Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to jazz up Thanksgiving! These *thanksgiving egg rolls* are a fun and unexpected twist on the classic holiday flavors we all love. Picture this: tender shredded turkey mingling with sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy shell. Yum! I’ve been making these for years, and they never fail to impress my family and friends. They add a splash of excitement to our traditional feast and are perfect for munching while waiting for the big meal to begin. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a must-have at your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Egg Rolls*
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Alright, let’s kick things off by making that delicious filling! In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Now, here’s where the magic happens—mix it all together until everything is well combined and creamy. You want those flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step! The cream cheese should be fully incorporated with the turkey and cranberry, creating a lovely, cohesive mixture that’s just bursting with Thanksgiving goodness.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Now for the fun part—assembling the egg rolls! Grab your egg roll wrappers and lay one on a clean surface, like a cutting board. Spoon a generous amount of that tasty filling into the center of the wrapper, but don’t overdo it or you’ll have a messy situation on your hands! Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly, like you’re wrapping a little present. Use a bit of water to seal the edges—this helps keep everything snug inside. If your roll is coming apart, just add a bit more water and press it down. Trust me, practice makes perfect!
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
It’s time to bring these beauties to life! Heat about an inch of oil in a large pan over medium heat—just enough to submerge the bottom of the egg rolls. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of wrapper; it should sizzle), carefully place a few egg rolls in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oops, don’t forget to turn them! Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. You want them crispy, not greasy!
Nutritional Information
These *thanksgiving egg rolls* are not only delicious but also fairly balanced for an appetizer! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per egg roll:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you opt for a healthier cooking method or adjust the fillings, it’ll change the numbers a bit, too. But hey, it’s Thanksgiving—enjoy every crispy, creamy bite!
Tips for Success
To make your *thanksgiving egg rolls* truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—feel free to add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper to the filling to suit your taste. If you want to mix it up, try adding some chopped vegetables like spinach or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition!
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake these instead of frying. Just brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. Serving them with a side of warm cranberry sauce for dipping is a must—trust me, it elevates the whole experience! Enjoy the crunch and flavor explosion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 35 minutes!
- A unique twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors that everyone will rave about.
- Perfectly portable and easy to serve as appetizers for any gathering.
- Fun to make with family or friends—get everyone involved in the rolling!
- Customizable—you can add your favorite spices or veggies to the filling.
- Deliciously crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside.
- Pairs wonderfully with warm cranberry sauce for that extra festive touch.
FAQ About *Thanksgiving Egg Rolls*
Can I use leftover turkey for these egg rolls?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe. It adds that wonderful, familiar flavor and makes these egg rolls even more special during the holidays.
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. It saves time on the big day!
What can I dip these egg rolls in?
I highly recommend serving them with warm cranberry sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect complement to the savory filling! You could also try sweet and sour sauce or even ranch dressing if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying?
Definitely! If you want a healthier option, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Just brush them lightly with oil for that crispy texture.
What if I don’t have egg roll wrappers?
No worries! You can use spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you’ll still get that delicious filling wrapped up nicely!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftover *thanksgiving egg rolls*—lucky you! To store them properly, just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is key to keeping that crispy goodness! I recommend using an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. If you’re using an air fryer, just 5-7 minutes will do the trick! Enjoy that delightful crunch all over again!
Print
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls: 7 Surprising Holiday Delights
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Thanksgiving egg rolls filled with turkey and cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture into each egg roll wrapper.
- Roll the wrapper tightly, sealing the edges with water.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the egg rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with additional cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving, egg rolls, turkey, cranberry sauce
