| |

Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you probably hate seeing all those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe with you—it’s an absolute game-changer for turning your turkey day extras into a crispy, savory snack that your whole family will love. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll look forward to leftover season every year!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Transforms Leftovers into Something New: It’s a creative and tasty shortcut that breathes new life into your turkey, stuffing, and more.
  • Crispy on the Outside, Comfort-Filled Inside: The combination of crunchy wrappers and warm, cozy stuffing inside makes these irresistible.
  • Simple to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward technique, even beginner cooks can nail this.
  • Perfect Snack or Appetizer: Family and friends go crazy for these during holiday gatherings or casual nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come right from your leftover stash, which makes this recipe super convenient. I recommend checking your fridge for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberries—all the stars of this recipe that blend perfectly together in an egg roll wrapper.

Flat lay of shredded roasted turkey in warm brown hues, fluffy creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture, vibrant deep red cranberry sauce glistening with natural shine, golden crumbly leftover stuffing with bits of herbs, thin translucent egg roll wrappers arranged in delicate diamond shapes showing their pale off-white color, small sprigs of fresh green herbs scattered for a pop of color, and a small pool of rich, glossy brown gravy, all beautifully arranged in gentle overlapping layers with natural light highlighting their textures and colors, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls, leftover turkey egg rolls, crispy turkey leftover snacks, holiday leftover appetizers, easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes
  • Eggroll wrappers: These hold everything together beautifully and crisp up perfectly when fried.
  • Leftover turkey, shredded: Using shredded turkey blends well and makes rolling easy.
  • Leftover mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they add a lovely texture inside the rolls.
  • Leftover cranberries: They add a sweet-tart burst that balances the savory flavors.
  • Leftover stuffing: This is the flavor bomb that ties the whole package together.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying—choose one with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil if you prefer.
  • Leftover gravy: Perfect for dipping, heating it up makes it extra tasty.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I adore the classic combination for this Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe, I’m all about mixing things up depending on what you have on hand. Don’t be shy to make it your own—after all, that’s what cooking for leftovers is about!

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap turkey with sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a meatless twist my family actually enjoyed one year when the turkey was in short supply.
  • Cheesy Twist: Adding a little shredded cheese to the mix gives it a melty inside; I’ve tried sharp cheddar and that combo is unbeatable.
  • Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or mix a dash of hot sauce into the mashed potatoes for a little zing.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods: For a lighter version, try baking the egg rolls at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Assemble Your Egg Rolls with Care

Start by laying an egg roll wrapper flat on your workspace in a diamond shape. Spread a thin layer of leftover cranberries—this sweet layer helps keep the flavors vibrant. Then add about two tablespoons of mashed potatoes, a scoop of stuffing, and top with shredded turkey. When folding, make sure to fold up the bottom half first, then tuck in the sides tightly before rolling it up gently but firmly. Seal the edge with a couple drops of water—this simple step prevents any messy openings when frying.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to about 1-inch depth on medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil starts to bubble gently. Carefully place your egg rolls seam side down first and fry for about 1 minute on each side, turning until all sides are beautifully golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan—frying in batches helps keep the oil temperature steady and the rolls crisp. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Serve Warm with Savory Gravy

Give your leftover gravy a quick reheat, then serve the egg rolls hot with a side of gravy for dipping. The rich, savory sauce complements the crispy rolls perfectly—it’s truly comfort food at its finest!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe

  • Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes rolling tricky; a modest amount lets you seal the edges perfectly without bursts.
  • Keep Wrappers Covered: Egg roll wrappers dry out quickly, so keep the unused ones under a damp towel while you work.
  • Test Oil Temperature: Drop a small piece of wrapper in the oil first—if it bubbles and rises quickly, the oil is ready.
  • Patience is Key: Let the egg rolls drain fully on paper towels after frying to keep them crispy and not greasy.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe

A white plate holds eight golden brown fried rolls with a lightly bubbled texture on their surface, arranged around a small white bowl filled with smooth, light brown gravy speckled with black pepper. Two of the rolls are cut in half, showing three visible layers inside: a bottom white creamy layer, a middle greenish stuffing, and a top red jelly-like layer, with some filling spilling out. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and there are small clear containers with extra stuffing and sauces nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls, leftover turkey egg rolls, crispy turkey leftover snacks, holiday leftover appetizers, easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling just a touch of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness—it brightens the rich flavors really nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of a tangy mustard sauce or a dab of cranberry chutney adds a fun twist that I’ve found guests adore.

Side Dishes

Since these egg rolls are pretty much a meal in themselves, I usually keep sides light—think a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to add balance. But if you want to go all out, a warm soup or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served these on a beautiful platter with small bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce scattered around for dipping and snacking. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming presentation if you want to package them as little gifts or party favors—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover egg rolls (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

I usually freeze these before frying—just assemble, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. It’s a lifesaver for quick snacks on busy days!

Reheating

To keep the egg rolls crispy, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy. A quick pan re-fry or air fryer crisp-up also works wonders to revive that crunch.

FAQs

  1. Can I bake these Thanksgiving leftover egg rolls instead of frying?

    Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative if you want to skip frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F, brush your egg rolls lightly with oil, and bake them on a parchment-lined sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

  2. What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?

    No worries! You can substitute stuffing with cooked rice, quinoa, or even crumbled cornbread. It adds a similar texture and soaks up the cranberry and gravy flavors beautifully.

  3. Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time and fry later?

    Yes! You can roll them up and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before frying. Just be sure to keep them moist with a damp towel to prevent the wrappers from drying out and cracking.

  4. What dipping sauces go well besides gravy?

    If you want to mix it up, try cranberry chutney, a spicy mustard sauce, or even a simple garlic aioli. They all complement the savory and sweet inside flavors wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe has become one of my go-to ways to make leftovers feel like a brand-new treat. There’s something so satisfying about biting into that crispy wrapper and tasting all the classic holiday flavors melded together in one bite. I promise once you give it a try, you’ll keep this recipe in your regular rotation—not just for the holidays. Give it a chance; you won’t regret it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 683 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A creative and delicious twist on traditional Thanksgiving leftovers, these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls combine turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a unique side dish to enjoy holiday flavors in a convenient handheld form.


Ingredients

Scale

Egg Rolls

  • 6 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
  • 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup leftover cranberries
  • 1 cup leftover stuffing
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups or enough to reach 1 inch in skillet)

Dipping Sauce

  • 1/3 cup leftover gravy, warmed for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the wrappers and filling: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spread a thin layer of leftover cranberries on the wrapper, then add a couple tablespoons of mashed potatoes, followed by stuffing, and finally the shredded turkey on top.
  2. Fold and seal the egg rolls: Fold up the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly. Roll the wrapper gently but firmly to enclose the filling completely. Seal the fold with a couple of drops of water to ensure it stays closed. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  3. Heat the oil for frying: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it starts to bubble lightly, indicating it is hot enough for frying.
  4. Fry the egg rolls: Carefully add the prepared egg rolls to the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1 minute or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Use tongs to gently turn the egg rolls to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
  5. Drain and cool: Once golden and crispy, transfer the fried egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
  6. Serve with gravy: Warm the leftover gravy and serve it alongside the egg rolls as a delicious dipping sauce to complement the festive flavors.

Notes

  • Use leftover mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving meal to make this recipe a great way to reduce waste and reinvent leftovers.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy, non-greasy egg rolls.
  • Seal the egg rolls well with water to prevent them from opening during frying.
  • If you want to prepare ahead, you can assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying.
  • Serve immediately after frying for the best crispy texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 egg roll
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star