Traeger Kitchen
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Legs
Prep Time
10
Minutes
Cook Time
3
Hours
Serves
8 - 12
People
Effort
What's this?
Colossal turkey legs aren’t just for the state fair, wood-fired turkey drumsticks are prefect for an intimate feast.
Ingredients
Gallon water
To Taste Traeger Rub
1/2 Cup pink curing salt
1/2 Cup brown sugar
6 Whole peppercorns
2 Whole dried bay leaves
1/2 Gallon ice water
8 Whole turkey legs
16 Slices bacon
Steps
1
In a large stockpot, combine one gallon of water, the rub, curing salt, brown sugar, peppercorns and bay leaves. 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.2
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.) Add the turkey legs, making sure they’re completely submerged in the brine. 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.3
When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill according to grill instructions.. Set the temperature to 250 degrees F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.4
Lay the turkey legs directly on the grill grate.5
After 2 1/2 hours, wrap a piece of bacon around each leg and finish cooking them for the last 30 to 40 minutes of smoking.6
The total smoking time for the legs will be 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read meat thermometer. Serve, enjoy!