Stuffed Turkey Drumsticks
Juicy turkey drumsticks stuffed with a savory mushroom, bacon, and herb filling, perfect for a hearty main course suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- With a sharp knife, make one slit lengthwise in each turkey drumstick.
- Push the meat back from the bone, leaving the skin intact.
- Remove the bone and cartilage from each drumstick.
- Sprinkle the inside of each boned drumstick lightly with salt and pepper.
- Minimize the slit and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine minced mushrooms, minced bacon, bread crumbs, minced parsley, and poultry seasoning to make the stuffing.
- Stuff the mixture into each prepared turkey drumstick slit.
- Secure the openings if necessary with kitchen twine.
- Place the stuffed drumsticks in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until cooked through and skin is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the stuffing mix. If you don't have Canadian-style bacon, regular bacon or prosciutto can work well as substitutes. Be careful not to overstuff the drumsticks to prevent tearing. Let the stuffed drumsticks rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven for juicy meat.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed drumsticks are perfect for a holiday feast or a family dinner. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a more festive touch, pair them with Warm Bleu Cheese And Garlic Dip as a starter, or use the leftovers in a delicious Poor Man Pizza.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed turkey drumsticks should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps maintain crisp skin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Turkey Drumsticks contains roughly 598 calories, with 34g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2365mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffed drumsticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the drumsticks a day in advance. After stuffing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply remove the wrap and roast them as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I serve with stuffed turkey drumsticks?
Stuffed turkey drumsticks pair well with a variety of sides, such as green beans, cranberry sauce, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them alongside traditional stuffing for a complete holiday meal.
Can I use other meats for stuffing?
Absolutely! While turkey is traditional, you can also use chicken drumsticks or even pork recipes to create a similar dish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used to ensure it's fully cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).