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Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you hate letting Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste — and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this **Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe** with you. It’s a fun, crispy spin on those classic flavors you love, rolled up into a handheld delight that everyone goes crazy for. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your post-holiday meals or want an easy finger food for a casual get-together, this recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever ate leftovers any other way!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Transforms Leftovers Into Something New: Turns your Thanksgiving staples into crunchy, flavorful egg rolls everyone will love.
  • Quick & Easy Comfort Food: You can throw these together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you already have on hand.
  • Perfect Party Snack: Great for sharing at casual gatherings or as a fun family lunch after the big day.
  • Customizable to Your Tastes: You can swap ingredients or add your own twist with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all classics from your Thanksgiving plate, coming together in unexpected harmony inside crispy egg roll wrappers. When you pick your leftovers, try to grab well-seasoned and moist items for the best filling.

Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe - Ingredients
  • Eggroll wrappers: Look for fresh or frozen ones at your grocery’s Asian section — they make wrapping a breeze.
  • Leftover turkey: Shredded turkey works best — you want bite-sized pieces that’ll layer nicely but not weigh down the roll.
  • Leftover mashed potatoes: Make sure they’re not too dry, as they add creamy texture inside.
  • Leftover cranberries: This adds that classic sweet-tart zing — feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
  • Leftover stuffing: Adds moisture and savory depth; slightly chunky or crumbly stuffing helps with texture.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying — enough to fill your pan about an inch deep for even crisping.
  • Leftover gravy: For dipping — warming it up makes the perfect cozy partner.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how forgiving this recipe is. It’s a great base to get creative with if you want to tailor your Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe to your pantry or taste buds.

  • Add cheese: I sometimes sprinkle in shredded cheddar or pepper jack for an extra melty surprise.
  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the turkey and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies instead — still delicious.
  • Use different sauces: Swap gravy for a spicy aioli or a tangy mustard dip to switch up the flavor profile.
  • Bake instead of fry: For a lighter version, brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Make Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Fillings Carefully

Start by laying an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spread a thin layer of cranberries first — I found this prevents sogginess later and adds a nice base. Next, spoon on a couple tablespoons of mashed potatoes, then add a layer of stuffing, and top with shredded turkey. It sounds like a lot but keeping these layers thin ensures the egg roll wraps nicely and cooks evenly.

Step 2: Roll & Seal Like a Pro

Fold up the bottom half over your fillings, then tuck in the sides tightly — think burrito style — and gently roll it all the way up. Use a few drops of water at the edge to seal the wrapper; it really sticks well and prevents leaking. Repeat with remaining wrappers and fillings. When I first tried these, I was worried about tearing, but using a gentle touch really helps keep them intact.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s about an inch deep and starts shimmering — you want it hot enough to bubble gently when the egg rolls hit the pan. Fry each roll for roughly 1 minute per side until beautifully golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop. Transfer the fried egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.

Step 4: Warm Up the Gravy for Dipping

Heat up your leftover gravy gently on the stove or microwave until warm and pourable — this makes the perfect dipping sauce and ties the whole dish back to that classic Thanksgiving comfort. I’ve found that a good gravy dip is what really elevates these egg rolls from tasty snack to crave-worthy meal.

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Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe

  • Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the stuffing and turkey, but thinner rolls fry more evenly and crisp up without bursting.
  • Keep Wrappers Moist: If your wrappers dry out, cover them with a damp towel while you work to prevent cracking or tearing.
  • Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of wrapper — oil too hot burns the wrapper, too cool makes greasy egg rolls.
  • Seal Well with Water: Water works wonders as “glue,” but don’t use too much or the wrapper won’t crisp properly.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the egg rolls for a pop of color and freshness. A side of extra cranberry sauce also works well — it adds a sweet counterpoint beyond the filling. If you want a little kick, a drizzle of sriracha mayo can be amazing, too!

Side Dishes

These egg rolls pair beautifully with simple green salads or roasted veggies to lighten up the meal. If you want to keep the comforting vibe, creamy soups like butternut squash or a smooth tomato bisque make for a cozy combo. At my house, we often just grab some extra gravy or stuffing as sides and call it a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, I like to slice the egg rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces in the center — it makes everything inviting and shareable. For a special occasion, nestling egg rolls on a bed of mixed greens or microgreens adds a fresh visual and textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftover egg rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 2-3 days, and I find the crunch holds up nicely if you reheat them right. Just be sure to lay them flat or lightly separated to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After assembling but before frying, freeze the egg rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen — just add a minute or two to the cooking time. It’s a lifesaver when you want that leftover flavor later.

Reheating

To keep them crispy, I reheat egg rolls in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. Pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or crisp them up in a pan with a little oil on medium heat, turning frequently. This method brings back that golden exterior perfectly.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Thanksgiving egg rolls ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls ahead and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before frying, or freeze them uncooked for longer storage. Just make sure to fry them fresh for the best crispiness.

  2. What if I don’t have leftover turkey?

    You can substitute with cooked chicken, ham, or even a vegetarian protein like sautéed mushrooms or beans for a twist. The goal is to maintain that rich, savory presence inside the egg roll.

  3. Can I bake these instead of frying?

    Yes! Baking is a lighter option. Just brush the egg rolls with oil and bake on a lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying, but they still taste delicious.

  4. What dip pairs best with these egg rolls?

    Traditional leftover gravy is a fantastic dip that ties back into Thanksgiving flavors perfectly, but you can also try honey mustard, spicy mayo, or even a cranberry chutney for contrast.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe breathe new life into post-holiday leftovers — making everything feel fresh, fun, and delicious again. They’re one of those recipes that bring people together over shared comfort food, and they’ve become a go-to for me after every holiday feast. You really can’t go wrong, so give it a try and let me know how they turn out for you. I’m betting you’ll find yourself craving them year-round!

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Thanksgiving Egg Rolls with Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberries, and Stuffing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a crispy, flavorful appetizer or snack. Filled with shredded turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberries, then fried to golden perfection, they’re perfect for enjoying the flavors of Thanksgiving in a fun and portable form. Serve with warm leftover gravy for dipping to complete the experience.


Ingredients

Egg Rolls

  • 6 Eggroll wrappers
  • 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
  • 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup leftover stuffing
  • 1 cup leftover cranberries

For Frying and Dipping

  • Vegetable oil (enough to reach 1 inch up the sides of skillet)
  • 1/3 cup leftover gravy, for dipping


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spread a thin layer of leftover cranberries on the wrapper. Add a couple tablespoons of mashed potatoes next, followed by stuffing, and then shredded turkey. Fold up the bottom half of the wrapper, tightly fold in the sides, and gently roll up to enclose the filling. Seal the edge with a couple of drops of water. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and leftover fillings.
  2. Fry the Egg Rolls: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour vegetable oil until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil until it starts to bubble gently. Carefully add the prepared egg rolls to the hot oil and fry them for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the rolls to avoid splatters. Once fried, transfer the egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
  3. Serve: Warm the leftover gravy and serve it as a dipping sauce alongside the crispy Thanksgiving egg rolls. Enjoy while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the vegetable oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
  • Use leftover cooked turkey and stuffing to maximize the use of Thanksgiving leftovers.
  • You can customize the fillings by adding cheese or vegetables if desired.
  • Be careful when folding the egg rolls to prevent filling from spilling during frying.
  • Leftover cranberry sauce provides a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 egg roll
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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