Thanksgiving egg rolls are a fun twist on traditional holiday food. They are stuffed with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy shell. Yum!
Who can resist a crunchy roll filled with holiday flavors? I love serving them with some extra cranberry sauce for dipping. It’s like Thanksgiving in a bite! 🦃ðŸ¥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Cooked turkey is the star here. I love using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. If you don’t have turkey, rotisserie chicken works great too!
Stuffing: Traditional stuffing brings that holiday vibe. You can use any flavor you like, homemade or store-bought. For a twist, consider quinoa or wild rice for a gluten-free option!
Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and tartness. If you don’t have dried cranberries, you could use chopped apples or even raisins as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: This is optional but helps make the filling creamy. If you’re aiming for a lighter dish, you can leave it out or use Greek yogurt instead.
How Do I Properly Roll Egg Rolls?
Rolling egg rolls can seem tricky, but it’s simple with a little practice! The key is to make sure they’re tightly sealed to avoid leaks while frying.
- Place the filling towards the bottom corner of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it in slightly.
- Fold the left and right corners towards the center, like folding an envelope.
- Roll it up tightly to the top corner, sealing with egg wash.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first few are a bit messy!
What’s the Best Way to Fry Egg Rolls for a Crispy Texture?
Frying is all about the temperature! Make sure the oil is hot before adding the egg rolls. If the oil is too cool, they will soak up oil and become greasy.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil, aiming for 350°F (175°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain temperature.
- Turn them occasionally to get an even golden brown color.
Once they are crispy and golden, let them drain on paper towels. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Thanksgiving treats!
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup stuffing (leftover or prepared)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked cabbage, shredded (optional)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (optional for creaminess)
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 20-25 wrappers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Cranberry sauce or gravy, for dipping
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time and around 15 minutes for frying. A total of about 45 minutes from start to finish, giving you a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for sharing!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and any optional ingredients like mushrooms or cabbage. If you want a creamier filling, mix in the softened cream cheese. Make sure everything is well mixed so the flavors are evenly distributed!
2. Roll the Egg Rolls:
Take an egg roll wrapper and place it on a clean surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners towards the center. Roll it up tightly towards the top corner and seal it with a bit of the beaten egg, brushing it on the top corner to help it stick. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Frying the Egg Rolls:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat; the oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the egg rolls in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan! Fry them for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Serving:
Serve the egg rolls warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving-inspired treat!
This recipe brings together all those comforting Thanksgiving flavors into a delightful, crispy package that’s perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for these egg rolls. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into small pieces for easy filling. If you don’t have turkey, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the cream cheese or replace it with Greek yogurt for creaminess without the extra calories. You could also use ricotta or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again, or you can microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not be as crispy.
Can I Freeze Uncooked Egg Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked egg rolls! Just assemble them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook them, fry them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!
