Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing
If you love combining leftover Thanksgiving flavors with a fun twist, then these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing are about to become your new favorite appetizer. Crispy on the outside and bursting with savory turkey, hearty stuffing, and melty cheese inside, these egg rolls bring a fresh, finger-friendly way to enjoy holiday classics. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your leftover turkey or impress guests with a creative bite-sized treat, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how simple and rewarding making these flavorful rolls can be!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect use of leftovers: Turns Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing into a brand-new dish that’s anything but boring.
- Simple prep: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy holiday cooks.
- Crunch meets comfort: Crispy egg roll wrappers wrap around classic cozy flavors for an addictive texture contrast.
- Versatile party pleaser: Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course during the festive season and beyond.
- Kid-friendly: Bite-sized and fun, these egg rolls appeal to little and big taste buds alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Cooked turkey: Use leftover roasted turkey shredded or chopped for tender, flavorful meat inside.
- Stuffing: Traditional bread stuffing adds that hearty, savory quality essential to the filling.
- Cheese: A little shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) helps bind the filling and adds gooey goodness.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens up the filling.
- Egg roll wrappers: Thin and crispy wrappers provide the perfect casing for a crisp-fried exterior.
- Butter or oil for frying: Ensures golden, crunchy egg rolls without greasiness.
- Optional spices: A pinch of sage, thyme, or pepper complements traditional Thanksgiving flavors beautifully.
Variations for Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Based on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences, you can customize the flavor and keep your rolls exciting every time.
- Vegetarian version: Swap turkey for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep the savory vibe without meat.
- Spicy kick: Add a little diced jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bold contrast.
- Different stuffing styles: Use cornbread, wild rice, or sausage-stuffed bread for a new twist on the classic stuffing.
- Cheese swaps: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for creamier fillings.
- Sweet dipping sauces: Pair with cranberry sauce or a honey mustard dip for a festive flavor combo.
How to Make Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Combine shredded turkey, stuffing, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions in a bowl. If you want, sprinkle in some sage, thyme, and black pepper to highlight those classic Thanksgiving flavors. Mix everything gently until well combined but not mushy.
Step 2: Assemble the egg rolls
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Use a little water on the top corner to seal and prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
Step 3: Fry until golden brown
Heat a shallow layer of oil or melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the egg rolls seam side down and fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden crispy, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve warm
Enjoy these egg rolls hot for the best crispiness. Pair with your favorite cranberry dip, gravy, or even a simple ranch dressing to amp up the flavor experience.
Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing
- Dry your stuffing: Use stuffing that isn’t overly moist to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- Work quickly: Wrappers dry out fast, so stay efficient when assembling and keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel.
- Seal firmly: Use water to seal edges well—this keeps the egg rolls from bursting open during frying.
- Moderate oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, egg rolls burn outside before heating through; too cool and they get greasy.
- Try baking: For a healthier alternative, bake the egg rolls at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the egg rolls for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also dust with a little grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg rolls with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Cranberry sauce, gravy, or a tangy mustard sauce on the side adds traditional holiday vibes that complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing on a wooden charcuterie board with small bowls of dipping sauces for a shareable appetizer platter. Alternatively, cut each roll diagonally and arrange them in a fan shape on a festive serving plate for an eye-catching display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled egg rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat them in a skillet or oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the egg rolls but do not fry them. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealable bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, fry or bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat egg rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or in a skillet to regain their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving as it makes the wrappers soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken, roast beef, or even ham can be great substitutes. Just make sure they’re cooked and shredded or diced for easy filling.
Do these freeze well after frying?
It’s best to freeze before frying for maximum freshness. Fried egg rolls can be frozen but may lose some texture upon reheating.
What dipping sauces go best with Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing?
Cranberry sauce, gravy, Dijon mustard, or a simple ranch dip all complement these egg rolls wonderfully and add an extra layer of flavor.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great option if you want a lighter version. Brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (204°C) until golden and crisp.
How do I prevent egg rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure your stuffing is not too wet and fry at the right temperature to get that perfect crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil.
Final Thoughts
These Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing are a delightful way to reinvent your holiday leftovers and share a new kind of comfort food with family and friends. Easy, crispy, and packed with all the cozy flavors you love, they’re sure to become a seasonal staple you look forward to every year. Give this recipe a try and watch those who try them ask for the secret! Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Turkey and Stuffing transform your holiday leftovers into a deliciously crispy, savory appetizer. Filled with tender roasted turkey, hearty stuffing, melty cheese, and fresh green onions, these finger-friendly rolls are perfect for holiday parties or anytime you crave a comforting bite with a fun twist. Quick to prepare and versatile, they bring together classic Thanksgiving flavors in a crunchy, satisfying package.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup traditional bread stuffing, dry
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional spices: pinch of sage, thyme, and black pepper
Wrapper and Frying
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- Butter or oil for frying (about 1/2 cup)
Optional Serving
- Cranberry sauce, gravy, or ranch dressing for dipping
- Chopped fresh parsley or additional green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, dry stuffing, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Add optional sage, thyme, and black pepper for enhanced flavor. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined but maintain some texture.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner. Fold in the sides and roll tightly towards the top corner. Seal the edge with a bit of water to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Fry until golden brown: Heat a shallow layer of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the egg rolls seam side down and fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, approximately 3-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm: Enjoy the egg rolls hot for optimal crispiness. Serve with cranberry sauce, gravy, ranch dressing, or your preferred dip. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use dry stuffing to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- Work quickly when assembling as egg roll wrappers dry out fast; keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel.
- Seal wrappers firmly with water to prevent bursting during frying.
- Maintain moderate oil temperature to cook egg rolls evenly without burning or greasiness.
- For a healthier option, bake egg rolls at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving egg rolls, turkey recipe, leftover turkey, stuffing appetizer, holiday appetizers, crispy egg rolls, finger food
