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Crazy tasty stuffed turkey legs
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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.
Course dinner, Snack
Cuisine Southern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 2700kcal
Author Imma

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
  • 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!

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1turkey leg | Calories: 2700kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 194g | Fat: 158g | Saturated Fat: 66g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 721mg | Sodium: 3381mg | Potassium: 2654mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4345IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 1329mg | Iron: 18mg