Best 3 Birds Thanksgiving Leftover Croquettes Recipes

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Elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers with a culinary adventure using versatile turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Transform them into tantalizing croquettes, crispy on the outside and bursting with flavors on the inside. These delectable morsels are perfect appetizers or snacks, offering a creative way to enjoy your holiday feast all week long.

**Savory Turkey Croquettes:**

- Delight in crispy outer shells encasing tender shredded turkey, subtly seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Dip these golden morsels in tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory.

**Creamy Stuffing Croquettes:**

- Experience a symphony of flavors with creamy stuffing croquettes, featuring a blend of soft bread, aromatic herbs, and savory vegetables.
- Elevate them with a sprinkle of crispy fried sage for an extra burst of flavor.

**Tangy Cranberry Croquettes:**

- Indulge in vibrant and tangy cranberry croquettes, bursting with the natural sweetness of cranberries and enhanced with a hint of citrus zest.
- Serve them as standalone treats or pair them with rich brie cheese for a sophisticated touch.

**Air Fryer Option:**

- For a healthier alternative, utilize your air fryer to create crispy croquettes with minimal oil.

**Oven-Baked Goodness:**

- Achieve a classic golden-brown crust by baking the croquettes in the oven, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite.

**Versatile Dipping Sauces:**

- Elevate your croquette experience with a variety of dipping sauces, ranging from classic cranberry sauce to zesty horseradish sauce and creamy Dijon mustard.

**Storing and Reheating Tips:**

- Preserve the freshness of your croquettes by storing them properly and reheating them effectively, ensuring they retain their crispy texture and delectable flavors.

**Appetizer Platter Inspiration:**

- Create a visually stunning appetizer platter by arranging the croquettes alongside fresh herbs, colorful pickled vegetables, and a selection of dipping sauces, transforming your platter into a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

**Recipe Variations:**

- Experiment with different spices, herbs, and cheese to create unique flavor combinations in your croquettes, catering to diverse palates and preferences.

**Plating Ideas:**

- Impress your guests with creative plating techniques, arranging the croquettes on a bed of microgreens, drizzling them with flavorful sauces, and garnishing them with edible flowers or herbs.

**Make-Ahead Convenience:**

- Prepare the croquettes ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes or serve them at your next festive gathering.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

LEFTOVER TURKEY CROQUETTES



Leftover Turkey Croquettes image

I grew up with a family that looked forward to leftovers, especially the day after Thanksgiving. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave-we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes likes these croquettes. Serve three per plate along with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. -Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups mashed potatoes (with added milk and butter)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups finely chopped cooked turkey
1 large egg
2 tablespoons water
1-1/4 cups panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, divided
Sour cream, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheeses, shallot, rosemary, sage, salt and pepper; stir in turkey. Shape into twelve 1-in.-thick patties., In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and water. Place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip croquettes in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs, patting to help coating adhere., In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add half of croquettes; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove and keep warm. Repeat. If desired, serve with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383 calories, Fat 19g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 144mg cholesterol, Sodium 734mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

BIRD'S THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER CROQUETTES



Bird's Thanksgiving Leftover Croquettes image

A spin off of our Recipe #253952, and just as tasty. Great for OAMC too. The croquettes freeze well, then just pop them in the microwave for a quick meal or snack. :)

Provided by 2Bleu

Categories     Poultry

Time 4h10m

Yield 8 croquettes, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 -3 cups cooked turkey, chopped up (leftovers)
2 cups prepared stuffing (leftovers)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
flour, for dredging
breadcrumbs, for dredging
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying (may need more or less)
1 (12 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
1/2 cup 2% low-fat milk

Steps:

  • Mix the turkey, stuffing, and eggs well. Refrigerate 3 hours minimum.
  • Create a 'log' shape from about 3/4 cup of mixture. Then gently drop onto the counter to flatten the bottom. (about 3" high, 2" in diameter).
  • Roll the croquettes in flour, then bread crumbs. Fry in oil in deep skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and bottom, about 10-15 minutes. Keep warm in 200 degree Fahrenheit oven.
  • Sauce: (or you can use leftover gravy) Meanwhile, mix the can of soup with the half cup milk in a saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until warmed and creamy.
  • Pour over croquettes or serve sauce on the side. Traditionally served atop mashed potatoes for a wonderful presentation.

LEFTOVER STUFFING CROQUETTES



Leftover Stuffing Croquettes image

Revamp your leftover stuffing into this delicious and decadent appetizer. Each is a perfect warm crispy bite of stuffing with a cheesy surprise in the middle!

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 10 to 12 croquettes

Number Of Ingredients 9

Vegetable oil, for frying
3 cups leftover stuffing, preferably sausage, such as Valerie's Cranberry-Walnut Stuffing
1 large egg
Kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup panko
3 ounces mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Nonstick cooking spray
Leftover gravy or mustard, for serving

Steps:

  • Pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to fill the pan about 3 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 325 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, line a second rimmed baking sheet or plate with paper towels and set a cooling rack inside a third rimmed baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  • Place the stuffing in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse until slightly broken up but still with chunks, 4 to 5 times.
  • Scrape the stuffing into a large bowl. Whisk the egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Stir the egg mixture into the stuffing with a fork. Add the flour and use a rubber spatula or your hands to incorporate it until no streaks remain.
  • Place the panko in a shallow baking dish. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out a portion of the stuffing mixture. Flatten the scoop slightly with your hands, then place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Bring the stuffing up over the cheese to enclose it; if the mixture sticks to your hands, spray them with a little cooking spray. Form the croquette into a football shape. Roll the croquette in the panko, pressing slightly to adhere. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining stuffing and mozzarella; you should get 10 to 12 croquettes.
  • Use a spider to gently lower half of the croquettes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the Dutch oven. Fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let the croquettes drain for a minute, then transfer them to the baking sheet with the wire rack and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Bring the oil back to 325 degrees F, then repeat with the remaining croquettes.
  • Serve the croquettes on a platter with leftover gravy or mustard.

Tips:

  • Leftover turkey: If you don't have leftover turkey, you can cook a turkey breast or buy rotisserie chicken instead.
  • Breadcrumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs. If you don't have any breadcrumbs, you can make your own by toasting and grinding bread or crackers.
  • Herbs and spices: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste. You can also add a bit of grated lemon zest or orange zest.
  • Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the croquettes. This will help them brown evenly and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
  • Baking: If you don't want to fry the croquettes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving leftover croquettes are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal, or as a party appetizer. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these tasty croquettes that everyone will love. They are also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. So gather up your ingredients and give this recipe a try today!

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