If you’re anything like me and love reinventing leftovers into something truly special, this Turkey Croquettes Recipe has got your name written all over it. Imagine crispy golden bites brimming with tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a medley of fresh veggies, all wrapped up in a crunchy coating that makes every bite irresistible. It’s an absolute game-changer, perfect for turning those Thanksgiving remnants or any cooked turkey into finger-licking delights that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Croquettes Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish rich in texture and flavor. Each element, from the diced celery to the fragrant herbs, plays a crucial role in balancing freshness, moisture, and seasoning throughout the croquettes.
- Diced celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness, balancing the rich stuffing and turkey.
- Diced carrots: Brings a gentle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens up every bite.
- Leftover cooked stuffing: Provides a flavorful, hearty base that carries the essence of Thanksgiving.
- Finely chopped cooked turkey: The star protein, tender and juicy, giving the croquettes satisfying substance.
- Large eggs (3, divided): Helps bind the mixture while giving you a luscious coating once fried.
- Diced white onion: Offers a mild pungency that enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- Dried rubbed sage: A classic herb that adds warmth and an aromatic hint essential for turkey dishes.
- Dried thyme: Complements the sage with an earthy note, elevating the depth of flavor.
- Kosher salt (divided): Seasoning is key; it amplifies all the flavors and keeps the croquettes perfectly balanced.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures a crispy, golden exterior that locks in all that savory goodness.
- All-purpose flour: The first layer for dredging, creating structure before the crisp coating.
- Water: Blended with egg to form a smooth wash for the coating to adhere perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: The final coating that gives the croquettes their signature crunch and golden finish.
How to Make Turkey Croquettes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Start by boiling 3 cups of water over high heat and adding the diced celery and carrots. Cooking them just until the carrots become tender—about 5 minutes—ensures they retain a subtle bite and fresh color that will contrast beautifully with the softer stuffing.
Step 2: Mix the croquette filling
Once your vegetables are cooled completely, toss them into a large bowl along with the leftover stuffing, finely chopped turkey, two eggs, diced onion, dried sage, thyme, and half of the salt. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors into a moist, cohesive mixture that’s ready to chill and marry.
Step 3: Chill the mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling for 2 hours. This crucial step firms up the mixture, making it much easier to shape the croquettes later and helps the flavors deepen wonderfully.
Step 4: Shape the croquettes
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, roll the chilled mixture into 1 to 2-inch balls and gently place them on the sheet. This size is perfect for frying—big enough to be filling, but small enough to cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Heat the oil
In a deep skillet, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Warm it over medium heat until it reaches 265°F. Maintaining the right temperature is essential so that the croquettes cook through and achieve that golden crunch without absorbing excess oil.
Step 6: Prepare dredging stations
Set up three medium bowls for dredging: whisk the flour with the remaining salt in the first bowl, beat the last egg with water in the second, and fill the third with breadcrumbs. This three-step coating ensures a sturdy and crispy crust that holds the tender filling inside.
Step 7: Coat the croquettes
One by one, dredge each stuffing ball first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. This trio of coatings seals in moisture and guarantees beautiful color and crunch when fried.
Step 8: Fry until golden
Carefully add 5 to 6 croquettes at a time into the hot oil, frying for 2 to 3 minutes until they are a light and golden brown all around. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy croquettes. Once fried, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
How to Serve Turkey Croquettes Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your Turkey Croquettes Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty note that cuts through the richness, making each bite fresh and lively.
Side Dishes
Serve these croquettes alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a balanced plate rich in textures and flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy cranberry sauce also pair beautifully, providing a comforting and festive touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser or party platter, arrange your croquettes on a wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauces like honey mustard, aioli, or cranberry chutney. For a fun twist, slice some croquettes in half to reveal the filling and serve them as slider-style bites between slider buns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are cooled completely before storing to keep them fresh and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
These turkey croquettes freeze wonderfully. Arrange the shaped but uncooked croquettes on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be fried directly from frozen with just a slight increase in cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the croquettes in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy instead of delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey?
Absolutely! If you have freshly cooked turkey, just be sure to cool it and chop it finely before mixing with the filling. The key is to use tender, lean turkey for the best texture.
What if I don’t have stuffing leftovers?
No problem! You can make your own quick stuffing using bread cubes sautéed with onion, celery, herbs, and chicken broth. The stuffing adds flavor and moisture, but you can experiment with breadcrumbs or cooked rice as alternatives.
How important is the chilling step?
Chilling the mixture is crucial as it firms everything up, making the croquettes easier to shape and fry without falling apart. It also helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter version bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and golden. They won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.
What sauces pair well with this Turkey Croquettes Recipe?
Try classic mustard mayo, cranberry sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. These sauces add extra layers of flavor and complement the savory croquettes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Croquettes Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that turns everyday leftovers into something genuinely exciting and fun to eat. Crispy, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting, these croquettes promise to become a go-to in your kitchen whenever you want a quick snack or an impressive appetizer. Give it a try—you might just find yourself craving turkey croquettes long after the holidays!
