Roasted turkey leg served with cucumber, red paprika, and onion slices.

Roasted Turkey Leg with Butter & Cream Cheese

Introduction

This roasted turkey leg is seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic, hoisin sauce, mustard, and chicken tikka seasoning, then slowly cooked in foil until tender.

Partway through roasting, I add butter and Philadelphia cream cheese, then return it to the oven. I like to serve the sliced turkey with fresh red pepper, cucumber, and red onion for a simple finish.

💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Well seasoned: Paprika, cumin, garlic, mustard and tikka seasoning give the turkey plenty of flavour.
  • Slow roasted: The turkey cooks gently in foil before being finished uncovered.
  • Creamy finish: Butter and Philadelphia are added during roasting for a different twist.
  • Easy to serve: Pair it with fresh vegetables, rice or your favourite side.


🥕 Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey leg
  • ½ fresh lime
  • 1 tsp hoisin sauce
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 tsp Oxo seasoning (or any bouillon cube)
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chicken tikka seasoning
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp black mustard
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1–2 tbsp Philadelphia cream cheese

🥗 For Serving

  • ½ red bell pepper
  • ½ cucumber
  • 1 red onion

Prepare the Turkey Leg

Remove the skin from the turkey leg, then rub the meat with half a fresh lime.

Pat the turkey dry with kitchen paper and place it on a clean board ready for seasoning.

Turkey leg with skin removed, rubbed with lime, and patted dry.

Season the Turkey

Add the hoisin sauce, black pepper, oil, cumin, paprika, Oxo seasoning, garlic paste, chicken tikka seasoning, vinegar and black mustard to a bowl. Mix everything together.

Using a sharp knife, make a few cuts across the thicker parts of the turkey leg. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat and into the cuts.

Turkey leg scored with a knife and coated in spice mix.


Add the Butter and Cream Cheese

Carefully remove the turkey from the oven and open the foil. Spread the butter over the turkey, followed by the Philadelphia cream cheese.

Return it to the oven and continue roasting for another 60 minutes, or until the turkey is completely cooked through and nicely browned.

Important: Because turkey-leg size varies, don’t rely on the cooking time alone. Check that the thickest part is fully cooked before serving.

Roasted turkey leg coated with butter and cream cheese.

Start Roasting

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Place the seasoned turkey leg on a lined or lightly greased baking tray and wrap it securely with foil.

Roast for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue roasting for about 1 hour.

Foil-wrapped turkey leg on baking tray ready for roasting.

Slice & Serve

Remove the turkey from the oven and leave it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve with sliced red pepper, cucumber and red onion. You can also add rice, salad or roasted vegetables if you like.

🌟 Tips for Success

  • Pat the turkey dry: This helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
  • Score the thicker parts: Make a few shallow cuts so you can work the seasoning into the meat.
  • Wrap it well: Keep the turkey covered with foil during the first part of roasting.
  • Check before serving: Turkey legs vary in size, so make sure the thickest part is completely cooked through.
  • Let it rest: Leave the turkey for a few minutes before slicing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I season the turkey ahead of time?

Yes. Season the turkey, cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.

Do I have to use Philadelphia cream cheese?

No. You can leave it out and finish the turkey with butter instead.

How do I know when the turkey is cooked?

Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 75°C before serving.

What can I serve with roasted turkey leg?

Serve it with the fresh vegetables in the recipe, rice, salad or roasted vegetables.

About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.

💛 Follow Tima for More Recipes & Videos:

👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
👉 TikTok: @timagaye712

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