Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites

Thanksgiving dinner is the meal that keeps on giving, but there are only so many times you can eat a standard plate of reheated turkey and sides. If you are looking for a creative way to use up those holiday remains, these Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites are the answer. They take all the comforting flavors of your favorite feast and tuck them into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown shell.

Whether you are hosting a post-holiday football watch party or just want a fun and easy lunch, these bites turn leftovers into a gourmet-style appetizer. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, savory filling is absolutely addictive. Plus, they are incredibly easy to customize based on whatever you have sitting in your refrigerator.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 egg rolls
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 185 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg

Why Make This Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites

This recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who finds themselves with a mountain of food on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Instead of the same old sandwiches, you get a handheld snack that feels entirely new. The combination of savory turkey, salty stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce creates a flavor profile that hits every taste bud.

Beyond the taste, these egg roll bites are great for portion control and easy serving. They work beautifully as a party snack or a quick meal. It is also a fantastic way to involve the family in the kitchen, as rolling the egg rolls is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites

Transforming your leftovers into these crispy delights is a straightforward process that requires very little prep work. You simply mix your pre-cooked ingredients, wrap them up, and give them a quick fry or bake until they reach golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked turkey, finely shredded or chopped
• 1 cup leftover stuffing (dressing)
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 12 egg roll wrappers
• 1 small bowl of water (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup warm turkey gravy (for dipping)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Stir them together until well incorporated. If your leftovers are very cold and stiff, you can microwave them for 30 seconds to make the mixing process easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean flat surface in a diamond shape. Spread about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in the center. Top the sauce with approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the turkey and stuffing mixture, forming it into a small log shape.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling. Fold in the left and right sides toward the center. Lightly dip your finger in the bowl of water and moisten the edges of the top corner. Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top to seal it shut.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of wrapper in; if it sizzles immediately, it is ready.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Carefully place 3 to 4 egg rolls in the hot oil at a time. Do not crowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the egg rolls cool for a few minutes as the filling will be very hot. Serve them warm with a side of heated turkey gravy for dipping.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites

These bites are best served hot and fresh. Arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of warm gravy in the center for dipping. If you want to add a bit of freshness to the plate, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. They also pair excellently with a side of extra cranberry sauce if you prefer a sweeter dip.

How to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch, avoid the microwave when reheating. Instead, place them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Expert Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites

To ensure your egg rolls don’t burst, make sure not to overfill them. A few tablespoons of filling is plenty. Also, keep your unused egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while you work; they dry out quickly and can become brittle. Finally, ensure your oil is at the right temperature; oil that is too cold will result in greasy egg rolls, while oil that is too hot will burn the outside before the inside is warm.

Delicious Variations

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can add a sprinkle of shredded white cheddar or mozzarella cheese inside for a gooey element. If you have leftover green bean casserole, a small spoonful of that can add great texture. For a healthier version, you can air fry these at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with leftover roasted chicken or even rotisserie chicken if you aren’t making these specifically after Thanksgiving.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. Brush the assembled egg rolls with a little oil or melted butter and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden.

Q: Can I freeze these egg rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Place the assembled rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Q: My wrappers are tearing, what should I do?

This usually happens if the filling is too wet or if the wrappers have dried out. Make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too runny, and keep your wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you work.

Q: What other dipping sauces can I use?

While gravy is traditional, these are also delicious dipped in honey mustard, a spicy aioli, or even a sweet chili sauce for a fusion twist.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Roll Bites are the perfect way to turn your holiday feast into a fun, modern snack. With their crispy shells and savory fillings, they are sure to become a new post-holiday tradition in your home. Give them a try this year and watch how fast they disappear!

Print