Leftover turkey croquettes are small pan-fried patties bound with leftover mashed potatoes or a thick sauce, then cooked until the center is hot. Use leftover turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days, or that was frozen and thawed in the refrigerator. How long leftovers last explains that window. The turkey in the finished dish should reach 165°F, per USDA leftover reheating guidance. They are not the same as leftover turkey hash or as the potato cakes in what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, even if mashed potatoes help hold these together.
Mix and chill
Finely chop 2 cups of leftover turkey. In a bowl, combine it with about 1 cup of leftover mashed potatoes, or with a very thick leftover sauce that has been kept safely in the fridge. Add a little salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or leftover herbs. If the mixture is too soft to shape, stir in a few breadcrumbs and chill it for 20 to 30 minutes. The leftover ingredients should already be cold from the refrigerator before you start.
Shape and cook
Shape the mixture into small ovals or patties. You can coat them in beaten egg and breadcrumbs for a crisper crust, or cook them plain if the mixture is firm. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the croquettes until both sides are golden and a thermometer in the center of one reads 165°F. Do not rush them on very high heat, or the crust will brown before the leftover turkey is hot. Work in batches so the skillet is not crowded.
What to serve with them
Leftover cranberry sauce is a natural dip. If you serve leftover gravy, bring it to a rolling boil first; see how to reheat leftover gravy. A simple salad on the side keeps the plate from feeling like another heavy holiday meal. Refrigerate leftover cooked croquettes within 2 hours and reheat them until the center is 165°F again. For more leftover recipes, see the leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Qt Stainless Mixing Bowl — A mixing bowl is where the leftover turkey and binder come together.
- OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula — A spatula helps you turn croquettes without breaking the crust.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Check the center of a croquette; leftover turkey needs to reach 165°F.
- OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Scraper and Chopper — Useful for gathering the mixture on the board as you shape patties.
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Frequently asked questions
What binds leftover turkey croquettes if I have no mashed potatoes?
A very thick leftover sauce or a little beaten egg and breadcrumbs can hold the mixture. Chill it before you shape the patties.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying them?
Yes. Bake them on a lightly oiled sheet until the centers reach 165°F and the outsides are browned. They will be a bit less crisp than the skillet version.
Can I freeze uncooked croquettes?
You can freeze them on a tray, then bag them. Cook from frozen or thawed in the refrigerator until the center reaches 165°F.