Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

If you’re like me and hate seeing leftover turkey go to waste, you’re going to love this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe. I absolutely love how these croquettes turn out—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, with just the right mix of turkey and potatoes. It’s a fantastic way to reinvent your holiday leftovers or even cooked turkey breast from the grocery store into a comforting meal that feels fresh and homemade.

This recipe works beautifully when you want something quick but still impressive enough for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, baking instead of frying means you get all the crunch with less mess and way less oil. You’ll find that the blend of garlic, parsley, and onions gives these croquettes just enough zing to keep everyone coming back for more.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to give you a perfect balance of moist turkey and fluffy potato base, all held together with flavorful seasonings. A food processor or chopper is really handy here, especially for getting that turkey finely chopped.

• Cooked turkey breast: Using cooked turkey breast keeps the croquettes tender and is a fantastic way to reuse leftovers.
• Potatoes: Peeled, cooked, and mashed for that smooth, fluffy texture that binds everything.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth – avoid using too much or the mixture will be soggy.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and spraying, it brings a subtle fruity flavor and healthier fats.
• Garlic: Minced cloves provide a gentle punch of aromatic goodness.
• Onion: Chopped finely and softened to balance the turkey’s flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh and chopped, parsley brightens up the whole dish with a pop of color and freshness.
• Salt and fresh pepper: To season perfectly – always taste before forming your croquettes.
• Seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs: Give your croquettes that golden crunchy coating without too much heaviness.
• Egg: Whisked for dipping and helping the breadcrumbs stick.
• Olive oil spray: To ensure that nice golden finish when baking.
• Leftover turkey gravy (optional): When you want to dress these croquettes up, a little gravy on the side is divine.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I like to tweak the herbs or switch up the coating to fit different moods or dietary needs.

• Herb Twist: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary along with parsley gives a lovely earthy note, which I discovered when I wanted a change during the holidays.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can turn these croquettes into a little spicy treat—my family loves the extra kick!
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for a safe and crispy coating.
• Cheesy Surprise: Mixing in some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar inside the croquette adds an irresistible gooey center.

How to Make Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the potato base

Start by mashing your cooked potatoes with 1/4 cup of the chicken broth, along with salt and pepper to taste. This creates a smooth, creamy canvas for the turkey to mix with later. I like to get this just right before moving on, so the texture isn’t too dry or too wet, which can throw off your croquettes.

Step 2: Sauté your aromatics

Warm your olive oil in a pan over low heat and add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Toss in the parsley, salt, and pepper, and cook gently until everything is soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step brings out those lovely mellow flavors that marry beautifully with the turkey.

Step 3: Combine turkey and broth with aromatics

Once your garlic and onions are tender, add the chopped turkey and the remaining chicken broth. Stir everything well and then turn off the heat. This mix should be moist but not soggy — if you feel it’s too wet, just hold back a little broth next time.

Step 4: Mix turkey blend into potatoes

Transfer the turkey mixture into the bowl with mashed potatoes and blend thoroughly using your clean hands. This is the fun part where all the flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasoning; this is your moment to make sure every bite is perfect.

Step 5: Form and coat your croquettes

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the mixture and shape it into croquettes, placing them on waxed paper. Then dip each one into the whisked egg, followed by the seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for their olive oil spray.

Step 6: Bake until golden and crispy

Generously spray each croquette with olive oil – about a tablespoon total over the batch – then slide the tray into the preheated oven. Bake for around 15 minutes or until beautifully golden and crisp on the outside. When you pull them out, they’ll smell incredible and have a perfect crunch.

Optionally, serve with warm leftover turkey gravy. I remember trying this with my family last year, and those rich, savory drizzles perfectly complemented the crispy croquettes.

How to Serve Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these croquettes with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little lemon zest to brighten the dish. Sometimes just a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of leftover turkey gravy turns a simple plate into something special. Trust me, these little touches elevate the experience in a snap.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with Baked Turkey Croquettes are a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for some extra color and nutrients. You could also serve with steamed green beans or a creamy coleslaw to add a fresh contrast to those warm croquettes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the croquettes on a platter with little ramekins of dipping sauces—gravy, aioli, or a tangy cranberry mustard. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds a beautiful, restaurant-style touch. It’s amazing how presentation can make even the simplest dish feel like a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover baked turkey croquettes cool completely before packing them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and surprisingly, they hold their texture nicely without going soggy. Just reheating in the oven brings back that crispiness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the croquettes on a tray first, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way they won’t stick together. From my experience, they freeze great and can be baked straight from frozen if you add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 375°F and place the croquettes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch—oven reheating is definitely the way to go.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen philosophy—it’s proof that with a little creativity, leftovers can become a brand-new, crave-worthy meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family and I do. If you want to impress without stress, this recipe is a must-try buddy. Give it a go and let me know how your croquettes turn out!

Print