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Thinking of adding a twist to your Christmas feast this year? Why not try roast turkey legs for Christmas? These Herb & Mustard Crusted Roast Turkey Legs are a fantastic alternative to the traditional whole turkey. They’re just perfect for those intimate gatherings or when you’re looking to simplify your holiday cooking. This recipe brings you all the festive flavors you crave in a manageable and mouthwatering package. And for those following a keto diet, it’s an absolute win-win. Let’s get started on preparing a holiday dish that’s sure to be a hit at your festive table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of herbs and mustard in every bite.
- Great for Keto Diets: A delicious low-carb option for your festive meals.
- Ideal for Any Size Gathering: Perfect whether you’re hosting a few or just dining with your partner.
- Quicker Than a Whole Turkey: Get fabulous flavor without the long roasting time.
- Customizable: Adjust the herb and mustard mix to suit your palate.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Getting ready to make these herb & mustard crusted roast turkey legs is simple; here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Turkey Drumsticks: The star of the show, offering rich and succulent meat.
- Sea Salt and Pepper: For that essential seasoning touch.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened, to bind the flavors and add moisture.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the drumsticks.
- Dried Rosemary: For a hint of aromatic warmth.
- Dried Thyme: Complements the turkey with its earthy notes.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle, savory flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: For a touch of smokiness and color.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil to suit your taste. The recipe is quite versatile, so you can tweak the herb mix to create a flavor profile you love.
You can substitute ghee, duck or goose fat, which add a wonderful depth to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, ghee is typically well tolerated as it contains no milk solids.
Sure thing! If you decide to go for a whole turkey, remember that cooking times will vary depending on the size of the bird. A good rule of thumb is to roast it at 325°F (about 165°C) for about 15 minutes per pound. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Just apply the same herb and mustard mix as in the recipe, and you’re good to go!
How To Make Herb & Mustard Roast Turkey Legs
Prepare the Drumsticks. Begin by preheating your oven to 355°F (180°C) fan assisted, or 400°F (200°C) conventional. Pat the turkey drumsticks dry. Season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides to ensure they are well-flavored.
Mix the Seasoning Butter. In a small bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter with Dijon mustard, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix these ingredients well until you have a homogenous herb-infused butter.
Apply the Butter Mix. Carefully lift the skin of the turkey drumsticks and spread about half of your seasoned butter underneath. This helps flavor the meat directly. Then, coat the outside of the drumsticks with the remaining butter, covering as much surface as you can for a crispy skin.
Roasting. Place the buttered drumsticks on a rack over a baking tray. This setup allows airflow around the meat for even cooking. Roast in the preheated oven for the initial 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 310°F (155°C) fan assisted, or 350°F (175°C) conventional, and continue roasting the drumsticks. The lower heat will cook the meat through without burning the skin. During the roasting process, baste the turkey legs a few times with the melted butter and juices. This step is key for achieving a crispy and flavorful crust.
Check for Doneness. Ensure the turkey is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature, which should reach the safe level of reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the drumsticks from the oven.
Tips for Best Herb & Mustard Roast Turkey Legs
- Even Seasoning: Ensure to season the drumsticks evenly with salt and pepper. This not only adds flavor but also helps in achieving a perfectly crispy skin.
- Butter Under the Skin: For deeper flavor, spread a good amount of the herb and mustard butter under the skin of the drumsticks. This infuses the meat directly and keeps it moist. Plus there’s zero risk of any spices and aromatics burning on top of the skin!
- Even Cooking: To ensure your turkey legs cook evenly, place them on a rack over a baking tray. This allows air to circulate around the meat, cooking it uniformly.
- Don’t Skip Basting: Basting the turkey with its juices during cooking is crucial for a moist interior and a crispy exterior. It enhances the flavor and prevents the meat from drying out.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the turkey rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite is succulent.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It’s the most reliable way to ensure that your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Storage Instructions
Properly stored in an airtight container, these cooked turkey legs will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best quality.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked turkey legs. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap, or place them in a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, place the turkey legs in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Cover them with foil to prevent drying out and heat until warmed through, typically for about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven method will better preserve the texture.
How to Serve Herb & Mustard Roast Turkey Legs
- As a Main Course with Classic Holiday Side Dishes: Serve these flavorful turkey legs alongside traditional holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower mash, or a winter-inspired salad to keep things keto-friendly and delicious.
- With a Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavor by offering a side of sugar-free cranberry sauce or a homemade keto gravy. These sauces complement the rich taste of the herb and mustard crust beautifully.
- In a Wrap or Salad: For a lighter option, slice the meat off the bones and serve it in a low-carb lettuce wrap or atop a hearty salad. This is a great way to enjoy the leftovers in a different way.
- Pair with a Low-Carb Beverage: Complement your meal with a glass of dry wine or a refreshing, sugar-free sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.
Tools for Herb & Mustard Roast Turkey Legs
- Meat Thermometer: Essential for ensuring the turkey legs are cooked to the right temperature, guaranteeing safety and the best texture.
- Roasting Tray and Rack: These help in cooking the turkey legs evenly and achieving a crispy skin.
- Kitchen Tongs and Basting Brush: Useful for handling the turkey legs and for applying the butter mix and basting during cooking.
Festive Herb & Mustard Roast Turkey Legs
Ingredients
- 2 turkey drumsticks (750 g/ 1.7 lb – will yield about 50% meat)
- sea salt and pepper (to season)
- ½ stick softened unsalted butter (57 g/ 2 oz)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (15 ml)
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 C/ 355 F (fan assisted), or 200 C/ 400 F (conventional). Prepare the turkey drumsticks by patting them dry and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with Dijon mustard, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder to create a flavorful herb butter.
- Gently lift the skin of the drumsticks and spread half of the herb butter underneath. Cover the outside of the drumsticks with the remaining butter, ensuring a thorough coating.
- Place the drumsticks on a rack set over a baking tray to allow airflow around the meat. This setup aids in even cooking and crisping the skin.
- Roast the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 155 C/ 310 F (fan assisted), or 175 C/ 350 F (conventional), and continue roasting for another 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the drumsticks.
- During cooking, baste the turkey legs two to three times with the melted butter and juices. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy and flavorful crust.
- To check for doneness, ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 75 C/ 165 F, or the juices run clear. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: 1 turkey leg. Nutrition facts are estimated as each leg will vary in size.
- Even Cooking: To ensure your turkey legs cook evenly, place them on a rack over a baking tray. This allows air to circulate around the meat, cooking it uniformly.
- Flavorful Skin: For maximum flavor, don’t hesitate to get under the skin with the herb butter. This technique infuses the meat directly and helps keep it moist. Plus, no burnt aromatics on the skin!
- Regular Basting: Basting is key for a crispy, flavorful crust. Use the juices and melted butter to baste the legs a few times during cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, making every bite succulent.
- Storage: Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap them well and they’ll last up to 3 months.
