How To Cook Already Smoked Turkey Legs

Posted On March 6, 2024

Each Thanksgiving, I sit down with a set of gleaming, smoked turkey legs that could make a vegetarian cringe.

Last year, I discovered that reheating these babies is an art in itself. See, my very first attempt to revive smoked turkey legs ended up being much more of a medieval weapon than a feast. So, I embarked on a culinary quest to master the reheating process, and, dear reader, I have emerged victorious.

And let us face it: simply thinking about those smokey, tender legs makes your mouth water, right?

But the road to perfection isn’t without its risks, and it can end in dry, chewy disappointments. Fear not! I cracked the code and am here to show you the easy steps to making your smoked turkey legs as tender and flavorful as they were out of the smoker.

I’ve learned my trade and am currently sharing my secrets, so grab an apron and get those taste buds dancing!

Key Points You Need to Know.

1. Before I begin cooking already smoked turkey legs, I preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) so they don’t dry out or overcook them. I find this temperature keeps the meat moist and tender, which is important to enjoy pre-smoked turkey.

2. I individually wrap the turkey legs in aluminum foil just before baking them. This is a trick I have discovered to keep the natural smoke and juice flavors intact. The foil maintains heat and moisture in the turkey, so it does not get dry or lose its smoked taste when reheated.

3. I pour a little chicken broth or water on the turkey legs before putting them in the foil to keep them perfect and moist. I’ve found that adding this little bit of liquid is essential. It will make the foil steamy and make the turkey legs juicier as they heat.

4. I bake the foil-wrapped turkey legs for about an hour. I know to check they’re warmed enough without burning the whole leg by sticking the meat thermometer in the thickest part; it should read 165°F (74°C) as the internal temperature at which reheated, smoked turkey legs should be safe to eat.

5. After being heated, I broil the turkey legs unwrapped for a couple seconds to get that nice crisp exterior we get at festivals or fairs. I watch them carefully because this is a quick step and takes only a few minutes under a broiler.

This preserves the smokey taste of the meat and gives the skin a crunch—a contrast that, for me, is the characteristic of a flawlessly reheated smoked turkey leg.

Understanding Smoked Turkey Legs.

Smoked turkey legs are those big, oversized treats you see at festivals and fairs.

They’re already cooked, so my goal is to reheat them and not dry them out. This keeps them juicier and preserves the flavors imparted by smoking.

The Right Way to Cook: Choosing the Right Method.

I have tried various ways of cooking and found a few that work. Each technique—baking, grilling, or slow cooking—provides the leg with a distinctive texture and flavor.

My personal preference dictates which method I use on a given day.

Warming in the Oven.

For oven reheating, I warm my oven to about 325°F—simply warm enough to warm up the turkey legs without burning them—then put the turkey legs in there.

I cover the legs with foil to keep them moist. I place them in the oven for around half an hour or so.

Building Moisture.

In between, I like checking on them, maybe adding a little chicken stock to the foil wrap. This additional moisture keeps them from drying out and gives them some flavor.

Bringing Out Flavor on the Grill.

Smoked turkey legs may also be grilled to intensify the smokiness. I warm my grill to medium heat and then lay the legs directly over the heat source so they don’t get charred.

Sometimes I glaze them or simply make a basic butter and spice mix to give them a little more taste.

The Low and Slow Approach.

Using my slow cooker is a less conventional but effective method, particularly if I have even more time. I put my slow cooker on low, and it really locks in the flavors.

Sometimes, I’ll add vegetables like carrots or onions to cook alongside the turkey legs, which soak up all those lovely meaty juices.

Seasonings and Glazes for Taste.

I believe a great seasoning mix or glaze can elevate pre-smoked turkey legs.

Some of my personal favorites tend to be brown sugar with garlic powder and cayenne for warmth. I generally apply a glaze at the very end of cooking so it doesn’t burn.

