Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

I absolutely love this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe because it transforms leftover turkey into something crispy, comforting, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade and special but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or post-holiday meal reinvention. You’ll find that these croquettes are golden on the outside and tender on the inside—a texture combo that’s just irresistible.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how simple ingredients like mashed potatoes, chopped turkey, and fragrant sautéed garlic and onions could taste so rich together. Plus, baking instead of frying means you get all that satisfying crispness without the extra oil, making it healthier but still indulgent. If you’re wondering how to breathe fresh life into your turkey leftovers, this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe will quickly become your go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create croquettes that are moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Using mashed potatoes helps bind the turkey, plus the breadcrumbs add a crunchy exterior that’s just delightful.

• Cooked turkey breast: Using finely chopped or processed turkey makes forming the croquettes easier and ensures every bite has tender meat.
• Potatoes: Peeled, cooked, and mashed—these add creaminess and help hold everything together.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the mixture.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and onion and spraying on the croquettes before baking to get a beautiful golden crust.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring warmth and aroma when gently sautéed.
• Onion: Chopped and softened for subtle sweetness.
• Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Salt and fresh pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs: Provide crunch and a wholesome touch.
• Egg: Whisked for dipping to help the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
• Leftover turkey gravy (optional): For serving, if you want to add a comforting, savory sauce.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe is, allowing you to tweak flavors depending on what you have or what you’re craving. Feel free to personalize it and make it your own signature dish.

• Add cheese: Try mixing in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for an extra rich, melty center—I did this once and it was a total hit at potluck!
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit of chopped jalapeño to the turkey mixture for some heat.
• Herb swaps: Rosemary, thyme, or chives work beautifully instead of parsley if you want a different herb profile.
• Gluten-free: Substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts to keep things allergy-friendly.

How to Make Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

Step 1: Mash Your Potatoes and Season

Start by peeling, cooking, and mashing your potatoes until smooth. Then, stir in about 1/4 cup of chicken broth along with salt and fresh pepper. Setting this mixture aside gives the flavors a chance to meld and makes it your croquettes’ creamy base. I remember trying to skip seasoning here once and the whole batch needed more salt later—don’t skip it!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic, Onion, and Parsley

Gently sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil over low heat until soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper. This step adds a lovely depth and aroma you’ll notice immediately. I love how this quickly turns a simple croquette into something cozy and homey.

Step 3: Combine Turkey and Broth, Then Mix Everything

Add the chopped turkey to your sautéed mixture along with the remaining chicken broth. Mix well, then remove it from heat. Once cooled slightly, fold this turkey mixture into your mashed potatoes, using clean hands to ensure everything is evenly combined. Taste for salt and adjust if necessary—this step helps you ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Shape and Bread the Croquettes

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture per croquette, shape them into oval or round patties. Place each on waxed paper to prevent sticking. Dip each croquette into the whisked egg, then coat with seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs. This double coating ensures a crisp crust that bakes up beautifully.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Serve

Place the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and spray generously with olive oil spray—about a tablespoon should do it. Bake them for around 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crisp on the outside. Serve warm, optionally with leftover turkey gravy for that extra cozy touch. I love this final step because the gravy turns these from simple snacks into a comforting meal.

How to Serve Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish these croquettes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of smoked paprika to brighten the plate. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon over the top adds a lovely fresh contrast. When I’m feeling indulgent, dollops of tangy sour cream or a drizzle of leftover turkey gravy make them even more comforting.

Side Dishes

I usually serve these croquettes alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Mashed sweet potatoes or steamed green beans also pair wonderfully, making the whole meal nutritious and satisfying. One evening, I paired these with a creamy coleslaw, and my family couldn’t get enough!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated these croquettes on large wooden boards with dipping sauces like cranberry chutney, spicy mayo, or honey mustard around for guests to enjoy. Stacking them in a pyramid shape and garnishing with edible flowers makes them a beautiful centerpiece. It’s amazing how a simple dish can look so exciting with just a few presentation touches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I always aim to keep their crispy coating intact by warming them in the oven rather than a microwave. This keeps them tasting almost as fresh as when they were first baked.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I freeze unbaked croquettes by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. This means you can bake fresh croquettes straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—super convenient for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the croquettes into a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. This method keeps the outside crunchy and doesn’t dry out the interior like microwaving can. If you’re in a hurry, a quick air-fryer zap also works beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that this Baked Turkey Croquettes Recipe is an incredibly satisfying way to get more mileage out of leftover turkey without feeling like you’re eating the same thing over again. They’re simple, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for when you want a cozy, homemade meal that feels special but isn’t complicated. I hope you’ll try making these croquettes and enjoy them as much as my family does; once you do, I bet they’ll become a new favorite in your recipe rotation, too!

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