These Smoked Turkey Legs are an awesome Disney copycat that tastes just like the ones in the theme park. They are large and in charge, coming ‘atcha with tons of smoky flavor. So go ahead and skip the theme park, and make your very own smoked turkey legs at home!
Smoked turkey legs are a classic snack served at theme parks, fairs and backyard barbecues. With their iconic charred exterior and irresistible smoky flavor it’s no wonder they are so beloved. But one common question is – are smoked turkey legs already cooked when you buy them?
The short answer is yes smoked turkey legs are fully cooked during the long smoking process. However for food safety and the best texture, you’ll want to properly reheat them before eating. Read on to learn more about how smoked turkey legs are prepared, if they are precooked, food safety guidance, and the best reheating methods for maximum flavor and tenderness.
How Smoked Turkey Legs are Prepared
Smoked turkey legs go through an extensive process before ending up perfectly charred at your local fair or barbecue joint. First, the leg quarters are brined, which helps infuse flavor and keeps them moist during cooking. The brining liquid typically contains salt, sugar, spices, and sometimes nitrites.
After brining, the turkey legs are smoked slowly over a wood fire, usually hickory or mesquite, for 4-8 hours at low temperatures between 180-250°F. This low and slow smoking tenderizes the meat and infuses bold smoky flavor while fully cooking the legs.
The smoked turkey legs may then be chilled, frozen, and distributed to vendors Right before serving, they are quickly grilled to add flavor and achieve that appealing blackened exterior
Are Smoked Turkey Legs Safe to Eat Without Reheating?
While smoked turkey legs are precooked during the smoking process, the USDA recommends reheating them to 165°F for food safety. The low-temperature smoking method could allow bacteria to survive, so reheating ensures any pathogens are killed.
Reheating also improves texture, making the meat more tender and moist. Cold smoked turkey can become dry and chewy. For safest and best quality, it’s recommended to thoroughly reheat smoked turkey legs to 165°F before eating.
Best Ways to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs
Oven
One of the easiest ways to reheat smoked turkey legs is in the oven. Simply preheat to 325-350°F and arrange legs on a sheet pan. Reheat 15-20 minutes until 165°F internally. Brush with olive oil or barbecue sauce for extra moisture.
Grill
For best texture and flavor, reheating on a hot grill or barbecue is ideal. The high heat recreates the crispy, charred exterior while cooking the center to a safe temperature. Grill 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until 165°F.
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is a hands-off reheating method. Add legs to the cooker, cover with barbecue sauce, and cook on low 3-4 hours until heated through. The low gentle heat prevents drying out.
Storage and Food Safety Tips
To safely enjoy smoked turkey legs:
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Refrigerate uncooked legs 1-2 days max. Freeze for longer storage.
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Eat reheated legs within 3-4 days. Discard if smell or appearance is off.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat to 165°F before eating again.
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Discard after 3-4 days. Do not eat if spoiled.
Following these simple guidelines allows you to safely reheat and enjoy smoked turkey legs to the fullest!
Satisfy Your Smoked Turkey Leg Craving
Smoked turkey legs hold a special place in many people’s hearts. Now that you know they’re fully cooked during the smoking process, and proper reheating methods, you can satisfy your fair food craving anytime!
Reheating in the oven, on the grill, or in the slow cooker ensures they are safe to eat while delivering the same delicious smoky flavor you’d get at your favorite fair or barbecue restaurant. Remember to reheat thoroughly, brush with your favorite sauce, and enjoy this classic smokehouse treat!
Where to Buy Turkey Legs
Okay, you’re ready to begin the great turkey smoke, but where do you find those ginormous turkey legs? The legs at Disneyland are male tom turkey legs. These guys are anywhere from 1 ½ -2 pounds a piece! They can easily feed two people, and they’re a great option when you’re in the park and need a major protein refuel.
But if you head to your local grocer, you’ll find that most turkey legs at the grocery store are hen legs. These are smaller than those sold in Disneyland and are approximately 3/4 -1 pound a piece. For today’s recipe, we’re going with these hen legs. Even though they aren’t as big as the tom turkey legs, they’ll still taste just as delicious, and they are more readily available. I personally like cooking hen legs; they don’t take as long, and they’re a more logical serving size per person.
If you’re really gung-ho about smoking the big tom legs, you can occasionally you can get your butcher to get tom turkey legs. This takes a bit of extra time and preparation, but if you can get your hand on some of these, I say go for it! This same recipe will work for these giant turkey legs, just keep in mind you’ll have to increase the cooking time to get them up to a safe consumable temperature.
Smoked Turkey Leg Seasoning
These smoked turkey legs are seasoned throughout, but it is a super simple salt flavor. If you want to amp up the overall flavor of the turkey leg, you can rub it down with a seasoning blend. I highly recommend using my homemade Smoked Turkey Rub. It is an awesome combination of sweet, savory, and herby. If you’re worried about things getting too salty with the brine AND the rub, you can reduce the salt in the rub by half.
Oven Baked Smoked Turkey Legs/Drums
FAQ
Is smoked turkey cooked or raw?
Smoked meat is typically considered cooked, as the smoking process involves exposing the meat to smoke and heat, which cooks the meat while also imparting flavor. The temperature and duration of smoking can vary, but it usually reaches a temperature sufficient to kill harmful bacteria, making it safe to eat.
Are smoked turkey parts already cooked?
Our smoked products are fully cooked so preparing them is quick and easy! Here are two great heating methods for heating up large items, like our whole smoked turkey: Using your crockpot: Place your crockpot on LOW and cover the bottom with water or broth.
How do you heat ready to eat smoked turkey legs?
Reheating – To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with a loosely fitted piece of foil. Place in a 350°F oven and warm for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through. Turkey legs are cooked when an instant read thermometer registers to 165°F.