Festival and Theme Park Turkey Legs
Bring the magic of festival food to your kitchen with these indulgent Festival and Theme Park Turkey Legs! This recipe recreates the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor of those iconic jumbo turkey legs you know and love. Brined overnight in a flavorful mixture of brown sugar, kosher salt, liquid smoke, and spices, these turkey legs are infused with rich seasoning from the inside out. A bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and cayenne pepper creates a mouthwatering crust, whether you grill them to perfection over indirect heat or bake them in the oven. Ideal for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the fair, these turkey legs are tender, juicy, and irresistible. Serve them warm and capture the authentic theme park experience right at home! Keywords: festival turkey legs, theme park turkey legs, smoked turkey legs recipe, grilled turkey legs, baked turkey legs.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces Turkey legs
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 0.3333333333333333 cup Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground sage
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 8 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brine by combining the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and liquid smoke. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
Step 2
Place the turkey legs in a large resealable bag or container and pour the brine over them, ensuring all legs are submerged. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours (overnight is best) to infuse the flavors.
Step 3
After the brining time, remove the turkey legs from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Step 4
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground sage, and cayenne pepper.
Step 5
Rub olive oil all over the turkey legs, then evenly coat them with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring they are well-seasoned on all sides.
Step 6
Preheat your grill to medium heat or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If grilling, prepare for indirect heat cooking.
Step 7
If using a grill, place the turkey legs on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat), cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If using an oven, place the turkey legs on a baking rack set over a lined baking sheet, and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning halfway through cooking.
Step 8
For a crispy skin, increase the heat to high or broil the turkey legs for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 9
Remove the turkey legs from the grill or oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 10
Serve the turkey legs warm and enjoy the authentic festival experience at home!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2775.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1651.5 |
| Total Fat 66.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 540mg | 0% |
| Sodium 36492.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 93.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 72.1g | |
| Protein 148.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 386.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2107.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories