How to Reheat Already Smoked Turkey Legs: The Best Methods

How to Cook Already Smoked Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. But if you’ve ever bought pre-smoked turkey legs, you may have been wondering how to cook them properly. After all, smoked turkey legs are often quite tough, and it can be difficult to get them cooked all the way through without drying them out.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook already smoked turkey legs so that they’re juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. We’ll also provide tips on how to reheat smoked turkey legs if you have any leftovers.

So whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a delicious and easy meal, read on for our tips on how to cook already smoked turkey legs!

Step Instructions Tips
1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If the turkey legs are not already thawed, place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
2 Place the turkey legs in a baking dish. If desired, you can add a little bit of water to the bottom of the baking dish to create a steamy environment.
3 Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the turkey legs moist while they cook.
4 Bake the turkey legs for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Be sure to check the turkey legs with a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked through.
5 Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey legs to firm up.

Equipment and Ingredients

What you need to cook already smoked turkey legs

To cook already smoked turkey legs, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Already smoked turkey legs
  • Aluminum foil
  • A baking sheet
  • A basting brush
  • A meat thermometer

Ingredients

You will not need to add any additional ingredients to cook already smoked turkey legs. However, you may choose to add your own favorite seasonings or sauces to the turkey legs before cooking them.

Equipment

The only equipment you will need to cook already smoked turkey legs is a baking sheet, aluminum foil, a basting brush, and a meat thermometer.

Steps

How to cook already smoked turkey legs

To cook already smoked turkey legs, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Place the turkey legs on the baking sheet.
4. Brush the turkey legs with your favorite seasonings or sauces.
5. Bake the turkey legs for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Place the turkey legs on the baking sheet.
4. Brush the turkey legs with your favorite seasonings or sauces.
5. Bake the turkey legs for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking already smoked turkey legs is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this holiday favorite. By following these steps, you can ensure that your turkey legs are cooked to perfection and that they are full of flavor.

3. Tips

  • Tips for cooking already smoked turkey legs
  • Start with high-quality turkey legs. The best turkey legs for smoking are those that are fresh and have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid turkey legs that are frozen or have been sitting in the store for too long, as they will not be as flavorful or juicy.
  • Rub the turkey legs with a dry rub. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the turkey legs. You can use any dry rub recipe that you like, but some popular options include a brown sugar and paprika rub, a garlic and herb rub, or a cayenne pepper and chili powder rub.
  • Smoke the turkey legs at a low temperature for a long period of time. This will allow the turkey legs to cook evenly and develop a deep, smoky flavor. The ideal smoking temperature for turkey legs is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Check the turkey legs for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The turkey legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the turkey legs rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey legs to firm up slightly.
  • Troubleshooting
  • If the turkey legs are dry, you may have smoked them at too high of a temperature. Try smoking them at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
  • If the turkey legs are tough, you may not have cooked them long enough. Try cooking them for a longer period of time or at a higher temperature.
  • If the turkey legs are not flavorful, you may not have used a flavorful dry rub. Try using a different dry rub or adding more spices to the rub.

4. FAQs

  • Q: How long does it take to cook already smoked turkey legs?

A: It will take about 2-3 hours to cook already smoked turkey legs at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Q: What temperature should I cook already smoked turkey legs?

A: The ideal temperature for cooking already smoked turkey legs is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Q: What is the best way to cook already smoked turkey legs?

A: The best way to cook already smoked turkey legs is to smoke them at a low temperature for a long period of time. This will allow the turkey legs to cook evenly and develop a deep, smoky flavor.

  • Q: How do I know when already smoked turkey legs are done?

A: You can check the turkey legs for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The turkey legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Q: What can I serve with already smoked turkey legs?

A: There are many different things that you can serve with already smoked turkey legs. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.

  • Q: Can I freeze already smoked turkey legs?

A: Yes, you can freeze already smoked turkey legs. To freeze them, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  • Q: How do I reheat already smoked turkey legs?

A: You can reheat already smoked turkey legs in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. To reheat them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the turkey legs for about 15 minutes. To reheat them on the stovetop, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey legs for about 5 minutes per side. To reheat them in the microwave, place the turkey legs on a microwave-safe plate and cook them for about 2 minutes per side.

How do I cook already smoked turkey legs?

There are a few different ways to cook already smoked turkey legs. Here are three of the most popular methods:

  • Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

  • Stovetop

Place the turkey legs in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

  • Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the turkey legs with oil and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.

What are some tips for cooking already smoked turkey legs?

Here are a few tips for cooking already smoked turkey legs:

  • Don’t overcook them. Already smoked turkey legs are already cooked, so it’s important to not overcook them. Overcooked turkey legs can become dry and tough.
  • Use a meat thermometer. The best way to ensure that the turkey legs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve with your favorite sides. Already smoked turkey legs are a great addition to any meal. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking already smoked turkey legs?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking already smoked turkey legs:

  • Overcooking them. As mentioned above, it’s important not to overcook already smoked turkey legs. Overcooked turkey legs can become dry and tough.
  • Not using a meat thermometer. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the turkey legs are cooked through.
  • Serving them with the wrong sides. Already smoked turkey legs are a great addition to any meal, but they’re especially delicious when served with your favorite sides.

What are some other ways to use already smoked turkey legs?

In addition to eating them as-is, there are a few other ways to use already smoked turkey legs:

  • Shred them and use them in a salad. Shredded smoked turkey legs are a great addition to a salad. They add protein and flavor, and they’re a healthier alternative to regular chicken.
  • Use them in a soup or stew. Smoked turkey legs are a great addition to a soup or stew. They add flavor and richness, and they help to thicken the soup or stew.
  • Make a sandwich with them. Smoked turkey legs are a great addition to a sandwich. They add flavor and protein, and they’re a healthier alternative to regular deli meat.

In this article, we have discussed how to cook already smoked turkey legs. We have covered the following topics:

  • The different types of smoked turkey legs
  • How to choose the right smoked turkey legs for your recipe
  • How to cook smoked turkey legs in the oven
  • How to cook smoked turkey legs on the grill
  • How to reheat smoked turkey legs

We hope that this article has been helpful and that you will enjoy cooking your smoked turkey legs.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • When choosing smoked turkey legs, look for legs that are evenly smoked and have a deep, rich color.
  • To cook smoked turkey legs in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the legs for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To cook smoked turkey legs on the grill, preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the legs for 10-12 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To reheat smoked turkey legs, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the legs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through.

We hope that you enjoy your smoked turkey legs!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

Similar Posts