Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

I’ve been making this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe for years, especially after big holiday meals when there’s always leftover turkey to use up. What I absolutely love is how these croquettes come out crispy on the outside and tender inside, with that warm, comforting flavor that feels like a hug in food form. They’re a super satisfying way to stretch your turkey without frying or a lot of fuss.

If you’re like me, sometimes you hesitate to mess with cooked turkey because it seems dry or boring reheated. But trust me, this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe brings that turkey back to life, with a perfect blend of mashed potatoes and herbs holding everything together. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a healthier option you’ll feel good about serving any day of the week.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create a comforting and tasty dish. You’ll want good-quality cooked turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes as the base, plus some fresh aromatics to brighten things up.

• Cooked turkey breast: Finely chopped or processed for tender bites without large chunks.
• Potatoes: Peeled, cooked, and mashed smoothly to bind the croquettes well.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to keep the mix from being dry.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and onions for depth of flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aromatic kick.
• Onion: Chopped finely and sautéed until soft to balance out the richness.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note, brighten the flavor and color.
• Salt and fresh pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• Seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs: For the crispy coating with added nutty flavor.
• Egg: Whisked as a binder for the breading to stick beautifully.
• Olive oil spray: To give the croquettes a golden, crispy finish in the oven.
• Leftover turkey gravy (optional): Perfect for serving alongside if you want a saucy touch.

Variations

I always like to tweak the Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe a little depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to personalize these croquettes and make them your own—you’ll find they’re really forgiving and open to creativity.

• Cheese Addition: I’ve added a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside the croquettes for some melty goodness, and it was a total hit with my kids.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the mixture gives the croquettes a nice, subtle warmth if you like a bit of spice.
• Herb Swaps: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary depending on what’s fresh in the garden or fridge.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or crushed nuts for a crunchy coating if needed.

How to Make Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potato and Turkey Mixture

Start by peeling and cooking your potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with 1/4 cup of chicken broth, salt, and fresh pepper. This makes the base nice and moist without being watery. Meanwhile, sauté chopped garlic and onion in olive oil over low heat until soft but not browned—this gentle cooking brings out their sweetness and melds perfectly with the herbs. Add the parsley, salt, and pepper, then toss in your finely chopped turkey and the remaining broth. Mix everything together and turn off the heat. Finally, combine this turkey mixture into the mashed potatoes with your hands; I’ve found that this hands-on step really helps blend the ingredients evenly. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt or pepper here—this is your flavor foundation!

Step 2: Shape and Coat the Croquettes

Preheat your oven to 450°F, which is key for getting that golden crust quickly. Measure about 1/4 cup of your potato-turkey mixture at a time, then gently shape it into croquettes—little oval patties about the size of your palm work great. Lay them down on waxed paper while you work. Next, dip each croquette into the whisked egg, then thoroughly coat it with the whole wheat bread crumbs. This two-step coating not only adds crunch but helps keep everything together as they bake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this keeps your cleanup easy and your croquettes from sticking. Give each one a generous spray with olive oil—about a tablespoon total for the batch should do it. Bake for around 15 minutes, turning halfway if you like, until the croquettes are golden brown and firm to the touch. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on that color and texture. The baked finish makes this a much lighter croquette option compared to frying, but you’ll still get that crispy, delightful crust your family will love.

How to Serve Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves over my baked turkey croquettes to add that pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a lovely zing if you want a little brightness. And if I’m feeling indulgent, a drizzle of leftover turkey gravy or a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce works like magic.

Side Dishes

These croquettes pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. I often serve them alongside roasted root vegetables or a creamy coleslaw to balance the crispy texture with something refreshing. For a cozy meal, mashed sweet potatoes or sautéed spinach work wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve had guests over, I like to serve these turkey croquettes as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks. Setting them out on a beautiful platter with little ramekins of gravy or dipping sauce gets everyone chatting and snacking happily. They’re also fantastic stacked on slider buns with a smear of aioli for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked turkey croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep nicely for up to 3 days. To avoid sogginess, I place a layer of parchment paper between stacked croquettes. When it’s mealtime again, they reheat beautifully without losing texture.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I like to freeze the croquettes on a tray first until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag to avoid sticking together. They freeze well for up to 2 months — perfect for pulling out on busy nights or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the frozen or refrigerated croquettes into a hot oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This keeps them crispy on the outside and warm inside without turning mushy like a microwave might. Trust me, this little extra step is worth it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration of leftovers done right—it’s cozy, flavorful, and such a satisfying snack or meal. I love sharing it with friends because it’s easy, customizable, and everyone always asks for seconds. If you’ve got turkey odds and ends in your fridge, give this a try and watch them disappear faster than you expect!

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