Stuffed Turkey Legs – What happens when succulent roast turkey meets creamy mac and cheese? Comfort food magic right in your oven! Previously smoked turkey legs are slow-cooked for fall-off-the-bone goodness, then stuffed with gooey mac and cheese. Are you looking for a new twist on a classic? Then these stuffed turkey legs totally fit the bill.
Have you noticed that turkey with all the fixings isn’t just for holidays anymore? Now you can customize turkey legs for simple everyday meals. And this stuffed turkey legs recipe became an epic success the very first time my boys tore into them.😍
Moreover, this fun twist on the classic roast turkey doesn’t involve complicated carving! Stuffed turkey legs can stand alone as a hearty snack, or pair them with all the traditional fixings for a family feast!
What Are Stuffed Turkey Legs?
These guys are incredibly delicious. Cook smoked (or plain) turkey drumsticks and slow cook them until the meat almost falls off the bone. Then gently slice the meat down to the bone and stuff it with mac and cheese. Of course, you can stuff it with Spanish rice, creamy shrimp sauce, etc., etc., etc. The flavor fusion will delight your taste buds!
Recipe Ingredients
- Turkey Legs – The key player, smoked turkey legs are tender, full-bodied, and juicy! If you prefer plain turkey legs, they also work.
- Chicken Broth adds an irresistible flavor and keeps the meat moist and juicy.
- Butter creates a beautifully rich taste and makes the seasonings stick better to the turkey.
- Seasonings – Creole seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder give the turkey legs an out-of-this-world flavor! Red pepper flakes are optional, but I love the zing of heat.
- Mac & Cheese – The creamy, gooey, cheesy stuffing complements the savory turkey perfectly! My personal fave is Southern mac & cheese, but feel free to use your favorite recipe.
- Cheddar cheese – Melty, cheesy goodness takes these turkey legs over the top!
How to Make Stuffed Turkey Legs
- Cook Turkey Legs – Rinse turkey legs under running tap water and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the broth into your slow cooker and cook the turkey legs on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours for tender smoked turkey legs.
- Make Rub – In a small mixing bowl, add melted butter, creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to thoroughly combine. Set aside.
- Remove Turkey – When ready, carefully remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a parchment-paper-lined baking tray. (Be careful! The turkey will be tender and may fall off the bone.
- Split Turkey Legs – Use a fork to gently separate some of the meat from the bones of the turkey legs. Generously brush turkey legs with the butter mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Stuff Them – Stuff each turkey leg with macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on the top and bake in the oven at 350℉/177℃ for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve – Garnish stuffed turkey legs with more cheese sauce and parsley, and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Craving Mexican? Substitute the rub with a cilantro lime rub using ½ cup butter, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves, and 2 teaspoons lime zest. And substitute the mac & cheese with Mexican rice, black beans, avocado, and diced tomatoes. Que rico!
- Want a traditional turkey feast? Replace the mac & cheese with your favorite stuffing (you can even use packaged stuffing. I won’t tell! 😉) and top with creamy gravy for that holiday meal feel anytime!
Tips and Tricks
- To maximize the flavor experience, rub the seasonings on and under the skin of the turkey leg.
- You can also use fresh turkey legs for this recipe. Season the legs with your favorite turkey seasoning, place in the slow cooker, and add broth. Cook until the turkey reaches 165℉/75℃, and you’re good to go.
- Let the turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes after removing them from the slow cooker so the juices settle back inside the meat for an extra juicy experience!
Make-Ahead Instructions
Stuffed turkey legs are best served fresh from the oven! However, you can prepare your mac and cheese so it’s ready when the turkey legs come out of the slow cooker. Leftover mac and cheese also works. 😋
Serving and Storage Instructions
Leftover turkey legs are fridge and freezer friendly! They can be stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for 4 days. Place them on a greased baking sheet loosely covered with foil to reheat and bake for 20-30 minutes at 300℉/150℃.
Or freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before reheating.
FAQs
The best way to tell if they’re cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Turkey legs should reach an internal temperature of 165℉/75℃ when they’re done. No meat thermometer? Then pierce the leg mid-thigh so the juices run out, and if they’re clear, the meat is cooked. But if the juices are still pink, the turkey needs to cook longer.
No slow cooker? No problem. Coat the turkey legs with the rub and place them on a greased baking sheet, skin-side down. Cook for 30 minutes at 350℉/177℃. Flip them and cook for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉/75℃.
Turkey legs can be tough if they don’t cook long enough. Slow cooking at low temperatures tenderized the muscle fibers, producing more tender meat. But don’t worry! The extra wait time is well worth it once you bite into that succulent, savory meat! 😉
What to Serve With Stuffed Turkey Legs
This is a hearty main dish on its own. So it pairs well with easy coleslaw or cucumber tomato salad for balance, color, and crunch.
If you’re looking for traditional Thanksgiving sides for your turkey, cranberry sauce and homemade gravy are guaranteed winners!
More Delectable Turkey Recipes to Try
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Spiced Roast Turkey
- Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Baked Turkey Wings
- Collard Greens With Smoked Turkey
Conclusion
Stuffed turkey legs combine the star power of creamy mac & cheese with the elegance of a roast turkey dinner! Hungry for more unique, hearty family meals? Follow me on Instagram and catch all the latest recipes!
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Ingredients
- 2 smoked turkey legs (about 1-1½ pounds each)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon (6g) Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (1.5g) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1g) onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon (2g) salt
- ⅛ teaspoon (1g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cups (475ml) mac and cheese cooked (I used Southern mac & cheese)
- 1 cup (470g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Rinse turkey legs under running tap water and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the broth into your slow cooker and cook the turkey legs on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, obtaining tender smoked turkey legs.
- Add melted butter, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Mix well to fully combine. Set aside.
- When ready, carefully remove the turkey legs from your slow cooker and transfer them to a parchment-paper-lined baking tray. (Be careful! Turkey will be tender and may fall off the bone.)
- Use a fork to gently separate some of the meat from the bones of the turkey legs. Generously brush turkey legs with the butter mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Stuff each turkey leg with macaroni and cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese generously on the top, and cook in the oven at 350℉/177℃ for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish stuffed turkey legs with some cheese sauce, parsley, or your favorite mac and cheese topping, and enjoy!
Tips & Notes:
- To maximize the flavor experience, rub the seasonings on and under the skin of the turkey leg.
- You can also use fresh turkey legs for this recipe. Season the legs with your favorite turkey seasoning, place in the slow cooker, and add broth. Cook until the turkey reaches 165℉/75℃, and you’re good to go.
- Let the turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes after removing them from the slow cooker so the juices settle back inside the meat for an extra juicy experience!
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
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