Herb Roasted Turkey Legs (Printable Version)

Tender turkey legs enhanced with fresh herbs and garlic, roasted to juicy perfection with crispy skin.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey

01 - 4 turkey legs (approximately 14–17.5 ounces each)

→ Marinade

02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables (optional)

10 - 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
11 - 1 large onion, cut into wedges
12 - 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).
02 - In a small bowl, blend olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels, then evenly coat each leg with the herb mixture, ensuring full coverage on all sides.
04 - Place carrot chunks, onion wedges, and celery pieces in the base of a large roasting pan. Lay the seasoned turkey legs atop the vegetables.
05 - Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is golden and crisp.
06 - Allow the turkey legs to rest for 10 minutes to retain juices before carving and serving.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • It delivers juicy, flavorful meat with irresistibly crispy skin that feels like a cozy secret you want to share.
  • The combination of aromatic herbs makes it a standout dish that quickly became a family favorite for festive meals.
02 -
  • Marinating the turkey legs in the herb paste for up to 12 hours takes the flavor to a whole new level, a trick I wish I had known from my very first try.
  • Using fresh herbs instead of dried really changes the aroma and taste, making the difference between a good roast and a memorable one.
03 -
  • Patting the turkey dry before applying the herb paste is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin.
  • Using a blend of fresh herbs and smoked paprika creates layers of flavor that keep people coming back.

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