Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs - Thanksgiving on the Grill

Thanksgiving traditions get a bold twist with Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs from our Thanksgiving on the Grill Series. This recipe brings the smoky allure of grilling to your holiday feast, transforming classic turkey into a vibrant centerpiece. It blends sweet and tangy flavors with the irresistible caramelization of outdoor cooking.

The homemade blueberry balsamic barbecue sauce is the star of this dish. It offers a harmonious mix of fresh blueberries, rich balsamic vinegar, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup and molasses. A hint of garlic and red pepper flakes adds depth, while shallots provide a savory balance. This sauce not only coats the turkey legs with a luscious glaze but also doubles as a flavorful accompaniment.

Perfect for those looking to expand their Thanksgiving menu, these turkey legs are grilled to juicy perfection. They showcase how versatile and rewarding outdoor cooking can be—even during the cooler months. By embracing this recipe, you’ll impress your guests with flavors far beyond traditional oven-roasted fare, proving that the grill is not just for summer.

Whether hosting a backyard gathering or simply seeking a creative way to enjoy the holiday, this dish uniquely elevates your celebration. Fire up the grill, grab some turkey legs, and prepare to serve a dish embodying warmth and innovation.

For more inspiration for grilled thankful feasting, check out Thanksgiving on the Grill, with over 24 main dishes, side dishes, and appetizers to don your holiday table.

Serves 4

Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs Ingredients

  • 4 turkey legs, about 1-1 1/4 pounds each
  • 2 cups blueberries
  • 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • sea salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs Directions

  1. Place the blueberries, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup in a small sauce pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer until the blueberries have broken down, stirring occasionally, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes, stir, and continue cooking for 5-7 more minutes.
  3. Use an immersion blender (alternatively, you can pour the ingredients into a regular blender) to blend the ingredients in the pot until desired consistency (I prefer a smoother BBQ sauce, as it's easier to coat the meat with).
  4. Return the pot to heat, add the molasses, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and let simmer over low heat for another 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. The BBQ sauce will thicken as it cools.
  5. Preheat grill. Rinse and pat dry turkey legs. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Once the grill is hot, place the turkey legs on it. Coat them with BBQ sauce as they cook, flipping and coating them a few times during the process. Cook until the internal temperature of the legs is 175 degrees F.
  7. Serve with additional BBQ sauce.

 

Taken from runningtothekitchen.com  https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/blueberry-balsamic-bbq-turkey-legs/