Description
Transform your holiday leftovers with these Cheesy Turkey Croquettes. This recipe creates a delightfully crispy, golden-brown shell that gives way to a savory, cheesy, and incredibly moist filling made from finely minced turkey and mushrooms. With a glorious, gooey mozzarella surprise inside, these fun, handheld treats are the ultimate leftover makeover.
Ingredients
3 cups vegetable oil, divided
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups finely minced cooked turkey meat
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 eggs, divided
1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Prepare the Savory Filling:
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms have browned. Season with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetable mixture with the minced turkey, parsley, mozzarella, and one egg. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Set Up Your Breading Station:
While the mixture chills, place the breadcrumbs in one shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the remaining two eggs.
Shape and Bread the Croquettes:
Shape the chilled turkey mixture into small logs or patties. Dip each croquette first into the breadcrumbs, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the breadcrumbs for a thick crust.
Fry to Golden Perfection:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the remaining vegetable oil to 360°F (182°C). Fry the croquettes in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately.
Notes
Baked Version:
For a lighter option, bake the croquettes. Place the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray generously with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and heated through.
Add Mashed Potatoes:
To create an even creamier filling, incorporate about 1 cup of leftover mashed potatoes into the turkey and vegetable mixture before chilling.
Dipping Sauces:
These croquettes are delicious served with leftover turkey gravy or warm cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 croquettes
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: turkey croquettes, leftover turkey recipe, cheesy croquettes, Thanksgiving leftovers, fried appetizer, leftover makeover