9 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Smoked Turkey Legs

Noontime in Acadiana means heading for your favorite lunchroom for a meat-and-three plate of down-home Cajun cooking. Throughout South Louisiana, the cafes and diners are lined with all sorts of folks bellying up to the counters and tables in search of a hearty lunch. It’s not unusual to see a truck driver sitting next to a business executive rubbing elbows with a student. Good Cajun food connects them all. And one dish seen often is a plate of Smoked Turkey Leg Stew.

Back in the day, my father opened a small-town Louisiana café and he spent forty years feeding hungry plant workers at the local paper mill. He pushed out as many as 300 blue plates during a noon shift and never saw anyone go away hungry. He called it belt-loosenin’, nap-takin’ food and no one complained about the portions.

Two side vegetables accompany a choice of meat along with a starch–a mound of white rice in Cajun country. This meat-and-three combination comes in a wide variety with most meat smothered in gravy. In Acadiana, gravy is practically a food group. In most cases, the meat is just a means to an end–a rich, dark, roux-based sauce for bread soppin’.

My choice of meat is a Creole smokehouse favorite–smoked turkey leg–stewed down and smothered. A common Cajun recipe ingredient, smoked turkey legs are ubiquitous to Acadiana, and they find their way into most any pot needing a seasoned smokiness. Amazingly inexpensive, these legs are the biggest bang-for-the-buck when it comes to adding intense flavor.

I buy my turkey legs at the Cajun Boudin Stop in Plaisance, Louisiana where they smoke a wide variety of meats. Their meat case is always full of Cajun recipe ingredients–tails, tongue, tripe, and huge, hickory-smoked turkey legs. I always buy one whole leg for seasoning and have another one portioned out by crosscutting along the shank. It is perfect for my Smoked Turkey Leg Stew.

My sides of choice are green beans and green peas straight out of a can. Wait a second. Before you reach a negative conclusion, hear me out. While fresh is most always best, if you learn how to add layers of flavor and depth of taste to ordinary canned vegetables, you will bring a whole new dimension to your everyday kitchen repertoire.

Try out this meat-and-three Cajun recipe for Smoked Turkey Leg Stew on your family and I guarantee the compliments.

YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE: If you like this Cajun cooking story and Cajun recipe then accept my personal invitation to subscribe by entering your email at the bottom or top right of this page. It’s quick and painless. You will receive an email alert and be the first to see when new Cajun cooking stories and Cajun recipes are added. Thanks, George.

I’ve lived in South Louisiana for all my life. My passion is the rich culinary heritage of Cajun and Creole cooking, and in the pages of Acadiana Table, my mission is to preserve and promote our culture by bringing you the stories and recipes that make it so unique. Read More…

Smoked turkey legs are always a hit during the holidays or at summer barbecues. But inevitably you end up with leftovers after the party dies down. Don’t let those remaining turkey legs go to waste! Here are 9 tasty ways to use up leftover smoked turkey legs so you can savor the smoky flavor for days to come.

Enjoy Smoked Turkey Leg Sliders

Turn leftover turkey into easy mini sandwiches. Simply slice or shred the meat off the bones. Pile the turkey onto mini buns and dress it up with cheese, bbq sauce lettuce pickles or other favorite toppings. These turkey sliders make a quick lunch or snack.

Make Hearty Smoked Turkey Leg Soup

Simmer turkey leg meat with veggies like carrots, celery and onion in broth. Season the soup with thyme, rosemary and sage. Top bowls of this comforting soup with a swirl of cream or yogurt. The smoked turkey adds a delicious depth of flavor.

Whip Up Smoked Turkey Leg Tacos

Shred and chop the turkey meat, then sauté it with taco seasoning and shredded cheese Load the mixture into warm tortillas or taco shells. Top with all your favorite taco toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, lettuce and sour cream

Enjoy Smoked Turkey Leg Salad

Chopped turkey leg meat makes a stellar addition to any salad. Toss it with greens, cheese, veggies and a zesty dressing. Get creative with your favorite salad add-ins! The possibilities are endless for tasty turkey leg salads.

Make Hearty Smoked Turkey Leg Casserole

Mix chopped turkey with rice or pasta, veggies and cream of mushroom soup. Top with cheese and bread crumbs then bake until bubbly and browned. This comforting casserole is perfect for chilly nights.

Fold Into Delicious Smoked Turkey Leg Quesadillas

Sauté chopped turkey leg meat with onions, peppers and seasoning. Place turkey mixture inside tortillas with shredded cheese. Grill quesadillas until the cheese is melted and tortilla crispy. Serve with sour cream, guacamole and salsa for an easy meal.

Craft BBQ Smoked Turkey Leg Pizza

Pre-made or homemade pizza dough topped with bbq sauce, shredded smoked turkey, cheese, red onion, cilantro and jalapeño is an amazing combo. Bake pizza until the crust is crispy and cheese melted. Dig into this flavor-packed pie!

Make Snackable Smoked Turkey Leg Nachos

Pile tortilla chips with shredded smoked turkey, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, jalapeño and avocado. Melt the cheese under the broiler. Top with salsa, sour cream and cilantro for a stellar snack.

Enjoy on Smoked Turkey Leg Wraps

Spread flatbread, tortillas or lettuce leaves with hummus or pesto. Top with sliced smoked turkey, pickled onions, roasted red peppers, cheese and arugula. Roll up and enjoy these flavorful turkey wraps.

As you can see, leftover smoked turkey legs can be used in so many ways. Get creative with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, tacos and more. With a little imagination, you’ll look forward to having tasty turkey leftovers. Those remaining turkey legs will become a bonus instead of headed for the trash.

So next time you smoke some turkey legs, cook up a few extra. Try out these recipes and discover delicious ways to savor every last bite of those smoky leg and thigh meat. Your family will be thrilled to dive into these creative turkey leftovers again and again until the very last morsel is gone.

Helpful Tips for Using Leftover Smoked Turkey

Taking proper steps to store, prep and reheat leftover smoked turkey ensures safety and the best flavor:

Allow turkey to cool completely before refrigerating in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze turkey for 2-3 months for best quality.
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator before using.
Discard turkey that smells bad or is moldy. When in doubt, throw it out!
Preheat turkey thoroughly to 165°F. Microwave or use a sauce to keep it moist.
Add extra seasoning and sauces to boost flavor when reheating.
Use turkey in casseroles, tacos, soups and other dishes to add juiciness.
Remove turkey from the bone for easier use in recipes. Discard skin and bones.
Chop, shred or slice turkey to maximize use in recipes.

With proper handling and storage, you can safely savor every morsel of leftover smoked turkey for recipe creations that everyone will love. Follow these turkey tips and take your leftovers to delicious new levels.

what to do with smoked turkey legs

How to Prepare Store Bought Smoked Turkey Legs. Quick and Easy Short Cut Jerk BBQ or Any BBQ Sauce

FAQ

Are smoked turkey legs already 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.

How do you’re cook 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.

How long does it take for a smoked turkey leg to get tender?

How Long to Smoke Turkey Legs? Smoke turkey drumsticks until the meat browns and becomes very tender – typically about three to four hours. Smoked turkey legs are done when the internal temperature registers 170 F. Be sure that your meat thermometer is not touching drumstick bones when measuring.

What are turkey legs used for?

Turkey legs consist of the leg of the turkey from the thigh to the meat just below the knee. Aside from Thanksgiving, this dark, flavorful meat is typically served at fairs and amusement parks on-the-bone to be eaten as a handheld meal. But turkey legs can also be a budget-friendly option for everyday meals.