Side Dishes that Complement Smoked Turkey Legs.

I make a huge pot of mashed potatoes or corn salad as a side dish for the turkey legs. I like sides that don’t overpower the smoky taste of the turkey.

Pairing with the Right Drinks.

I find that some beverages, like a big glass of red wine or a good apple cider, truly enhance the dining experience. These choices generally hold up nicely to the smokey, hearty taste of the turkey legs.

Safety First: Ensuring Proper Reheating Temperature.

I constantly check with a meat thermometer that my turkey legs are at 165° F internal temperature as per food safety guidelines.

Safety is my first priority, and I ensure that while I go for deliciousness, I go for well-being too.

What Should I Keep in Mind When Cooking Already-Smoked Turkey Legs?

• Always pre-heat your cooking appliance to prevent uneven heat distribution.
• Wrap or even cover the turkey legs to keep them moist.
• Add a glaze or baste liquid for additional flavoring.
• Pair your turkey legs with ideal sides and beverages to round out the meal.
• A meat thermometer can enable you to figure out the safest temperature to consume.

How long must I heat the pre-smoked turkey legs?

Reheat pre-smoked turkey legs for 30 minutes at 375°F in an oven. The trick is heating them to 165°F inside for flavor and safety.

Do smoked turkey legs need to be thawed before being cooked?

Yes, you can thaw smoked turkey legs overnight in the fridge. Thawing helps with even reheating and maintains the texture.

Could I reheat the turkey legs in the microwave oven?

It’s possible, although it’s not recommended. Microwaving can result in uneven cooking and could affect meat tenderness. The smokiness is better preserved in an oven or grill.

What’s the best way to keep the turkey legs moist?

Wrap your turkey legs in aluminum foil and pour over a little chicken stock or water before baking to keep them moist. This makes the air steamy and keeps it from drying out.

Turkey legs must be blasted when reheated?

Basting is not needed, as these legs are seasoned and pre-smoked. Just wrap or even cover them well to keep the natural moisture in them. Basting might add too much liquid and rinse away the smoky taste.

Could I season the pre-smoked turkey legs?

Pre-smoked turkey legs come seasoned already, but you are able to dress them up a bit by rubbing on some olive oil and some spices prior to reheating them. Just don’t drown out the smoky original notes.

Could smoked turkey legs be reheated on a grill?

Definitely! Grilling helps it be smoky and crisp. Heat them on medium heat, turning once, till the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It gives a little bit of smoked essence to a dish.

How do I know when to cook the turkey legs?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; 165°F is safe and ready to consume. The meat should also be piping hot to touch and steamy to open.

What side dishes go with the smoked turkey legs?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread go well with smoked turkey legs. I like to serve it with a green salad in addition to the hearty meat.

Leftover smoked turkey legs—exactly where can I store them?

Leftovers in plastic wrap or foil; store in the refrigerator. If correctly stored, they will last 3 to 4 days. Reheat them gently and enjoy later!

Final Thoughts.

I always believed that spicing up smoked turkey legs was among those simple pleasures. Whether you reheat them in the oven for extra tenderness or you smoke them up a bit on the grill for extra smokeiness, the key is slow and low.

Remember, they’re already cooked, so your job is to get them to a safe temperature. Over the years of experimenting with flavors and culinary methods, I’ve come to appreciate the ease of reheating some smoked meat.

It should complement what is there instead of reinventing the wheel. So go easy on the pre-smoked flavor and, first and foremost, enjoy the process just as much as you are eating!

Those smoked turkey legs tend to be an easy crowd-pleaser, from your home kitchen to the holidays. Just picture them as a canvas ready to take on any number of side dishes and any personal twist you like.

I encourage you to tap into your culinary whimsy—try out a brand new spice or a side you might not have tried before. The smoked canvas welcomes it all.

Yes, cooking already-smoked turkey legs isn’t just about ending up with a delicious meal; it is about the adventure of getting there.