Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are the perfect addition to your feast, offering a creative twist on traditional holiday flavors.
This recipe combines all the best parts of your classic Thanksgiving dinner into one scrumptious bite-sized appetizer.
The Thanksgiving Egg Rolls recipe is simple to follow and requires just a few key ingredients, which you might already have on-hand from your holiday preparations. Imagine the delightful combination of tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, savory stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper and fried to perfection.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large family feast, these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are sure to impress your guests and become an instant holiday favorite. Read on to learn how to create this festive and mouth-watering masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredient List
Egg Roll Essentials
To get started, gather your basic egg roll ingredients, which include:
Egg roll wrappers: Available at most grocery stores, or even make your own.
Water: To seal the edges of the egg roll wrapper.
Bowl: For mixing the fillings.
You’ll also need a flat surface to fold and roll your Thanksgiving egg rolls, plus enough oil for frying.
Thanksgiving Fillings
For the Thanksgiving egg roll fillings, feel free to get creative with your favorite holiday dishes. Here are some ideas for ingredients typically found in Thanksgiving leftovers:
Turkey: Shred or dice leftover turkey.
Stuffing: Any type of stuffing will work; just make sure it’s not overly moist.
Cranberry sauce: A small dollop inside each egg roll adds a hint of sweetness.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes help hold the filling together.
Gravy: Drizzle some leftover gravy inside the egg roll to keep the filling moist.
Brie: Optional, but adding a small slice inside gives a lovely creamy texture.
Veggies: Add leftover green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or other preferred vegetables.
Mix your choice of ingredients together in a bowl, and you’re all set to create your Thanksgiving egg rolls.
Remember to spread out the eggroll wrappers on a flat surface, and place a small amount of filling on the bottom corner. Fold the left and right corners inward, roll the bottom corner toward the top corner, and seal the edges by dabbing water on the top corner before pressing it firmly onto the rolled-up egg roll.
Now your egg rolls are ready for frying. Enjoy this delicious twist on Thanksgiving leftovers!
Instructions
In this section, we will guide you through the process of making delicious Thanksgiving Egg Rolls. The instructions are organized into three subsections: Preparation Steps, Cooking Protocol, and Freezing and Reheating.
Preparation Steps
Prep Time: Begin by setting up your workspace with a cutting board, a sharp knife, and all the required ingredients.
Sauce: Prepare your dipping sauce of choice. Some options include sweet and sour, soy sauce, or cranberry sauce. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, mix together one egg with one tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Set this aside for sealing the egg rolls.
Filling: On your cutting board, chop up your cooked Instant Pot Turkey Breast and other desired vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and celery. Combine them in a large bowl.
Cooking Protocol
Assembling Egg Rolls: Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Place a portion of filling in the center of each wrapper, and brush the edges with the egg wash. Fold over one corner of the wrapper to cover the filling. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, ensuring the egg roll is securely sealed.
Frying: Heat a pan with vegetable oil (about 1 inch deep) over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of the wrapper into the hot oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown, the oil is ready for cooking.
Cook Time: Carefully place a few egg rolls in the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Draining: Remove the cooked egg rolls from the pan using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Continue cooking the remaining egg rolls in batches.
Air Fryer Alternative: If you prefer a healthier option, cook the egg rolls using an air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time until crispy and golden brown.
Freezing and Reheating
Freezing: If you have leftover Thanksgiving Egg Rolls, you can easily freeze them. Allow the egg rolls to cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the frozen egg rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the egg rolls on a baking sheet. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Culinary Notes
Pairing Suggestions
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are a unique and delightful twist to traditional Thanksgiving flavors. When it comes to pairing, consider complementing the dish with a Cranberry Dipping Sauce. This sauce brings out the crispness and tanginess that pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of the egg rolls.
To make the cranberry dipping sauce, you’ll need:
Butter: Adds a creamy richness to the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Turkey Stock (or Chicken Stock): Enhances the Thanksgiving flavors.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): Provides a burst of tangy-sweet flavor.
Here’s a simple recipe for the cranberry dipping sauce:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until a roux is formed.
Gradually pour in 1 cup of turkey stock (or chicken stock), whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add 1 cup of cranberries to the saucepan and cook until they burst and release their juices.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
Let the sauce cool slightly before blending with an immersion blender or in a countertop blender.
Serve your Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with this luscious cranberry dipping sauce, and enjoy a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
This Thanksgiving Egg Rolls recipe provides a delicious and satisfying snack while still maintaining a balanced nutritional profile. Here is the caloric breakdown for one serving of these tasty egg rolls:
Calories: 210
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g)
Cholesterol: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 3g, Fiber: 2g)
Sodium: 320mg
Potassium: 200mg
These values may vary slightly depending on the ingredients you use and your preparation methods.
Serving Details
In order to get the most accurate nutritional information for your Thanksgiving Egg Rolls, be mindful of your serving size. The nutrition facts are based on a single egg roll, so if you alter the size or cut the rolls in half, remember to adjust the nutritional values accordingly.
To help you and your readers control portion sizes, you can also offer some helpful tips, such as:
Serve the egg rolls with a side of mixed greens or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.
Encourage guests to take smaller portions of other appetizers if they plan on enjoying the egg rolls.
Offer a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or cranberry sauce, to provide additional flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
Keep in mind that your readers’ dietary preferences and restrictions may vary, so be sure to offer alternative ingredient suggestions where possible. You can make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free wrappers, or vegan by swapping out the turkey for a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Thanksgiving egg rolls?
To make Thanksgiving egg rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
Cooked and shredded turkey
Stuffing
Cranberry sauce
Mashed potatoes (optional)
Egg roll wrappers
An egg, lightly beaten, to use as a wash
Oil, for frying
How do you prepare leftover turkey for egg rolls?
Preparing leftover turkey for egg rolls is quite simple. First, remove any skin and bones from the turkey. Then, shred the turkey meat into small, thin pieces using your hands or two forks. You can also chop the turkey meat into small cubes if you prefer that texture in your egg rolls.
Can you bake Thanksgiving egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake Thanksgiving egg rolls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil. Place your prepared egg rolls on the baking sheet and brush them with oil or spray them with cooking spray. Bake the egg rolls for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Do you have an air fryer recipe for Thanksgiving egg rolls?
Absolutely! To make Thanksgiving egg rolls in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Cook the egg rolls for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Cooking times can vary between air fryer models, so keep an eye on them while cooking.
How can I prevent my egg rolls from becoming soggy?
To prevent your egg rolls from becoming soggy, follow these tips:
Make sure your filling ingredients, such as turkey and stuffing, are not overly moist. If needed, pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling the egg rolls.
Do not overfill your egg rolls, as this can cause them to burst during cooking, letting moisture in.
Roll your egg rolls tightly and make sure the edges are properly sealed with egg wash.
When frying, make sure the oil temperature is maintained at the correct temperature (between 350-375°F or 175-190°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan.
What dipping sauce pairs well with Thanksgiving egg rolls?
A homemade cranberry dipping sauce pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving egg rolls. To make this sauce, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a smooth, sauce-like consistency. Allow the sauce to cool before serving alongside your Thanksgiving egg rolls.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
