I absolutely love this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe because it transforms leftover turkey into something fun, comforting, and downright delicious. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your cooked turkey without it feeling like a chore, you’re going to enjoy how simple and tasty this recipe turns out.
What makes it special for me is that it’s baked, not fried, so you get that crispy outside with a tender, flavorful inside without the mess or guilt. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying, or even for a casual weekend lunch that everyone in the family will go crazy for.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Healthy: Baking instead of frying keeps these croquettes light but still satisfyingly crunchy.
- Great Leftover Solution: A clever way to breathe new life into leftover turkey and avoid food waste.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, making it super accessible.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild, comforting, and customizable — even picky eaters tend to love these.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe is how the ingredients balance each other perfectly — creamy mashed potatoes, savory turkey, and a bit of fresh parsley for brightness. When shopping, choosing good-quality turkey and fresh herbs will really make a difference in flavor.
- Cooked turkey breast: Use finely chopped turkey; a food processor makes this quick and easy to get the right texture.
- Potatoes: Peeled and cooked, these form the creamy base that holds everything together.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the turkey flavor.
- Olive oil: For sautéing garlic and onion; a little goes a long way.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aromatic punch.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness after being softened.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brings brightness and a subtle herb note.
- Salt and fresh pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.
- Seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs: Give you that satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
- Egg: Whisked for coating and binding your croquettes.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the croquettes crispy during baking without extra oil.
- Leftover turkey gravy (optional): Perfect for drizzling on top for an extra cozy touch.
Variations
I like to tweak this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe depending on what I have or who I’m cooking for. It’s such a flexible base that you can really make it your own with a minute change here and there.
- Spicy Kick: Once, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mashed mixture, and it gave the croquettes a wonderful subtle heat that my husband loved.
- Cheesy Goodness: Adding a handful of shredded cheese into the mixture before baking brings that gooey, melty surprise inside.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, like crushed nuts or gluten-free panko, to make this safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Herb Swap: If parsley isn’t your thing, try fresh thyme or rosemary instead — they add a lovely earthy note.
How to Make Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Mash Base
Start by peeling and cooking your potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them smoothly with a quarter cup of chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper, and don’t be shy about tasting — this step makes sure your croquettes aren’t bland inside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Depth
Lower the heat and gently cook garlic and onions in olive oil until soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Toss in chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper, and cook just a bit more. This subtle flavor base really elevates the finished croquettes.
Step 3: Combine Turkey with Flavors
Add your finely chopped turkey and the remaining chicken broth to the sautéed mixture. Mix everything well, then turn off the heat. This step helps keep the turkey moist and evenly coated with those tasty aromatics.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together by Hand
Now, add the turkey mixture to your mashed potatoes and get your hands in there (clean hands, of course!). Mixing by hand is my secret for locking in texture — plus, you can really feel when the seasoning is just right. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step 5: Form and Bread Your Croquettes
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a croquette — this size works great to get that perfect crispy edge. Place each shaped croquette on waxed paper to keep things tidy. For the coating, dip each in whisked egg, then in the seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs. This dual step helps the outside brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lay croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then spray them generously with olive oil. This is crucial — it’s what gives you that golden, crisp crust without deep frying. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them around the 12-minute mark so they don’t overbake.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
If you happen to have leftover turkey gravy, drizzle it over your croquettes for an extra cozy touch — trust me, it’s a game changer. Otherwise, these croquettes shine on their own or with a simple side salad.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Use cold mashed potatoes rather than hot to avoid soggy croquettes that don’t hold their shape.
- Even Cooking: Space croquettes apart well on the baking sheet so hot air circulates for that even golden crust.
- Season Thoroughly: Taste the mixture before baking — leftovers can be bland if you don’t add enough salt and pepper here.
- Avoid Dryness: Spray olive oil generously rather than brushing, and don’t overbake as that can dry them out quickly.
How to Serve Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives — it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the croquettes. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or a tangy yogurt-based dip on the side for extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
These croquettes pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli. For something heartier, roasted root vegetables or a warm cranberry sauce work wonders too — it’s like a mini holiday meal in every bite!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served these croquettes stacked with a drizzle of homemade turkey gravy and a side of cranberry relish. They look so inviting when presented on a wooden board with small dipping bowls — perfect for sharing and snacking with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked turkey croquettes keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let them cool completely before storing to keep them from becoming soggy. The next day, they’re perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these croquettes many times with no issues! Just shape and bread them, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can bake them straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven for 10-12 minutes at 375°F to keep that crispy crust intact. Microwaving tends to make croquettes soggy, so I avoid that unless I’m short on time and adding a quick broil at the end helps crisp them back up.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey from a whole roasted bird?
Absolutely! In fact, this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe is perfect for using up cooked turkey breast or dark meat leftovers. Just chop it finely so it mixes well with your potatoes and seasonings.
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What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
You can substitute with turkey broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a pinch of salt. Broth adds flavor, but don’t worry if you’re out—it’ll still turn out tasty with proper seasoning.
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Can I make these croquettes gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the whole wheat bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture remains just as appealing and they bake up nicely crisp.
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Is it okay to prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the croquette mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it, covered tightly. When ready, just shape, bread, and bake them for fresh, hot croquettes any time.
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What’s the best way to keep croquettes crispy?
Using olive oil spray generously before baking and allowing space between croquettes on the baking sheet really helps achieve that crisp crust. Reheating in the oven instead of the microwave maintains the crunch too.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I’ve got leftover turkey to use up. It’s such a joy to create something crispy, flavorful, and healthy that makes everyone smile around the table. I highly recommend giving it a try — once you taste these, you’ll find yourself saving turkey just to make them again!
Print
Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 croquettes, serves 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Baked Turkey Croquettes are a delicious and healthy way to use leftover turkey. Combining tender mashed potatoes, flavorful turkey breast, and aromatic herbs, these croquettes are coated in whole wheat breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Served with optional turkey gravy, they make a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked turkey breast, chopped fine
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled, cooked, and mashed
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and fresh pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
- 1 egg, whisked
- Olive oil spray (about 1 tablespoon)
- Leftover turkey gravy, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Mash Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cooked, and mashed potatoes with 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix well and set the mashed potatoes aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over low heat in a skillet or pan. Add minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéeing gently until fragrant and soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine and cook briefly.
- Add Turkey: Incorporate the chopped cooked turkey breast into the sautéed mixture along with the remaining chicken broth. Mix thoroughly, then turn off the heat.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the turkey and aromatic mixture to the mashed potatoes. Using clean hands, mix everything evenly and taste to adjust salt and seasoning as needed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Form Croquettes: Measure about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into croquettes using your hands. Place each formed croquette on waxed paper to set aside. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat Croquettes: Dip each croquette into the whisked egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs.
- Bake Croquettes: Place the coated croquettes on the prepared baking sheet. Spray generously with olive oil spray (approximately 1 tablespoon in total) to help them brown. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Optionally, serve the baked turkey croquettes warm with leftover turkey gravy for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- These croquettes are an excellent way to utilize leftover turkey meat creatively and deliciously.
- You can prepare the croquettes ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking to save time.
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the croquettes for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Adjust seasoning generously to ensure the croquettes are flavorful.
- Whole wheat bread crumbs add a healthy fiber component; regular bread crumbs may also be used if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 croquettes
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 713.5 mg
- Fat: 6.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.9 g
- Fiber: 2.7 g
- Protein: 13.8 g
- Cholesterol: 60.5 mg
