Oh, let me tell you about my *absolutely* favorite Thanksgiving dish—turkey cakes! These delightful little patties are the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into something utterly delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love a good turkey cake? They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Every Thanksgiving, my family gathers around the table, and after all the turkey and stuffing, there’s always a pile of turkey left. That’s when I whip out this recipe, and trust me, it never fails to impress! It’s like giving a second life to that holiday turkey, and the best part? They’re so easy to make!
Picture this: the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the kitchen while I shape those golden-brown patties. I can’t help but smile when I see my family digging in, relishing every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these turkey cakes are a must-try. They’re not only a fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey, but they also bring a warm, comforting vibe that makes Thanksgiving feel just a little more special. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these scrumptious turkey cakes for Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these fantastic turkey cakes for Thanksgiving. Trust me, the combination of these ingredients is what makes them so irresistible!
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
These ingredients come together beautifully, and the best part is that they’re all pretty straightforward. You might even have most of them on hand already! So gather these up, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Turkey Cakes Thanksgiving
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get those delicious turkey cakes cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring every bite in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your turkey cakes cook evenly and get that lovely golden-brown crust. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prepare the rest!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, and chopped parsley. I like to use my hands for this part—trust me, it’s the best way to ensure everything gets mixed together nicely. Just gently squish and blend everything until it’s well combined. You want those flavors to meld together beautifully!
Add Eggs and Seasonings
Next, it’s time to add the beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into your turkey mixture. Mix it all together until it’s just combined. Don’t overdo it; you just want everything to be incorporated. This will help bind your cakes and keep them nice and moist!
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well blended. This sauce adds a creamy tang that really elevates the flavor of your turkey cakes. Once it’s mixed, gently fold this delicious sauce into the turkey mixture. Be careful not to break apart the turkey too much; you want to keep some texture!
Form the Patties
Now it’s time to shape the mixture into patties! Grab a handful of the mixture and form it into a patty about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. You want them to be a nice, even size so they cook uniformly. I usually aim for about 8 patties, but feel free to make them smaller or larger based on your preference!
Cooking the Turkey Cakes
Heat up a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!), carefully place your patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. You’ll love the sound of that sizzle!
Bake the Patties
After they’re beautifully browned, transfer the cooked patties to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step helps to ensure they’re cooked through and keeps them warm while you finish everything else. Plus, it gives them an extra bit of crispiness!
Serving Suggestions
When your turkey cakes are ready, serve them warm with a side of cranberry sauce for that perfect sweet and savory combination. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with these tasty cakes; they’re sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a quick look at the nutritional values of these scrumptious turkey cakes. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
These turkey cakes are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a hearty option for your Thanksgiving feast. So, enjoy every bite without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey—no waste here!
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Full of flavor, with a crispy exterior and tender inside that everyone will love.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices!
- Great for meal prepping; you can make them ahead of time and just heat them up.
- Kids and adults alike find them irresistible—perfect for all ages!
- They make for a cozy, comforting meal that brings everyone together.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen turkey for these cakes?
Absolutely! If you’ve got frozen turkey, just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. It works just as well as fresh turkey in these turkey cakes, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor!
What can I serve with turkey cakes for Thanksgiving?
Oh, there are so many options! These turkey cakes pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce, but you can also serve them alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. They’re super versatile!
Can I make these turkey cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the mixture and form the patties a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. They’re perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving!
Can I bake the turkey cakes instead of frying them?
Sure thing! If you prefer to bake them, just place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with these tasty cakes!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or a skillet to keep them crispy!
Turkey Cakes Thanksgiving: 7 Delicious Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious turkey cakes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, and parsley.
- Add the beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then fold into the turkey mixture.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked patties to a baking sheet and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be served with cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: thanksgiving turkey cakes, turkey patties, leftover turkey recipes
