Smoked turkey legs are a classic fair and theme park food that you can easily enjoy at home. With their mouthwatering wood-fired flavor and fun, handheld size, these drumsticks make a tasty addition to any meal. In this article, we’ll explore where you can find and purchase high-quality ready-to-eat smoked turkey legs.
Understanding Smoked Turkey Legs
A smoked turkey leg is simply a full leg portion from a turkey that has been brined seasoned and slowly smoked over a wood fire. The smoking process infuses the meat with a deliciously smoky aroma and concentrated flavor. The skin gets wonderfully crispy while the interior meat stays nice and juicy.
Smoked legs are fully cooked so you can heat and serve them straight from the package. They make great appetizers for parties and picnics. Kids and adults alike will enjoy gnawing the tender meat right off the bone.
Purchasing Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs
You have several convenient options for buying pre-smoked turkey drumsticks
Online Mail Order
A number of specialty meat companies sell smoked turkey legs online. Products ship frozen with expedited delivery available. Buying online allows you to purchase bulk packages.
Popular online sources include:
- Burgers’ Smokehouse
- Victorian Farmstead Meats
- Walton’s Inc.
- Swiss Meats & Sausage Co.
Check company websites for smoked turkey leg options, pricing, and ordering.
Grocery Stores
Many supermarkets now stock pre-smoked turkey legs, especially around the holidays. Look for them in the fresh poultry section, often packaged in pairs.
National chains like Kroger, Safeway, Costco, and Walmart carry smoked drumsticks seasonally. You may also find them at regional chains like H-E-B, Wegmans, and Fred Meyer. Check the meat case for availability.
Butcher Shops and Delis
Local butcher shops and delis are another good source for finding smoked turkey legs. Many smoke their own legs on-site using special seasonal blends. The smell alone will get your mouth watering!
Inquire at high-quality butchers, German and Eastern European delis, and BBQ specialty shops. Farmers markets also frequently have food vendors selling hot smoked turkey legs.
Theme Parks, Fairs, and Stadiums
Part of the nostalgic fun of eating turkey legs comes from enjoying them at festivals, amusement parks, and outdoor events. You can’t beat grabbing a perfectly smoked drumstick while strolling the fair midway or sitting in the bleachers at a ballgame.
Venues like Disneyland, county fairs, Renaissance festivals, and sports stadiums all typically offer smoked turkey legs for sale. They make great treats when you want to indulge in leisurely finger-food dining.
What to Look for When Buying Smoked Turkey Legs
Keep these tips in mind when selecting smoked turkey drumsticks:
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Choose legs with deep golden brown or mahogany-colored skin. Avoid any with dry spots.
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Look for plump, meaty legs weighing around 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds each.
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Opt for drumsticks without any unpleasant or “off” odors. They should smell deliciously smoky.
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Check the expiration or use-by date and pick the freshest option.
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For pre-packaged legs, go with vacuum-sealed bags for optimal freshness.
Serving and Storing Smoked Turkey Legs
Smoked turkey legs are fully cooked so you can enjoy them straight from the package. Simply reheat gently in the oven or on the grill before serving. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, wrap legs tightly in foil and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw frozen drumsticks overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With their irresistible wood-fired flavor and fun, handheld size, smoked turkey legs are a treat for kids and adults alike. Follow this guide to find and purchase high-quality ready-to-eat smoked drumsticks from a variety of sources. Then dig right in and enjoy gnawing on these finger-lickin’ good legs.
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Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe
FAQ
Are smoked turkey legs from the grocery store fully cooked?
The turkey legs are already safe to eat as they are pre cooked but taking them to 165°F ensures they are cooked through and hot. To keep the turkey leg moist, place a foil pan underneath with some chicken broth. As the chicken broth warms and starts to create steam, it will help the turkey from drying out.
Do supermarkets sell turkey legs?
ASDA Tender Turkey Drumstick – ASDA Groceries.
Can you get a turkey leg at Universal?
Quick Bites at the Ultimate Snack Bar.
Take a break from the thrills and refuel in front of the iconic Universal Studios Tower. Enjoy a range of delicious, ready to go goodies like the Jumbo Turkey Leg, the Everything Seasoning Pretzel, Oreo Churro Bites, and more.