My wife and I began a post-Christmas tradition two years ago, and this is the result of that. Every year, we go to the supermarket near my in-laws house and buy an organic turkey at a major discount ($0.49/lb!!!). Then, I break it down into various cuts, and we feast throughout the year. This year, we’re pacing ourselves a little too well, so we figured it was time to pick up the eating pace. For this meal, we defrosted the legs and roasted them with a buttery herbed bread crumb crusting. Now only do you get to taste the deliciousness…you also get to enjoy the aromas as they fill your kitchen (and beyond).
We served our turkey with Roasted Baby Potatoes and Sautéed Zucchini. However, it would also go well with any Thanksgivingy Side Dish!
Time: 1.5-2 Hours (depending on the size of your turkey legs)
Ingredients:
- Turkey Legs
- 2 Tablespoons of Bread Crumbs per Turkey Leg
- 1 Tablespoon of Butter per Turkey Leg
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Dried Chives
- Dried Sage
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with sides with some foil. We used a rack in our dish so drippings could drip down.
- Prep your turkey legs. Either rinse and pat them dry with the skin on or peel the skin off. To do this, pull from the wide end (that was once connected to the thigh), and pull towards the thin end, cutting away with a knife as necessary to separate the skin from the meat. Pull the skin totally over the bone, and then cut it.
- Place your turkey legs on your pan, and sprinkle some salt and pepper atop them.
- Stash your turkey legs in the oven for about 70-90 minutes (depending on the size).
- As your turkey legs cook, melt your butter in a sauce pan with your dried herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, pour it into a bowl with your bread crumbs, and stir to fully combine. Set aside.
- When your turkey legs reach about 145-150 degrees F in the thickest part (after the 70-90 minutes), pull your turkey legs from the oven.
- Cake your bread crumb/butter mix onto the tops of your turkey thighs, and then put everything back in the oven for another 25 minutes to finish cooking your turkey and to crisp your herbed breading.
- When your turkey reaches 165 degrees F, and your bread crumbs are golden brown, you’re ready!
- Plate, devour, and enjoy!
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