Should You Remove the Plastic Leg Holder From a Turkey Before Cooking?

When preparing your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, you may notice a plastic clip holding the drumsticks together. This handy device is called a leg holder or hock lock. It keeps the legs neatly tucked in while the bird roasts. But is it safe to leave it on while cooking or should you remove it first?

What is a Turkey Leg Holder?

A leg holder or hock lock is a plastic or metal clamp that wraps around a turkey’s legs to keep them closed together. It creates a neat, tidy presentation.

Leg holders are made from heat-resistant nylon or metal that can withstand oven temperatures. They are designed to remain on the bird during roasting.

Turkey processors use leg holders to truss the legs for easier packaging and transport. It also helps the turkey hold its shape better in the oven.

Is it Safe to Leave on While Cooking?

The short answer is yes – it is completely safe to leave a plastic leg holder on a turkey while roasting it

Since leg holders are constructed of high-heat resistant materials they will not melt or release chemicals when exposed to normal cooking temperatures of 325°F to 375°F.

Both metal and oven-safe plastic leg holders are rigorously tested to withstand roasting conditions.

So you can rest assured that leaving the leg holder intact will not affect food safety or pose any health risks.

Should You Remove it Before Cooking?

While safe to leave on, there are a few reasons you may want to remove a leg holder prior to roasting:

• To stuff the turkey cavity – leg holders can obstruct stuffing.

• For even doneness – trussed legs take longer to cook which may dry out the breast meat.

• For faster cooking time – untrussed legs cook quicker.

• For ease of basting – holders can block drippings.

• If deep frying – plastic may not withstand hot oil.

• If grilling over high heat – plastic could melt under broiler.

So depending on your cooking method and preferences, you may want to remove the leg holder beforehand.

How to Remove a Turkey Leg Holder

Removing a leg holder is simple:

• Use sharp kitchen shears or scissors.

• Carefully cut the plastic or metal clamp to loosen it.

• Gently pull and wiggle it off the legs.

• Take care not to tear the skin.

Once removed, the legs can be left free or tied back together with butcher’s twine to maintain the trussed shape.

Should You Truss Legs After Removing Holder?

Trussing or tying the legs back together after removing the leg holder offers some advantages:

• Holds stuffing in place if cavity is stuffed.

• Maintains a tidy, uniform shape for roasting.

• Legs cook more evenly when held together.

• Prevents legs from flopping outwards.

• Easier to carve the bird.

So even if you remove the leg holder, tying the legs with kitchen string can be beneficial.

Cooking a Turkey With Free Legs

You can certainly roast a turkey with untrussed, free legs. Here are some tips:

• Use a V-rack to hold legs together.

• Start breast-side down to prevent spreading.

• Roast at a lower temp (325°F) to prevent drying out.

• Baste frequently to keep exposed areas moist.

• Add juices to the pan to create a moist environment.

• Tent foil over wings, legs if browning too quickly.

• Let legs splay outwards for Even doneness.

While untrussed legs may cook faster and more evenly, the presentation may not be as picturesque.

The Consensus on Turkey Leg Holders

Most experts agree that you can safely leave the plastic or metal leg holder intact when roasting your turkey.

However, removing it allows for easier stuffing, basting, and potential faster cooking. Trussing the legs back together helps maintain shape.

So consider your specific cooking approach when deciding whether or not to remove that handy turkey leg holder before cooking!