Flavorful Pickled Turkey Gizzards Recipe with Bay Leaves

Posted on October 24, 2025

pickled turkey gizzards - featured image

The tangy, savory aroma of pickled turkey gizzards is enough to make your mouth water. It’s a recipe that has been cherished by many for its unique blend of flavors, including earthy bay leaves, aromatic spices, and a hint of vinegar that ties everything together. I discovered this gem during a backyard barbecue when a friend handed me a jar of homemade pickled gizzards. One bite, and I was hooked. This recipe has been perfected to bring out the best in turkey gizzards, creating a snack or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and history.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of pickled foods or just curious to try something new, this recipe is a must. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the end result is a jar of deliciousness that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. Let’s get started on making these flavorful pickled turkey gizzards with bay leaves!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The pickling brine is infused with bay leaves, garlic, and spices to create a bold and distinctive flavor that’s endlessly satisfying.
Perfect Snack or Appetizer: Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something savory, these pickled turkey gizzards are a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Prepare: The recipe is simple and straightforward, with minimal hands-on time. Most of the magic happens while the gizzards marinate.
Budget-Friendly: Turkey gizzards are affordable, making this a wallet-friendly treat.
Long Shelf Life: Once pickled, these gizzards stay fresh for weeks, making them a great make-ahead option.
A Fun Culinary Adventure: If you’ve never made pickled turkey gizzards before, this recipe is a great way to try something new and impress your taste buds!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of aromatic bay leaves and garlic in the brine. The bay leaves add a subtle herbal note that complements the tanginess of the vinegar perfectly. Plus, I’ve included a few tips to make sure your gizzards turn out tender and flavorful every single time.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to achieve a bold and satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Turkey Gizzards: Fresh and cleaned (about 2 lbs). These are the star of the show, so pick good-quality gizzards.
White Vinegar: 2 cups. The base of the pickling brine, providing tangy goodness.
Water: 2 cups. Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
Salt: 2 tablespoons. Essential for seasoning and preservation.
Sugar: 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Bay Leaves: 4-5 whole leaves. They bring an earthy, aromatic depth to the brine.
Garlic Cloves: 4-5, peeled and smashed. Infuses the brine with robust flavor.
Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon. Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Red Chili Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). For a hint of spice.
Onion: 1 medium, sliced. Adds sweetness and texture.

If you prefer, you can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly milder flavor. For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the brine.

Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools:

Large Pot: For boiling the turkey gizzards.
Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the onion and prepping the garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise measurements.
Heatproof Containers or Mason Jars: For storing the pickled gizzards.
Colander: To drain the gizzards after boiling.

If you don’t have mason jars, any airtight container will work. Just make sure it’s clean and heatproof for storing the brine.

Preparation Method

Clean the Gizzards: Rinse the turkey gizzards thoroughly under cold water. Trim off any excess fat or connective tissue if needed.
Boil the Gizzards: Place the gizzards in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender.
Prepare the Brine: In a separate pot, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns, and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Slice the Onion: While the brine is simmering, slice the onion into thin rings and set aside.
Combine Gizzards and Brine: Drain the cooked gizzards using a colander and transfer them to the mason jars or containers. Add the sliced onions on top.
Add the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the gizzards and onions, ensuring everything is fully submerged. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Seal and Store: Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. For best flavor, let them pickle for 3-7 days before enjoying.

Pro Tip: If the gizzards are still a bit tough after boiling, simmer them for an additional 15-20 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t Overcook: Boiling the gizzards for too long can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on the clock!
Layer the Ingredients: Adding the onion slices on top of the gizzards helps distribute flavor evenly throughout the jar.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer mild pickled gizzards, skip the chili flakes or use fewer peppercorns.
Taste Your Brine: Before pouring it over the gizzards, taste the brine to ensure the balance of salt, sugar, and vinegar is to your liking.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or increase the chili flakes for extra heat.
Herby Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the brine for a fragrant twist.
Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your vinegar brand for any additives.
Seasonal Adaptation: Swap the onions for thinly sliced fennel in the spring for a sweeter, anise-like flavor.

Personally, I’ve tried adding dill to the brine, and it added a delightful freshness that paired beautifully with the turkey gizzards!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Pickled turkey gizzards are best served chilled. Pair them with crackers, crusty bread, or a cold beer for a refreshing snack. They also make a great addition to charcuterie boards or picnic spreads.

Refrigeration: Store the jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the gizzards are fully submerged in the brine to maintain freshness.
Freezing: If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the cooked gizzards before pickling. Thaw and pickle them when ready.
Reheating: No reheating is necessary—these are meant to be enjoyed cold!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Turkey gizzards are a great source of protein, iron, and zinc, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Each serving is low in carbs and high in essential nutrients. However, keep in mind that the sodium content may be elevated due to the pickling brine, so enjoy in moderation if you’re watching your salt intake.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for low-carb diets by adjusting the sugar in the brine.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful snack that’s easy to prepare, these pickled turkey gizzards with bay leaves are just the thing. They’re tangy, tender, and packed with bold flavors that will impress your taste buds and your guests. I love how this recipe transforms humble gizzards into something truly special.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! Share your variations, post a picture, or drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Happy pickling!

FAQs

Can I use chicken gizzards instead?

Yes, chicken gizzards can be used as a substitute. They’re smaller but equally delicious when pickled.

Do I need to sterilize the jars?

It’s a good idea to use clean, heatproof jars, but full sterilization isn’t necessary since the recipe is refrigerated.

How long should I wait before eating the pickled gizzards?

For the best flavor, let them pickle for at least 3 days. You can eat them after 24 hours, but the longer they sit, the better they’ll taste.

Can I add more vegetables to the brine?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or bell peppers make great additions to the brine for added flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to serve pickled gizzards?

Serve them chilled with crackers, bread, or alongside a selection of cheeses and cured meats. They’re also great as a standalone snack!