Can You Buy Just Turkey Legs? A Guide to Purchasing Individual Turkey Legs

For many people, the best part of the Thanksgiving turkey is gnawing on those delicious roasted drumsticks. With their rich, savory meat, turkey legs are a favorite for good reason. But did you know you can buy turkey legs separate from the whole bird? Read on to learn all about purchasing individual turkey legs.

The Appeal of Turkey Legs

Turkey legs. also called drumsticks. offer some key advantages over other turkey cuts

• They contain tender and flavorful dark meat. Many people find dark turkey meat more moist and tasty than the white breast meat.

• The leg bones help the meat retain moisture during cooking. This results in juicy, succulent meat.

• The skin gets crispy when roasted. The skin on a roasted turkey leg turns deliciously crisp and seasoned.

• They are meaty and substantial. A turkey leg makes a satisfying individual portion on its own.

• Fun to eat by hand. Gnawing right off the bone is part of the turkey leg experience.

With all these attributes, it’s no wonder why people love eating turkey legs!

Where to Buy Turkey Legs

The good news is you can purchase turkey legs separate from a whole turkey. Here are some of the best places to find turkey legs for sale:

• Grocery store meat sections – Many big grocery chains now sell packages of turkey legs, especially around the holidays. Check the poultry case.

• Butcher shops or meat markets – Ask your local butcher if they offer turkey legs for individual sale. This ensures freshly cut legs.

• Online – Specialty meat purveyors like D’Artagnan or Schat’s sell turkey legs online. Great option if legs aren’t available locally.

• Direct from turkey farms – Some local turkey farms may sell legs individually right before Thanksgiving. Check their websites.

• Frozen – If fresh legs aren’t available, buy frozen ones to thaw and cook later.

Buying Considerations for Turkey Legs

Here are some tips for buying the best turkey legs:

• Buy 2 legs per person. One turkey leg makes a decent snack but two offer a full meal portion.

• Inspect for plump, rounded shape. Avoid legs that look small or misshapen.

• Opt for skin-on. The crispy skin is one of the best parts of a roasted turkey leg.

• Check for local, free-range, or organic. These offer premium quality and flavor.

• Get fresh, not frozen. Pick fresh for immediate cooking and maximum juiciness. Or par-freeze legs at home.

• Estimate 1 to 1 1/2 lbs per leg. Double legs tend to be around 3 pounds total.

How Many Legs to Buy

If cooking turkey legs for a crowd, estimate how many legs you need:

• Appetizer servings: Allow 1 leg per person
• Entree servings: Allow 2 legs per person
• For kids: 1 leg may serve 2 kids as a main dish

Buy a few extra legs to account for people who want seconds. Extras also allow for reheating and eating the next day.

Storing Turkey Legs

Store fresh raw turkey legs in the refrigerator:

• Place legs in a container or plastic bag.

• Use within 2 days for maximum freshness.

• To extend shelf life, freeze legs up to 9 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Cooking Methods for Turkey Legs

There are several excellent cooking methods that work well for turkey legs:

• Roasted in the oven – Yields crispy, golden skin at 350°F for 60-90 minutes.

• Grilled over charcoal or gas – Gets nice char marks. Medium heat for 50-60 minutes.

• Smoked – Delicious finished on a smoker or charcoal grill with wood chips.

• Braised or simmered – Slow cooking makes the meat very tender.

• Fried – Deep fried turkey legs have an ultra-crispy crust. Use a thermometer to monitor oil temp.

Serving Ideas for Turkey Legs

Beyond basic roasted legs, get creative with these serving ideas:

• Pair with classic Thanksgiving side dishes – Stuffing, potatoes, veggies, cranberry sauce.

• Offer a selection of sauces – BBQ sauce, gravy, mustard, chimichurri, etc.

• Make turkey leg sandwiches – Slice off the meat and pile onto buns.

• Use in soups, salads, pasta, rice bowls – Dice or shred cooked turkey leg meat.

• Present whole legs family style – Let guests tear right into the legs at the table.

The Verdict on Buying Turkey Legs

Yes, you can absolutely purchase turkey legs separately! With their juicy, rich meat, turkey legs are a delicious main course option. Tap into your inner caveman by eating turkey legs with your hands. Look for turkey legs at grocery stores, butchers, online, or direct from local turkey farms. Adjust quantities based on whether you want appetizer or entree portions. Store legs properly and cook using methods like roasting, grilling, braising, or smoking. Then get creative with sauces, sides and other serving ideas. Buying individual turkey legs allows you to enjoy this favorite food anytime.