So, you’ve got some leftover turkey, huh? Don’t let it go to waste! Let me tell you about the *turkey cakes thanksgiving* that will change how you think about holiday leftovers. These savory little gems are the perfect way to breathe new life into your turkey and impress your family at the same time. Imagine crispy, golden-brown patties filled with flavor, just waiting to be dipped in your favorite sauce. They’re quick to whip up and make for a fantastic main dish that feels like a treat rather than a second-rate meal. Trust me, once you try these turkey cakes, you’ll never look at Thanksgiving leftovers the same way again!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
How to Prepare Turkey Cakes Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s dive into making those delicious turkey cakes! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your shredded leftover turkey, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, chopped celery, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a cohesive mixture that’s easy to shape.
- Next, shape that mixture into patties. I like to make them about the size of my palm—nice and hearty!
- Now, heat some oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but not so much that they’re swimming in it.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture in; it should sizzle), gently place your patties in the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Ooh, that smell is fantastic!
- When they’re done, carefully remove the patties and let them drain on some paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
- And voilà! Serve those warm turkey cakes with your sauce of choice, and watch everyone rave about how tasty they are!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your turkey cakes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you avoid any hiccups and ensure a delicious outcome:
- Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes.
- Chill the mixture: If you have time, chill your turkey mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the patties hold together better while frying.
- Test a small patty first: Fry a small test patty to check seasoning and ensure the cooking time is perfect. This way, you can adjust flavors before making the rest!
- Use fresh oil: Make sure your oil is fresh and hot. If it’s old or not hot enough, your patties might absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking! Add herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- Keep them warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep cooked patties warm in the oven at a low temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for these scrumptious turkey cakes, perfect for a satisfying meal without the guilt. Each patty packs about 150 calories, with 8g of fat and 10g of protein to keep you feeling full and energized. You’ll also find 10g of carbohydrates and just 1g of sugar, making this a smart choice for your Thanksgiving table. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious leftovers with a side of nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: These turkey cakes come together in just about 30 minutes, making them a hassle-free meal option.
- Flavorful: Packed with seasonings and ingredients, every bite is bursting with deliciousness that’ll make you forget they’re made from leftovers!
- Perfect for leftovers: A fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving feast, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.
- Versatile: Serve them with your favorite sauces or dips, making them a great addition to any meal or gathering.
- Kid-friendly: These savory cakes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, making them a hit for the whole family.
- Freezer-friendly: You can make a big batch and freeze them for a quick meal later—just reheat and enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can cook fresh turkey breast, shred it, and use it in this recipe. It’ll work just as well and will be super delicious!
What can I serve with turkey cakes?
These turkey cakes pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast. You could also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli. They also go great alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!
How do I store leftover turkey cakes?
If you have any turkey cakes left (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or a skillet until warmed through.
Can I freeze turkey cakes?
Yes, indeed! These cakes freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
What variations can I try for these turkey cakes?
Get creative! You can add different herbs and spices, like sage or paprika, to mix things up. You could also throw in some grated cheese for an extra cheesy delight. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your turkey cakes, the options are endless! I love to pair them with a generous dollop of cranberry sauce for that perfect sweet and savory combo. The tartness of the cranberries complements the rich flavors of the cakes beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something a bit zippier, try serving them with a homemade spicy aioli or a creamy ranch dressing for dipping; it adds a delightful twist!
For a more complete meal, consider serving your turkey cakes alongside a fresh mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the cakes. You could also whip up some mashed potatoes or roasted veggies to round out the plate. Trust me, your family will be raving about this delicious spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover turkey cakes is super easy! Just let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tight to keep all that deliciousness in!
If you want to save some for later, these cakes freeze beautifully. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best results—just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You could also use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Print
Turkey Cakes Thanksgiving: 5 Irresistible Leftover Wonders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Turkey cakes are a perfect dish for Thanksgiving, using leftover turkey to create delicious, savory cakes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except oil.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your choice of sauce.
Notes
- These cakes can be frozen for later use.
- Serve with cranberry sauce for added flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: turkey cakes thanksgiving, leftover turkey recipes, Thanksgiving dishes
