Irresistible Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks Recipe

The aroma of Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks wafts through the kitchen, promising a feast that dances on your taste buds. Picture tender turkey drumsticks, marinated in a sweet and spicy cranberry glaze, sizzling away until golden brown and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

Every bite bursts with flavor, a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and warm spices that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy Friday night, these drumsticks are perfect for any occasion that calls for a little culinary magic.

Last Thanksgiving, my family was convinced I had summoned some kind of kitchen wizardry when they tasted these drumsticks. The look on my uncle’s face as he declared them “the best turkey ever” was priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Turkey Drumsticks: Choose plump and meaty drumsticks for the juiciest results; aim for about 4-6 pieces depending on your crowd.

• Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; either way, it should be tart to balance the sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramelization to the glaze; dark brown sugar works best for richer flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is preferred here to avoid overpowering saltiness; it enhances umami beautifully.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for depth of flavor; fresh garlic can work too but adjust amounts accordingly.

• Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice): These warm spices bring comfort and holiday vibes; feel free to adjust based on personal preference.

• Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat; it adds a nice kick without overwhelming the dish.

• Olive Oil: Essential for roasting; it helps achieve that beautiful golden color while keeping things moist.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks

Marinate the Turkey Drumsticks: In a large bowl, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and pepper flakes. Mix until well combined. Add the turkey drumsticks and ensure they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the drumsticks to roast perfectly without drying out while developing that beautiful crust.

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This makes cleanup easier while ensuring your turkey doesn’t stick during roasting.

Add Drumsticks to Baking Sheet: Arrange marinated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet evenly spaced apart. Pour any remaining marinade over them to maximize flavor infusion during cooking.

Bake Until Perfectly Cooked: Bake in preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is crispy. Baste once halfway through cooking with pan juices to enhance moisture and flavor.

Savor the Aroma: Once cooked through, remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around in anticipation!

Enjoy your culinary creation with sides of roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes—perfect companions that will elevate this dish even further!

Now you’re armed with everything you need to create these delectable Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks that will leave your guests raving long after dinner is over!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve mouthwatering Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks, start by marinating the turkey overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Preheat your oven to 375°F before searing the drumsticks on the stovetop for a crispy exterior. After browning, transfer them to the oven to roast until golden and cooked through, about 45-50 minutes. This method ensures juicy meat with a flavorful crust.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different spices in your marinade! Replace traditional herbs with a touch of rosemary or add some chili flakes for heat. You can also swap cranberry sauce for orange glaze if you’re feeling adventurous. Want a twist? Try adding sliced apples or pears to the roasting pan for an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to surprise your guests.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks, let them cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage, ensuring you defrost in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, keeping the skin crispy and delicious.

Creating these drumsticks takes me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and food; my aunt once declared they’d be “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is high praise from someone who loves carbs more than life itself.

FAQ

What can I serve with Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks?

Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks pair beautifully with stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve a fresh salad on the side to balance out the richness of the turkey.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate your turkey drumsticks overnight or prepare them a day in advance and reheat before serving. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge.

What should I do if my turkey drumsticks are not browning?

If your turkey isn’t browning as you’d like, try increasing your stovetop heat slightly during searing or using a broiler briefly after roasting to crisp up the skin without drying out the meat.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Sure! Chicken drumsticks can be used as a substitute; just adjust cooking times accordingly as they may cook faster than turkey drumsticks due to their smaller size.

Conclusion for Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks

In summary, mastering Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks is all about balancing flavors and perfecting your cooking technique. Marinate overnight for rich flavor, get creative with ingredient swaps, and don’t forget proper storage methods! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these drumsticks will surely impress everyone at your table while filling your kitchen with delightful aromas that invite all to join in on feasting fun!

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Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Spiced Cranberry Turkey Drumsticks are a flavorful and festive dish that combines tender, juicy turkey with a sweet and spicy cranberry glaze. Perfectly roasted to achieve a crispy exterior and succulent interior, these drumsticks promise to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Ideal for Thanksgiving or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–6 turkey drumsticks (about 2.5 lbs)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Marinate the turkey drumsticks by mixing cranberry sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Coat the drumsticks well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil.
4. Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is crispy. Baste halfway through cooking.
6. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 turkey drumstick (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating rosemary into the marinade or swapping cranberry sauce for orange glaze. If you desire more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños during roasting.