This Thanksgiving, I’m sharing my favorite go-to turkey recipe, Smoked Turkey Legs. Instead of frying a whole bird in my own backyard, this easy giant turkey leg recipe comes together in my smoker.
A sweet and salty overnight brine ensures the giant turkey legs stay moist and delicious throughout the cooking process. The best part is that no one will ever complain that the smoked turkey meat is too dry!
This smoked turkey leg recipe shares a lot in common with the Disney turkey leg recipe but kicks up the flavor a few more notches with a spicy seasoning rub and a hot honey glaze that is so freakin’ delicious.
Turkey legs are a classic main dish for holidays and gatherings. Their rich, savory flavor and tender meat make them a crowd-pleasing option. But when it comes to side dishes, what goes best with turkey legs?
There are many tasty sides that perfectly complement the hearty turkey leg. I’ve compiled a list of over 30 delicious ideas to give you inspiration for your next turkey leg meal. Whether you want traditional pairings or something new, there’s sure to be a side dish that will have your guests raving.
Traditional Pairings
Some classic sides have stood the test of time as perfect partners for turkey legs These familiar dishes add comfort and balance to the meal
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are one of the most popular turkey leg accompaniments. Their smooth, buttery flavor and velvety texture offset the richness of the turkey beautifully. For an extra decadent twist, stir in sour cream, cheese, or roasted garlic.
Stuffing or Dressing
What’s a turkey dinner without stuffing or dressing? These bread-based sides soak up the turkey juices and offer the perfect bit of crunch. Opt for cornbread, sourdough, or classic bread cubes as your base.
Gravy
A flavorful gravy ties everything together. Turkey leg gravy is rich and savory, enveloping the meal in mouthwatering flavor. Make it ahead from turkey drippings or whip up an easy stove-top version.
Green Bean Casserole
The classic green bean casserole with creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions is a staple for good reason. It adds comfort and vegetal balance to the plate.
Cranberry Sauce
Tart cranberry sauce cuts through the hearty flavors of the meal. Homemade is simple to prepare and packs a delicious punch of sweet-tart flavor.
Creative Pairings
Looking to shake up your turkey leg dinner? Try one of these creative sides that offer something deliciously different.
Loaded Baked Potato
A baked potato bar lets guests customize their spuds. Toppings like bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions transform the potato into a hearty, crave-worthy side.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For next-level creamy potatoes, scalloped potatoes are irresistible. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream and cheese then baked until tender and bubbling.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, complementing turkey legs’ hearty flavor. Make it extra decadent with mixed cheeses and crispy breadcrumb topping.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender glazed carrots balance the turkey’s richness. Honey, brown sugar, and butter create a glistening sweet-savory coating.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy and caramelized make a fresh-tasting, colorful side. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Creamed Spinach
Silky creamed spinach provides a delightful creaminess and pop of green. Sautéed spinach is blended with a velvety cream sauce for a comforting pairing.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a lower-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower gives a similar creaminess to mashed potatoes. Garlic, cheese, and butter pack it with flavor.
Skillet Cornbread
Warm cornbread is the perfect vehicle for soaking up turkey juices. Bake a skillet version for delicious crispy edges contrasting the moist, sweet interior.
Blooming Onion
A deep-fried blooming onion is a fun, tasty side. The crispy fried layers pair wonderfully with turkey legs for contrasting textures.
Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw provides bright, tangy flavor next to the savory turkey. It adds refreshing crispness and works with creamy or vinaigrette-dressed versions.
Simple Vegetable Sides
Don’t overlook simple roasted, sautéed, or steamed vegetables. These easy veggie sides offer bright flavors and colors.
- Roasted beets
- Sautéed green beans
- Glazed carrots
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Creamed spinach
- Roasted acorn squash
- Steamed asparagus
- Skillet corn
Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes
You really can’t go wrong with potatoes as a turkey leg side. Here are more easy potato preparations that work wonderfully.
- Rosemary roasted potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Cheesy potatoes au gratin
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Crispy roasted potato wedges
- Twice-baked potatoes
- Potato salad with dill
- Hasselback potatoes
Salads and Slaws
Bright, fresh salads balance the hearty turkey leg meal. These salad ideas add color, crunch, and acidity.
- Kale and apple salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Greek salad with feta, olives, tomatoes
- Cranberry pecan spinach salad
- Broccoli slaw with cranberries and poppyseed dressing
- Sweet and tangy coleslaw
- Waldorf salad with apples, celery, walnuts
- Tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Satisfying Whole Grains
Nutty, chewy grains make substantial sides for soaking up flavorful juices.
- Quinoa salad with herbs
- Brown rice pilaf with pecans
- Bulgur wheat with mushrooms
- Farro with roasted vegetables
- Baked polenta with parmesan
- Herbed wild rice
- Warm farro and kale salad
What Will You Serve?
Turkey legs deserve outstanding side dishes that complement their bold flavor. With so many options like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, salads, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect combinations to make it an amazing meal. Get creative and come up with your own signature sides to pair with juicy, delicious turkey legs.
Why You’ll Love My Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe
While I realize it’s more traditional to cook the whole turkey for the holidays, this smoked turkey leg recipe may just change your ways. Who needs a slice of dry turkey breast buried under the mash and gravy anyway? The uniform size of the turkey legs ensures that all the dark meat cooks evenly and perfectly.
First things first, the key to making these juicy, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs is the simple brine. Once you brine once, you’ll never go back. Undoubtedly, it turns any smoked turkey meat into a delectable feast for your senses!
Now, let me show you the simple ingredients you’ll need to experience the most irresistible smoky flavor, tender, juicy turkey meat with crispy skin.
How to Make Smoked Turkey Legs
This recipe could not be any easier, so let’s get this holiday dinner started. After following a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to turkey leg bliss!
The brine is the first step for the best smoked turkey legs, but you’ve got to prepare it the night before smoking. This is because the turkey legs need to soak in it overnight. If you’re curious about all the benefits of brining, check it out in my article The Benefits of Brining.
You’ll want to use warm water, not cold water so that the brown sugar dissolves easily. With all the brine ingredients mixed in a large container, glass bowl, or giant Ziplock bag, place the turkey legs inside. Place covered or sealed in the fridge, preferably overnight.
About 3 hours before you’re ready to serve your smoked turkey legs for Thanksgiving dinner, pull them out of the brine. Discard the liquid. Place the legs on a sheet pan and pat the legs completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle my BBQ rub generously over the turkey legs.
Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F, cooking indirectly. Add your favorite wood chips or wood chunks to help develop the smoky flavor. Cook the turkey legs for about 2-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 175 degrees F.
About 30 minutes before the turkey meat is cooked, warm your local honey in a small cast iron pan. Add the chili flakes and my FYR Red Hot Sauce. Mix well and with a pastry brush glaze the outside of the turkey legs 2-3 times just before pulling them off.
After about 5 minutes, the smoked turkey legs are rested and ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkling of those tasty sesame seeds and chopped chives!
Smothered Turkey Leg Recipe!
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