Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking to reinvent your holiday leftovers in a way that’s fun, crispy, and downright delicious, this Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce—wrapped snugly inside a crispy egg roll wrapper and fried to golden perfection. It’s a playful twist that elevates those classic holiday tastes into bite-sized, hand-held delights that will make everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re serving them at a casual family gathering or a festive party, these egg rolls bring together comfort and creativity in a way that feels fresh but familiar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping it simple is key with this Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color, creating that irresistible blend we all crave after a big holiday feast.

• 6 egg roll wrappers: The crisp, golden shell that holds everything together perfectly and adds crunch.
• 1 cup cooked turkey: Tender and savory, the star protein that brings that classic holiday taste.
• 1 cup mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, adding comfort and a soft texture inside.
• 1 cup cranberry sauce: Sweet-tart punch of color and flavor that brightens every bite.
• 1 cup stuffing: Herb-infused and hearty for that quintessential Thanksgiving feel.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Perfect for getting that golden, crispy exterior without overpowering flavors.
• More cranberry sauce or leftover gravy (for dipping): The perfect finishing touch to elevate each bite.

How to Make Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Assemble the Filling

Lay one egg roll wrapper flat in front of you and start layering. Begin with a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes, followed by the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and finally the stuffing. The layering order ensures that each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Step 2: Seal with Water

Dip your finger into a small bowl of water and wet all four edges of the egg roll wrapper. This simple step is the secret to achieving that tight, secure wrap that won’t unravel when you’re frying later.

Step 3: Roll Up Tightly

Begin rolling the wrapper from the long edge nearest to you, gently tucking in the short sides as you go. Finish rolling firmly to encase all the filling snugly, creating a neat, compact egg roll that’s ready for frying.

Step 4: Repeat with Remaining Wrappers

Continue assembling and rolling the remaining egg rolls with your leftover ingredients. This step is easy and quick once you get into the rhythm, making meal prep smooth and satisfying.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle immediately when the egg rolls hit the pan, but not so hot that it burns quickly.

Step 6: Fry in Batches

Carefully add your egg rolls to the hot oil without crowding the pan. Depending on your skillet size, you may need to cook them in batches to keep them crispy and evenly cooked.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden

Cook each egg roll for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs to get that perfect golden-brown crust. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolutely irresistible.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Once fried to perfection, transfer the egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil. This step keeps them crispy without feeling greasy.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Serve your Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe hot, accompanied by extra cranberry sauce or leftover gravy for dipping. The sauces add an extra burst of flavor that perfectly complements the crispy rolls and savory filling.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary sprinkle a bright, fresh note and add a splash of green that makes the presentation pop. A light dusting of cracked black pepper over the top can also add a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Though these egg rolls carry the essence of a full Thanksgiving meal inside, they pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate that doesn’t overshadow the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the egg rolls pyramid-style on a serving platter for a fun and inviting centerpiece. You can also slice them diagonally to reveal the colorful, layered filling, making them visually enticing and easier for guests to enjoy as finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover egg rolls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They maintain their flavor nicely and are perfect for a quick snack or lunch.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the un-fried rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For reheating, it’s best to pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use leftover ham instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ham is a flavorful alternative and works just as well in the Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe, offering a nice smoky twist.

Is it necessary to deep fry the egg rolls?

While frying gives the classic crispy texture, you can bake these at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, for a lighter version.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetarian stuffing to keep all the comforting flavors without meat.

What dipping sauce pairs best with these egg rolls?

Traditional cranberry sauce or rich leftover gravy both complement the egg rolls beautifully, but a tangy mustard or a creamy horseradish sauce can add exciting new layers of flavor.

How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from tearing?

Make sure to handle the wrappers gently and keep them covered with a damp cloth while assembling to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe is a wonderful way to transform your holiday leftovers into something fresh, fun, and utterly delicious. It’s a simple yet creative approach to savoring all the traditional flavors we love, wrapped up in a golden, crispy package. Go ahead and make a batch—you’ll be the hero of your next gathering!

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