of the State Fair at home, this is for you!
Where to Buy Turkey Legs
Some standard grocers will keep brands like Butterball and Jenni-O on hand year-round. Many retailers only carry them seasonally around fall. A local butcher is usually really helpful. You can also use leftover turkey from the holidays.
Turkey Leg Stuffing Ideas
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Bacon Gouda Mac and Cheese
- Southern Collard Greens
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
- Cajun Alfredo and Shrimp (use the cream sauce and shrimp from this recipe)
- Dirty Rice
- Red Beans and Rice
The Best Way to Cook Fall Off the Bone Turkey
I have made turkey legs several ways. You have so many options. Air fryer, baked, slow cooker, etc. For this recipe, you are going to want a turkey leg that literally falls off the bone. That will make it much easier to eat your toppings and turkey at the same time!
My favorite method for tender turkey is using a slow-cooker or Crockpot.
How to Make Stuffed Turkey Leg
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the turkey legs dry and rub both sides with olive oil and liquid smoke. Sprinkle spices throughout.
- Pour broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey legs over the broth.
- Slow cook.
- Remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker.
- Cut a slit into the middle of the turkey. Stuff the turkey legs.
How to Tell When the Turkey is Done
You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey legs. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
More Ideas on How to Season Them
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
How Do You Keep Them From Drying Out
Cooking the drumsticks low and slow does the trick. You will add a little bit of broth to the pot which helps facilitate moisture.
How to Store Them
Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover drumsticks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the legs overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Pair With these Recipes
Southern Green Beans
Green Goddess Cobb Salad
Southern Baked Beans
Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Potato Salad
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Squash Dressing
More Turkey Leg and Turkey Wing Recipes
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Smothered Turkey Wings
Baked Turkey Wings
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
More Turkey Recipes
Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Stuffed Turkey Leg
Ingredients
- 2 raw turkey legs Mine weighed about 1/2-3/4 of a pound each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup broth I used chicken.
- 2-3 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- minced parsley Optional for garnish.
Instructions
- Pat the turkey legs dry and rub both sides with olive oil and liquid smoke. Sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into both sides of the legs. Ensure the spices completely cover both sides of the drumsticks. Add more spices if necessary.
- Pour the broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey legs over the broth.
- Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker. (Be careful! They will be tender and may fall off the bone.)I like crispy skin. For crispy skin, you can use either the air fryer (3-4 minutes on 400 degrees) or Broil in the oven for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cut a slit into the middle of the turkey. Stuff the turkey legs with mac and cheese. You can use this recipe. A lot of the stuffing will fall out along the sides which is normal and great for presentation.
Video
Notes
- Liquid smoke is used for added smoky flavor. Omit it if you wish.
- You can also bake or air fry the turkey legs if you don’t want to use a slow cooker.
- Instant Pot turkey legs can be cooked for 25 minutes with 10 minutes of natural release of steam.
- You can also season the legs using 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
- I like to save cheese sauce from when I make mac and cheese, to drizzle over the drumsticks. You can also just make more sauce!