When the feast is over and the Thanksgiving table is cleared, you’re left with one important question: what to do with all those leftovers? Sure, you can pile them into a plate or slap together a sandwich, but why stop there? Thanksgiving Egg Rolls take those holiday flavors and roll them up into crispy, golden bites of perfection. Whether you’re hosting friends for a post-Thanksgiving snack or just looking for a way to refresh those leftovers, this recipe will be your new go-to.
Let me tell you why these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls deserve a spot on your must-try list:
- Crispy Texture Meets Comfort Food: That crunch when you bite into a perfectly fried egg roll? It’s unbeatable, especially when it gives way to all the familiar, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving.
- Creative Use of Leftovers: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce—this recipe transforms them into something that feels completely new and exciting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family gathering or just your immediate crew, these rolls are guaranteed to have people asking for seconds (or thirds).
- Customizable: The beauty of this dish is that it’s totally adaptable. You can use whatever you’ve got on hand and create unique flavor combinations.
- Perfect for Dipping: Pair these rolls with a variety of sauces, and you’ve got a snack or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s round up everything you’ll need. You can mix and match based on your leftovers, but here’s a comprehensive list to get you started:
Essential Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Fillings
Choose your favorites from this list or add your own spin:
- Turkey (shredded or diced)
- Ham (diced)
- Stuffing or dressing
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potatoes or candied yams
- Green bean casserole
- Mac and cheese
- Gravy (use some inside the rolls and save the rest for dipping)
- Cranberry sauce (adds a sweet, tangy kick)
- Roasted vegetables (like carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts)
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a creamy brie)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Workstation
- Lay your egg roll wrappers on a clean, non-stick surface.
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to help seal the edges of your rolls.
Step 2: Fill the Wrappers
- Place the wrapper in front of you like a diamond, with one corner pointing toward you.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen fillings in the center. Don’t overstuff! A balance of flavors and textures is key.
Step 3: Roll It Up
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
- Tuck in the sides snugly and roll the wrapper up toward the top corner.
- Use a dab of water on the edges to seal the roll completely.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Heat your oil to 360°F in a deep skillet or frying pan.
- Fry the rolls in small batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Pair your crispy rolls with a variety of dipping sauces (gravy, cranberry sauce, or even ranch dressing).
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Keep Wrappers Fresh: Cover the unused egg roll wrappers with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Don’t Overfill: Less is more when it comes to filling. Overstuffing can cause the rolls to break during frying.
- Make Ahead Option: Assemble the rolls in advance, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until ready to fry.
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the rolls at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Air Fryer Hack: Brush the rolls with oil and air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping once.
- Test Oil Temperature: Drop a small piece of wrapper into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top, you’re good to go.
15 Variations
- Classic Turkey and Stuffing
- Ham and Cheddar Delight
- Sweet Potato and Marshmallow
- Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
- Mac and Cheese Explosion
- Turkey and Cranberry Bliss
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- Leftover Pot Pie Filling
- Cheesy Sweet Potato Mash
- Vegetarian Delight (roasted veggies and cheese)
- Southwest Spin (add black beans, corn, and salsa)
- BBQ Turkey Rolls
- Asian Fusion (add hoisin sauce and sesame seeds)
- Dessert Roll (pumpkin pie or pecan pie filling)
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Complete the meal with these perfect pairings:
- Gravy (as a dipping sauce)
- Cranberry sauce (thinned with orange juice for a zesty dip)
- Spicy aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Coleslaw
- Sweet potato fries
- Mashed potatoes with extra gravy
- Mac and cheese bites
- Cornbread muffins
- Caesar salad
- Creamy soup (like butternut squash or tomato bisque)
- Pickles or pickled vegetables
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Garlic breadsticks
Storage Tips
Short-Term Storage
- Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Long-Term Storage
- Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How Many Should I Make for a Family Gathering?
For a smaller gathering (4-6 people), plan for 2-3 rolls per person. For larger crowds, aim for at least 4-5 rolls per person.
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Egg Rolls?
You can assemble the egg rolls up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. If you’re planning further ahead, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Bonus Ideas for Leftovers
- Egg Roll Bowl: Skip the wrappers and layer the fillings in a bowl with a drizzle of gravy or sauce.
- Mini Egg Rolls: Cut the wrappers in half for bite-sized snacks.
- Stuffed Crescent Rolls: Swap egg roll wrappers for crescent roll dough and bake.
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are more than just a way to use up leftovers—they’re a creative, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings new life to holiday classics. Give them a try, and don’t forget to make them your own with your favorite fillings and dips. These rolls are the gift that keeps on giving!
Thanksgiving Leftover Egg-Rolls
An easy way to use up those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers!
Ingredients
- 1-2 25 Egg Roll Wrappers adjust based on your leftovers
- Leftover Cooked Turkey
- Leftover Dressing
- Leftover Candied Yams
- Leftover Mac and Cheese
- Cranberry Sauce
- Leftover Chicken
- Leftover Ham
- Leftover Collard Greens
- Gravy also for dipping sauce
Instructions
- To start your egg roll, prepare a clean, level surface. Position the wrapper so that it appears as a diamond shape in front of you. Crack open an egg in a bowl and scramble it, you can add a bit of water if you want. (This is your egg wash)
- Next, spread some of the stuffing and a few small turkey pieces. Add in whatever you’d like your combination to be. Just don’t overstuff it.
- Lift the bottom corner and roll away from yourself, ensuring the tucked-in corner remains secure while rolling. When halfway up, fold the left and right sides towards the center.
- Continue rolling until only the final corner remains. Use the egg wash from earlier to brush over this corner. Complete the roll, brush a bit more of the egg wash along the seam, and place it seam-side down. Make sure to make these as tight as possible so they don’t open in the fryer.
- For frying the egg rolls, pour approximately 4-5 inches of cooking oil into a pot and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain and cool.
- Carefully place 3 or 4 egg rolls into the hot oil, turning them occasionally. Fry until they turn a golden brown, which should take about 2 minutes. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain and cool. I use a rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Serve the freshly fried egg rolls immediately alongside the gravy. Dip and Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
