Thanksgiving leftovers are a treat in themselves, but sometimes, we crave something more than a simple reheat. If you’re looking to elevate your leftover turkey and stuffing, these Turkey Tenderloin Croquettes with Sweet Chutney are the perfect solution. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, making them a delightful snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for post-holiday gatherings. Here’s how to make these golden croquettes that pack the flavors of Thanksgiving into every bite!
What You’ll Need
Gather your Thanksgiving leftovers and a few pantry staples, and you’re set! Here’s the ingredient list:
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 2 cups cooked turkey tenderloin, shredded or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup apricot or mango chutney (optional, for extra sweetness and flair)
- 1/2 cup grated gouda or havarti cheese (optional, for a creamy bite)
- 1/4 cup turkey gravy or chicken broth (for moisture)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, chutney (if you’d like a sweet twist), and cheese (for added creaminess). Gradually mix in the turkey gravy or chicken broth until the mixture holds together when pressed. Adjust with extra gravy or stuffing if needed—this will help the croquettes stay intact during cooking.
2. Form the Croquettes
With your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small, oval-shaped croquettes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking and to keep your workspace clean.
3. Set Up a Dredging Station
Prepare three shallow bowls for coating the croquettes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each croquette first in flour, then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres. This triple coating gives the croquettes their irresistible crunch.
4. Chill for Stability
To prevent the croquettes from falling apart while frying, refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes. This short chill time helps them firm up and ensures a neat, cohesive finish.
5. Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in small batches, cooking each for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Alternative Methods:
- Baking Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the croquettes on a greased baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Air Fryer Option: For a lighter approach, cook the croquettes in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway for even crispiness.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these turkey croquettes warm, accompanied by a sweet chutney or your favorite dipping sauce. For a touch of freshness, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped thyme.
Storage and Freezing Tips
These croquettes are meal-prep friendly! After forming them, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for storage. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry or bake them directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These croquettes turn Thanksgiving leftovers into an elevated, mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make and packed with festive flavors. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they offer a crispy exterior and a savory filling with a hint of sweetness from the chutney.
So, next time you find yourself with leftover turkey and stuffing, give these Turkey Tenderloin Croquettes a try. They might just become your new favorite way to enjoy Thanksgiving, even after the holiday is over!
Print
Turkey Tenderloin Croquettes with Sweet Chutney
Description
Transform leftover turkey tenderloin and stuffing into mouthwatering croquettes, perfect for a gourmet appetizer or scrumptious snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
3 cups leftover stuffing
2 cups cooked turkey tenderloin, shredded or finely chopped
1/2 cup apricot or mango chutney optional, for extra flair
1/2 cup grated gouda or havarti cheese optional, for creaminess
1/4 cup turkey gravy or chicken broth, as needed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Fresh thyme, finely chopped optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey tenderloin, chutney if using, and cheese if using.
Gradually add the gravy or broth until the mixture is moist enough to hold together when squeezed. Adjust with more gravy or stuffing as needed.
Form Croquettes:
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small oval-shaped croquettes, pressing firmly to ensure they stay together. Place the croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set Up Dredging Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Roll each croquette in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Chill the Croquettes:
Refrigerate the coated croquettes for 15-20 minutes to firm up, which helps prevent breaking apart during frying.
Cook the Croquettes:
In a deep pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350F (175C).
Fry the croquettes in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Baking Option:
For a lighter version, preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Place the croquettes on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
Serve:
Serve warm with sweet chutney or your favorite savory dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped thyme for a hint of freshness.
Freezing Tip:
Form the croquettes and freeze them before frying. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Cook directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Healthier Cooking:
Use an air fryer at 375F (190C) for about 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Enjoy these flavorful croquettes!