Hot & Spicy Roasted Turkey Legs

What can you do to prevent too much browning?

The best way to prevent too much browning on a turkey leg is to tent the pan with foil, loosely covering the turkey legs. This shields the turkey skin from direct heat and slows the browning down—similar to a pie crust shield to keep the crust edges from burning. You can also reduce the oven temperature, although this may affect the amount of time it takes for the legs to cook through.

What do you serve with turkey legs?

Turkey legs are a hearty main dish that pair perfectly with Thanksgiving side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans or stuffing. To cool down the hot and spicy seasoning, serve the turkey legs with creamy sauce like gravy.

How long will turkey legs last?

Cooked turkey legs will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store leftover turkey legs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. To reheat turkey, place the legs in a roasting pan with a small amount of water or gravy. Cover the pan with foil and cook in a 300° oven for 30 to 45 minutes, until warmed through.

Can you freeze turkey legs?

Cooked turkey legs can be frozen by wrapping each leg individually in foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped legs in a freezer-safe bag, where they will last up to 3 months. Allow the legs to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer