Crispy Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls with Tangy Cranberry Dipping Sauce
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls with Cranberry Dipping Sauce offer the ultimate culinary encore to your holiday feast! Imagine all your cherished Thanksgiving flavors — savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and herby stuffing — meticulously encased in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown egg roll wrapper. This delightful fusion is then elevated by a vibrant, tart, and tangy cranberry dipping sauce. It’s a sensational way to savor the spirit of Thanksgiving, long after the main event. This recipe is designed to serve 4, providing a generous and unforgettable treat.
table of contents
Toggle
About These Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls
As the aroma of turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie fades, the question of what to do with the bounty of Thanksgiving leftovers invariably arises. While a classic leftover turkey sandwich is undeniably delicious, why not elevate your post-holiday feasting with something truly extraordinary? This year, we’re transforming those cherished remnants into an innovative and utterly irresistible dish: Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls.
These aren’t just any egg rolls; they’re a crunchy, savory explosion of holiday nostalgia. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors, reminiscent of your festive meal, but presented in an exciting new format. The crisp exterior gives way to a warm, comforting interior packed with all your favorites. It’s an easy, creative, and incredibly satisfying way to extend the joy of Thanksgiving.
A Unique Twist on Holiday Leftovers
There’s something magical about Thanksgiving leftovers, and this recipe captures that magic in every golden-brown bite. Imagine the delightful crunch as you break through the perfectly fried egg roll wrapper, revealing a warm, savory blend of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It’s pure comfort food, reimagined. Paired with a bright, zesty cranberry dipping sauce, these egg rolls offer a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exhilaratingly new. The tartness of the cranberry cuts through the richness of the filling, creating a balanced and addictive experience.
This recipe isn’t just about using up leftovers; it’s about making them taste even better than they did on Thanksgiving Day (but shhh, don’t tell the chef!). It’s a simple yet ingenious way to revive your holiday meal components, turning them into a gourmet-style appetizer or a light, satisfying main course. Plus, by utilizing smaller portions of each leftover dish, you can stretch your Thanksgiving bounty further, prolonging the delicious aftermath of Turkey Day. This creative approach ensures that no crumb goes to waste, transforming traditional elements into an exciting new culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for more.
Essential Ingredients for Your Egg Rolls
Creating these sensational Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls begins with gathering the right components. While the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, a few key ingredients ensure a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need to transform your holiday remnants into culinary masterpieces:
Egg Roll Filling Ingredients
- Egg Roll Wrappers: These are the foundation of our crispy delights! You can typically find egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section of most major supermarkets, often near other Asian specialty items like tofu or fresh noodles. If your local store doesn’t carry them, an Asian market will be a reliable source. Choose fresh, pliable wrappers for the best results, as they are easier to fold and yield a crispier finish when fried.
- Cooked Turkey: The star of your Thanksgiving meal makes a triumphant return! Use about a pound of finely shredded or diced leftover turkey. White meat, dark meat, or a combination will work beautifully. If you find yourself with a shortage of turkey, thickly sliced deli turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be excellent substitutes, ensuring that signature savory flavor in your filling.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, comforting mashed potatoes are a must-have for the filling, acting as a binder and adding a luscious texture. Any type of leftover mashed potatoes will do—whether they’re buttery, garlicky, or classic. Just make sure they’re not too watery; if they are, you might want to gently warm them to let some moisture evaporate or mix in a spoonful of breadcrumbs.
- Stuffing: The aromatic, herb-infused stuffing is another critical component, contributing incredible flavor and texture. Use any leftover stuffing you have—cornbread, sourdough, or traditional sage. Ensure it’s not overly wet. If your stuffing is very dry, you can moisten it slightly with a tablespoon of turkey gravy or chicken broth to help it hold together within the egg roll.
- Cornstarch: This simple pantry staple is vital for sealing your egg rolls. Mixed with water, it creates a “slurry” that acts as a natural glue, ensuring the wrappers stay securely closed during frying. This prevents the delicious filling from escaping and helps achieve that perfect, uniform golden-brown crust.
Cranberry Dipping Sauce Ingredients
- Cranberry Sauce: Whether you prefer homemade or canned, cranberry sauce provides the essential tart and sweet base for our dipping sauce. If using whole berry cranberry sauce, blend it briefly in a food processor or with an immersion blender until smooth. This ensures a silky texture for your dipping experience.
- Water: A small amount of water helps to thin the cranberry sauce, making it the perfect consistency for dipping. Adjust the amount slightly based on the thickness of your cranberry sauce and desired consistency.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy zing that beautifully complements the cranberry. It enhances the tartness and adds a refreshing note.
- Orange Zest: The aromatic zest of an orange provides a concentrated burst of citrus flavor and fragrant oils, elevating the dipping sauce with an extra layer of complexity and freshness. For both juice and zest, using one fresh orange is ideal.
Must-Have Kitchen Equipment
To successfully bring these Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls to life, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. While many items might already be staples in your kitchen, here are the essential pieces of equipment that will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process:
- Dutch Oven: When it comes to deep-frying, a sturdy and heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is my go-to. Its thick walls and even heat distribution are perfect for maintaining a consistent oil temperature, which is crucial for achieving uniformly golden and crispy egg rolls without burning. The depth also helps prevent oil splatters, making frying safer and cleaner.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Precision in prepping your ingredients makes for a better egg roll filling. A sharp chef’s knife and a reliable cutting board are essential for finely dicing your leftover turkey and ensuring your stuffing and mashed potatoes are at the right consistency. A good knife also helps with any last-minute chopping of herbs or citrus zest.
- Spider Strainer: This ingenious tool is indispensable for safely and efficiently removing fried foods from hot oil. Its wide, mesh basket allows oil to drain quickly, leaving your egg rolls perfectly crisp and ready to serve. Unlike a slotted spoon, a spider strainer won’t damage the delicate fried exterior.
- Small Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few small bowls for preparing the cornstarch slurry and mixing the cranberry dipping sauce ingredients. They’re perfect for keeping your workspace organized and efficient.
- Microwavable Bowl: For quickly warming and blending your cranberry dipping sauce ingredients, a microwavable bowl is incredibly convenient.
- Fine Mesh Sieve/Strainer: To achieve a perfectly smooth cranberry dipping sauce, a fine mesh sieve is necessary for straining out any lumps or larger fruit pieces. This step ensures a refined texture that enhances the overall dipping experience.
- Platter Lined with Paper Towels: After frying, it’s crucial to place the hot egg rolls on a paper-towel-lined platter. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil, helping to keep your egg rolls wonderfully crisp and less greasy.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
Transforming your Thanksgiving leftovers into these delectable egg rolls is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfectly crisp egg rolls and a deliciously tangy dipping sauce.
Preparing the Tangy Cranberry Dipping Sauce
The first step is to create our vibrant dipping sauce, which can be made ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly. In a microwavable bowl, combine the cranberry sauce (ensuring it’s smooth if using whole berry), water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a delicate touch of orange zest. Microwave this mixture for approximately 40 seconds to 1 minute. The goal is to warm it slightly, helping the ingredients to combine seamlessly and for any remaining lumps to soften. Once warmed, carefully strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth, refined sauce, free of any cranberry pieces or zest fragments. Transfer the strained sauce to a small bowl or jar and chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve the egg rolls. A cold dipping sauce provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crispy egg rolls.
Expert Tips for Wrapping Egg Rolls
Proper wrapping is key to preventing your egg rolls from falling apart during frying. First, prepare your cornstarch slurry by stirring together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cool water in a small bowl until smooth; this will be your adhesive. Now, set up your workstation on a clean, flat surface. Lay an egg roll wrapper with one of its corners pointing directly towards you, resembling a diamond shape. Dip your fingers into the cornstarch water mixture and lightly brush it along all four edges of the wrapper. Next, place about 1/2 tablespoon of mashed potatoes in the corner closest to you. Top this with 1/2 tablespoon of stuffing and a few small, thin pieces of cooked turkey. Avoid overfilling, as this can make wrapping difficult and lead to breakage.
Carefully lift the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling and begin to roll it away from you, making sure to tuck the corner tightly underneath the filling as you start. Roll about halfway up the wrapper. Then, fold in the left side of the wrapper towards the center, followed by the right side, creating a neat envelope shape. Continue rolling the wrapper away from you, keeping it as tight as possible, until only the top corner remains. Dip your fingers back into the cornstarch mixture and brush it over this final corner. Finish rolling to seal the egg roll. Gently press along the seam to ensure it’s secure. Place the finished egg roll seam-side down on a plate, preventing it from unraveling. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Remember, a tight roll is essential for structural integrity during frying!
Frying to Golden Perfection
Frying is where the magic happens, transforming your carefully wrapped egg rolls into crispy, golden masterpieces. Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with 4-5 inches of a neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, as consistent heat is vital for even cooking and a non-greasy result. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they will brown too quickly before the filling heats through.
Once the oil reaches the correct temperature, gently add the egg rolls, frying no more than 3 or 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature too drastically. Turn them occasionally with a spider strainer or tongs to ensure even browning. Fry for approximately 2 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful, uniform golden-brown color and are irresistibly crispy. As each batch finishes frying, remove the egg rolls from the oil using your spider strainer and immediately place them on a platter lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off, keeping them perfectly crisp. Serve these delightful Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls immediately with the chilled cranberry dipping sauce for the ultimate post-holiday treat!
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Making the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers should be enjoyable and simple. Here are some common questions and helpful tips to ensure your egg roll creation is a resounding success.
Can I Prepare These Egg Rolls in Advance?
Absolutely, you can! These egg rolls are fantastic for meal prepping. You have a couple of options:
- Before Frying: You can assemble the egg rolls completely, up to the frying step. Once wrapped, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply proceed with the frying instructions.
- After Frying (and Reheating): If you prefer to fry them all at once, you can keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) for a short period. For longer storage, allow the fried egg rolls to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. More details on reheating below!
What if I’m Missing a Filling Ingredient?
It’s common to run out of certain leftovers, and that’s perfectly fine! This recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to adapt the filling based on what you have available. For instance, if you’re short on turkey, you can increase the amount of mashed potatoes or stuffing, or even add some cooked, shredded chicken. Other fantastic additions or substitutions include:
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts: Cooked and finely chopped, they add a touch of green and a unique flavor.
- Candied Yams or Sweet Potato Casserole: A spoonful adds a delightful sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory elements.
- Green Bean Casserole: Chop up any leftover green bean casserole and add it for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Creamed Spinach: If you have it, it’s a delicious and creamy addition.
- Leftover Gravy: A small amount mixed into the filling can add moisture and richness.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own perfect Thanksgiving leftover egg roll combination!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Egg Rolls
Proper storage and reheating are crucial for maintaining the delicious crispness of your egg rolls.
- Storing: Any leftover fried egg rolls should be allowed to cool completely before being placed in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents sogginess and keeps them fresh.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheating in the oven or an air fryer is highly recommended.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this allows air to circulate, keeping them crispy). Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place egg rolls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): While you *can* microwave them, it’s not ideal as they tend to become soft and soggy, losing their delightful crisp texture. Reserve this method only if absolutely necessary.
Pro Tips for the Best Leftover Egg Rolls
- Consistency of Filling: Ensure your mashed potatoes and stuffing are not too wet or too dry. If they’re too wet, the egg rolls might get soggy or burst. If too dry, they won’t hold together well. Adjust with a bit of gravy or broth if needed.
- Even Turkey Pieces: Cut your turkey into small, uniform pieces or shred it finely. This ensures even distribution and prevents large chunks from tearing the wrapper.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying in batches is essential. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, less crispy egg rolls.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Invest in a good kitchen thermometer. Maintaining 350°F (175°C) is crucial for perfectly cooked, golden-brown egg rolls.
- Drain Properly: Always place fried egg rolls on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil immediately after cooking.
- Serve Fresh: While they can be reheated, these egg rolls are at their absolute best when served fresh out of the fryer.
This recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a creative celebration of Thanksgiving flavors that can be enjoyed in a whole new, exciting way. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible parcels of holiday joy!
Finally, if you make these Thanksgiving leftover stuffed egg rolls, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! Love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls & Cranberry Dipping Sauce
equipment
-
Dutch Oven
-
3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set
-
Spider Strainer
ingredients
- 25 egg roll wrappers
- 1 lb cooked turkey cut into thin strips or shredded
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cool water
- Cooking oil for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
- 1 1/2 cups canned or homemade cranberry sauce (blended smooth if whole berry)
- 1 1/2 tsp water
- 1 1/2 tsp orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tsp orange zest
instructions
-
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a microwavable bowl, combine the cranberry sauce (ensure it’s smooth), water, orange juice, and orange zest. Microwave for 40 seconds to 1 minute, just until warmed and combined. Carefully strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps or cranberry pieces, resulting in a perfectly smooth sauce. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
-
Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cool water until you have a smooth, thin paste. This will be your “glue” for sealing the egg rolls.
-
Wrap the Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, with a corner pointing towards you (like a diamond). Dip your fingers into the cornstarch slurry and lightly brush it along all four edges of the wrapper. Place about 1/2 tablespoon of mashed potatoes in the corner closest to you. Top with 1/2 tablespoon of stuffing and a few small pieces of turkey. Lift the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling and begin to roll away from you, tucking the corner tightly underneath as you roll. Once you are about halfway up the wrapper, fold in the left side and then the right side towards the center. Continue rolling away from you until the final corner is left. Brush this final corner with more cornstarch slurry and complete the roll, pressing firmly to seal the seam. Place the finished egg roll seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ensuring egg rolls are rolled tightly to prevent them from unraveling during frying.
-
Fry to Perfection: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with 4-5 inches of cooking oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil, frying no more than 3 or 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Turn them occasionally with a spider strainer or tongs until they are golden brown and crispy, approximately 2 minutes per batch.
-
Serve: Place the fried egg rolls on a platter lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with the chilled cranberry dipping sauce. Enjoy your creative twist on Thanksgiving leftovers!
By now you know alllll about the ridiculously amazing collaboration known as Blogsgiving Dinner! Co-hosting this event with Susannah from Feast + West has been a dream come true. I mean, over 50 recipes for Thanksgiving in one week from 20 talented food bloggers? WOW! Thanksgiving seriously needs to get here NOW.
Just like a traditional progressive dinner, Monday we shared cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and soups. Wednesday we shared entrees, salads and side dishes. FINALLY it’s the day everyone’s been waiting for – desserts, after-dinner drinks, and leftovers! Time to put your stretchy pants on… Here’s today’s menu:
Dessert
Grandma’s Pecan Pie from The Wetherills Say I Do
Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting from My Cooking Spot
Gluten-Free Apple Berry Crumble from Twin Stripe
Cranberry Almond Coconut Bars from Love & Flour
Sweet Potato Pie from Think Fruitful
Drunken Pecan Pie Bars from The Speckled Palate
Butter Pecan Cupcakes from Glamour Girl Gourmet
After-Dinner Drinks
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider from A Savory Feast
Cranberry Bourbon Granita from Feast + West
Leftovers
Cheesy Potato Croquettes from Hello Little Home
Stuffed Crescents with Thanksgiving Leftovers from My Cooking Spot