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Bacon Wrapped Turkey Legs

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Legs

By Traeger Kitchen

Colossal turkey legs aren’t just for the state fair, wood-fired turkey drumsticks are perfect for a backyard feast.

Prep Time

10 Min

Cook Time

3 Hr

Pellets

Hickory
Yields: 8 Servings

Ingredients

main
1/4 Cup
3 CupMorton Tender Quick Home Meat Cure
1/2 Cupbrown sugar
6 Whole black peppercorns
2 WholeBay leaves
8 (1-1/2 lb each) turkey legs
8 Slicesbacon
Units of Measurement:

Steps

  • Step 1

    Plan ahead, these turkey legs brine overnight. In a large stockpot, combine one gallon of water, Traeger Rub, curing salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves.

    Ingredients
    • 1/4 Cup Traeger Rub

    • 3 Cup Morton Tender Quick Home Meat Cure

    • 1/2 Cup brown sugar

    • 6  Whole black peppercorns

    • 2 Whole Bay leaves

  • Step 2

    Bring to a boil over high heat to dissolve the salt and sugar granules. Take off the heat and add in 1/2 gallon of water and ice. Make sure the brine is at least to room temperature, if not colder. (You may need to refrigerate the brine for an hour or so.)

  • Step 3

    Add the turkey legs making sure they are completely submerged in the brine.

    Ingredients
    • 8  (1-1/2 lb each) turkey legs

  • Step 4

    After 24 hours, drain the turkey legs and discard the brine. Rinse the brine off the legs with cold water, then dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  • Step 5

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 250°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

    250 ˚F / 121 ˚C

    Super Smoke

  • Step 6

    Lay the turkey legs directly on the grill grate.

  • Step 7

    After 2-1/2 hours, wrap a piece of bacon around each leg and finish cooking them for the last 30 to 40 minutes.

    03:30

    250 ˚F / 121 ˚C

    Super Smoke

    Ingredients
    • 8 Slices bacon

  • Step 8

    The total cooking time for the legs will be 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read meat thermometer. Serve and enjoy!

    250 ˚F / 121 ˚C

    165 ˚F / 74 ˚C

    Super Smoke

My Notes


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