Where Can I Buy Smoked Turkey Legs? A Guide to Finding Delicious Hickory-Smoked Turkey

Smoked turkey legs are a classic barbecue food that never seems to go out of style. Their smoky, savory flavor and fun, meaty texture make them an irresistible snack or meal But where can you buy high-quality smoked turkey legs? This guide will walk you through the best places to find delicious hickory-smoked turkey legs, whether you’re shopping for an outdoor party, stocking up for tailgating season, or just craving a tasty bite.

Grocery Stores and Specialty Markets

One of the easiest places to find smoked turkey legs is your local grocery store or specialty market. Many major supermarket chains like Kroger, Publix, and Whole Foods carry smoked turkey legs, often under private label brands. Make sure to check the deli or prepared foods section. Specialty grocers like Trader Joe’s and Sprouts also stock smoked turkey legs seasonally.

The advantages of buying smoked turkey legs from a grocery store include convenience, reasonable prices, and the ability to select just what you need for a small gathering Just take note of the sell-by date and pick the freshest options The downside is that grocery store turkey legs are often pumped with preservatives and lower quality than more artisanal options.

Online Mail Order Companies

If you want premium smoked turkey legs shipped right to your door, consider ordering from a mail order company that specializes in smoked meats. Two great options are Burgers’ Smokehouse and D’Artagnan.

Burgers’ Smokehouse has been smoking turkeys since the 1950s. They use all natural turkey legs smoked over real hickory. You can order their smoked turkey legs online in quantities from 2 legs up to cases of 16 legs for large events.

D’Artagnan is known for their high-end gourmet meats. Their certified organic smoked turkey legs are free of hormones, nitrates and nitrites. The smoke flavor comes from hardwoods like hickory, apple, and cherry. You can order a pack of two turkey legs for smaller needs or cases of up to 20 legs.

The benefit of mail order smoked turkey legs is you know you’re getting high quality, artisanal products. The main downside is having to pay shipping costs, as these meats can come frozen. Plan ahead to allow time for shipping.

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

For truly fresh smoked turkey legs, head to your local butcher shop or meat market. Many butcher shops offer house-smoked meats including turkey legs smoked onsite. Or they may partner with trusted local smokehouses to provide their inventory.

Shopping at a butcher allows you the chance to personally select the turkey legs you want. Ask questions about their smoking process and flavor profiles. Many butchers also will custom-cut quantities to order. This is helpful if you need 10 turkey legs versus a whole case.

The advantage of butcher shop turkey legs is their freshness and handmade quality. You know just how and where the meat was smoked. The main disadvantage is turkey legs at butcher shops typically cost more than commercial options. Be prepared to pay a premium for artisanal service.

BBQ Restaurants and Food Trucks

Can’t wait to sink your teeth into a perfectly smoked turkey leg? Check to see if any barbecue restaurants or food trucks in your area sell them individually. Lots of BBQ joints that specialize in ribs and pulled pork also offer smoked turkey legs on their menus or as daily specials.

The benefit of buying smoked turkey legs from a restaurant is you can sample one on the spot! Try different BBQ spots to taste variations in rubs, woods used for smoking, and preparation methods. Just be aware that single turkey legs ordered to-go or for takeout tend to be the most expensive option per pound.

Wholesale Clubs and Restaurant Suppliers

If you’re feeding a crowd, consider purchasing smoked turkey legs from a wholesale club store or restaurant supplier. Options like Sam’s Club, Restaurant Depot and Costco sell smoked turkey legs in large bulk quantities, perfect for events like large backyard barbecues, block parties, festivals, concession stands, or other food service needs.

Pricing per pound on bulk smoked turkey legs can be very affordable. You can also sometimes find deals on special order packs not available in regular retail. Just keep in mind that you need commercial-sized storage and the ability to purchase a large volume of turkey legs at once.

Do-It-Yourself Smoking

Of course, the ultimate way to source smoked turkey legs is to smoke them yourself! This requires having a backyard smoker or grill setup for indirect smoking. While smoking turkeys does take some time and technique, the payoff of hot-off-the-smoker turkey legs can’t be beat.

Smoking your own allows you to control every aspect like rubs, brining, and wood selection. Get creative with flavors like maple, spicy chili or lemon-herb. Make it a fun weekend project and enjoy the delicious results.

With so many options to find high quality smoked turkey legs, you’re sure to discover a source that perfectly suits your needs. Whether buying them fresh from a butcher, ordering online, or firing up your own backyard pitmaster skills, enjoy finding and savoring amazing smoked turkey legs. Your family, friends and tailgating crew will thank you for introducing them to this iconic barbecue treat.