Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. This year, I wanted to shake things up a bit and bring a little creativity to the table with my Thanksgiving egg rolls. Imagine all those classic flavors of Thanksgiving—tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy goodness—all wrapped up in a crispy, golden shell. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! Not only are these egg rolls a fun twist on traditional holiday dishes, but they also make for a perfect appetizer that everyone can enjoy. They’re easy to prepare, and you can even get the kids involved in rolling them up. So, let’s dive into this festive recipe that will surely become a new favorite at your Thanksgiving feast!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
- 2 cups shredded turkey – Use leftover turkey for the best flavor, or rotisserie turkey works great too!
- 1 cup cranberry sauce – Whether you prefer homemade or the canned variety, this will add that sweet and tangy kick.
- 1 cup cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded carrots – These add a nice crunch and a pop of color to your egg rolls.
- 1 package egg roll wrappers – You can usually find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Oil for frying – Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying these crispy delights.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Getting these Thanksgiving egg rolls ready is a breeze, and I promise they’ll be the highlight of your holiday spread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and shredded carrots in a large bowl. Mix everything together until it’s well blended—this is where the magic begins!
- Next, take an egg roll wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture into the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill, or they’ll burst while frying!
- Now, fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll it tightly away from you to seal everything in. Use a little water on the edges to help them stick together. It’s like a cozy blanket for your filling!
- Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—just enough to make those egg rolls crispy and golden.
- Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying them in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning until they are perfectly golden brown.
- Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Thanksgiving egg rolls come together in just about 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute appetizer!
- Fun Twist: They take classic Thanksgiving flavors—think turkey and cranberry—and wrap them in a crispy, golden shell. It’s a fresh take everyone will love!
- Kid-Friendly: Get the little ones involved in rolling the egg rolls! It’s a great way to bond and keep them entertained.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the egg rolls just before frying, saving you time on the big day.
- Endless Dipping: Serve them with extra cranberry sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added layer of flavor!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving egg rolls turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—test it by dropping in a small piece of wrapper; it should sizzle right away. This ensures that your egg rolls are golden without being greasy. When sealing the wrappers, don’t skimp on the water—it’s your best friend for keeping them closed during frying! And for serving, consider pairing these tasty bites with a drizzle of warm gravy or a side of tangy dipping sauce. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
When enjoying these delightful Thanksgiving egg rolls, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Each egg roll is an estimated:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to enjoy these tasty bites while keeping balance in mind!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Got questions about these scrumptious Thanksgiving egg rolls? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my go-to answers to make your cooking experience even smoother.
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just wrap the egg rolls right before frying to keep them fresh and crispy!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can definitely bake these Thanksgiving egg rolls! Just place them on a baking sheet, brush with a little oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll still be delicious, just a bit less crispy!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. They’ll still add that creamy texture we love!
How do I reheat leftover egg rolls?
The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This will help keep them crispy rather than soggy, which is a must for the perfect bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful Thanksgiving egg rolls, the options are endless! Pair them with a warm bowl of gravy for dipping, and watch everyone dive in for that extra flavor boost. You can also serve them alongside a fresh, crisp salad—think arugula or spinach with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the egg rolls. And don’t forget about cranberry sauce! A little extra on the side adds a festive touch. For a complete meal experience, consider presenting these egg rolls with traditional sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday while enjoying a fun twist on the classics!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover Thanksgiving egg rolls (which is a rare treat!), storing them correctly is key to keeping that crispy goodness intact. Let the egg rolls cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, skip the microwave! Instead, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This will help revive their crunchiness and keep them delicious. Trust me, you want that perfect bite every time!
Print
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls: 5 Mouthwatering Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Thanksgiving egg rolls filled with turkey and cranberry.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and carrots.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of an egg roll wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper and seal the edges with water.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the egg rolls until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving egg rolls, turkey egg rolls, cranberry sauce rolls
