Feastical

 

Turn Your Thanksgiving Leftovers Into Party Gold!

Hey friends, Beau here from Feastical! Let’s be real for a second. The day after Thanksgiving is a beautiful, chaotic mess, right? You’re floating in a tryptophan-induced haze, the fridge is bursting at the seams with containers of deliciousness, and you’re faced with the age-old question: “Do we just eat turkey sandwiches for the next five days?” Don’t get me wrong, I love a good leftover sandwich, but my culinary soul craves a little more creativity.

That’s where these life-changing Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Egg Rolls come in. Imagine this: a crispy, golden-brown wrapper giving way to a warm, savory-sweet explosion of tender turkey, melty, creamy brie, and that iconic tart cranberry sauce. It’s like all the best parts of your holiday plate got together, decided to put on their fancy clothes, and threw a party in your mouth. I’m not kidding, these are a total game-changer.

The best part? We’re baking them, not frying. That means less mess, less guilt, and more time to actually enjoy your guests (or your couch, no judgment here). This recipe is designed to be a crowd-pleaser—it’s doubled to make a big batch perfect for game day, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something amazing. So, let’s raid that fridge, roll up our sleeves, and transform those beloved leftovers into something truly spectacular. Get ready for your new favorite post-Thanksgiving tradition!

The Thanksgiving That Started It All

This recipe was born out of pure, beautiful necessity a few years back. My cousin hosted a massive “Friendsgiving,” and like any good food-obsessed relative, I volunteered to handle the turkey. Well, I got a little over-excited and roasted a bird that could have fed a small army. We had leftovers for days. On the third day of turkey sandwiches, my best friend looked at me, held up a sad-looking slice of white bread, and said, “There has to be a better way, Chef Beau.”

Challenge accepted. We started riffing. We had a block of brie from the cheese board, a half-eaten jar of cranberry sauce, and a packet of egg roll wrappers I’d bought for a failed attempt at homemade Chinese takeout. What started as a silly kitchen experiment quickly turned into magic. The moment that first batch came out of the oven, golden and smelling incredible, we knew we’d stumbled onto something special. They were gone in minutes, and the recipe has been a Feastical family staple ever since. It’s a reminder that some of the best dishes aren’t meticulously planned—they’re created with a little ingenuity and a lot of love for not letting good food go to waste.

Gathering Your Feast Roll-Up Crew

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crispy pockets of joy. Don’t stress about being exact—cooking is about feeling, not just following!

For the Egg Rolls (Makes 20)

• 20 egg roll wrappers: Look for these in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery store. They dry out fast, so keep them under a damp paper towel while you work. Chef’s Tip: If you can only find wonton wrappers (which are smaller), just use less filling and adjust your rolling technique!
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded: The star of the show! White meat, dark meat—use whatever you love most. This is a fantastic way to use up drier pieces, as the cranberry and brie will add moisture back in.
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional): A little flavor boost never hurt anybody. If you don’t have any, a pinch of sage and thyme works beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Season as you go! Taste your turkey mixture before assembling.
• 1 cup cranberry sauce: Jellied or whole-berry? Your call! I’m a whole-berry guy for the added texture, but jellied spreads easier. Homemade is heaven, but store-bought is absolutely perfect here.
• 20 slices brie cheese: Aim for slices about 1/4–1/2 inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long. Pro Hack: Pop the brie in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing—it makes it so much easier to handle! You can leave the rind on; it’s totally edible and adds a lovely earthy flavor.

Flavor Boosters (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• 1/2 cup caramelized onions or thinly sliced green apple: The sweet, deep flavor of caramelized onions is INSANE in these. For a faster, fresh crunch, a few thin slices of tart green apple are phenomenal.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped: A little sprinkle of these fresh herbs cuts through the richness and makes everything taste brighter.
• Crushed pecans or walnuts: For that unforgettable Thanksgiving crunch. Toast them first for maximum flavor!

For the Cranberry Mustard Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup cranberry sauce: The base of our tangy, sweet, and spicy dip.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, sophisticated tang. Yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tartness. Maple syrup is a great substitute.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always season your sauces!
• A splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne: This is your secret weapon. The vinegar adds brightness, and the cayenne gives a sneaky, welcome kick.

Let’s Get Rolling! Your Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps, and you’ll be an egg roll master in no time. I’ve packed this section with all my best hacks to ensure your success.

1. Preheat and Prep: Fire up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this is non-negotiable for easy cleanup and preventing sticking. Lightly grease the parchment if you’re extra cautious. Chef’s Note: Giving your oven a full preheat is key for that initial blast of heat that makes them crisp up perfectly.
2. Season the Turkey: In a medium bowl, toss your shredded turkey with the poultry seasoning (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a taste! Does it need more pepper? Go for it. This is your creation.
3. The Assembly Line: Set up your workstation: a bowl of turkey, your cranberry sauce, sliced brie, any extras (like apples or herbs), a small bowl of water for sealing, and your egg roll wrappers under that damp towel. This “mise en place” (everything in its place) makes the process smooth and fun.
4. Fill and Fold: Place one wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond. Spoon about a tablespoon of the seasoned turkey just below the center. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, a slice of brie, and any extras. Pro Hack: Don’t overfill! This is the number one mistake. Too much filling and they’ll burst open in the oven. Now, fold the bottom corner up over the filling. Fold the left and right corners inward toward the center. Brush the top corner with a little water, then roll it up tightly, sealing the edge. Place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with love!
5. Bake to Perfection: Lightly spray or brush the tops of all the egg rolls with a neutral oil (avocado, canola, or olive oil spray). This is what gives them that gorgeous, golden, fried-looking color without the fryer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Bake for another 8-10 minutes, until they are deeply golden brown and incredibly crispy.
6. Whip Up the Sauce: While the egg rolls are baking, make your dipping sauce. Simply whisk together the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste it! Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want it tangier? A splash of apple cider vinegar will do the trick. Set it aside or pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve These Golden Gems

Presentation is part of the fun! You’ve created something incredible—let’s show it off.

Pull that baking sheet out of the oven and let the egg rolls rest for just a minute or two. They are molten lava on the inside right out of the oven! I love serving them on a large wooden board or a beautiful platter, maybe scattered with a few fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Pour that gorgeous crimson dipping sauce into a small bowl and place it right in the center.

What to serve with them? They are the ultimate appetizer, so they shine all on their own. But if you’re making a meal of it, a simple, crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect light, peppery contrast to the rich, savory egg rolls. For a drink pairing, a crisp hard cider, a dry Riesling, or even a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir are all fantastic matches for the sweet and savory flavors.

Mix It Up! Delicious Variations

This recipe is a fantastic blueprint. Make it your own with these fun twists!

• The “Thanksgiving Dinner”: Add a spoonful of leftover stuffing and a drizzle of gravy into the mix. Seriously, go for it.
• Southwest Twist: Swap the turkey for shredded chicken, use pepper jack cheese instead of brie, and replace the cranberry sauce with a chipotle-lime cranberry sauce or even a mango salsa for the dip.
• Vegetarian Delight: No turkey? No problem! Use a combination of mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed mushrooms for a deeply savory and satisfying vegetarian version.
• Breakfast Roll: Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese with a little apple butter for dipping. You’re welcome.
• Air Fryer Method: Want them even crispier? These are a dream in the air fryer! Spray the basket, arrange egg rolls in a single layer (work in batches), spray the tops with oil, and air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Beau’s Chef Notes & Kitchen Stories

This recipe has seen a few… interesting iterations over the years. There was the time I tried to use phyllo dough instead of egg roll wrappers (flaky disaster). There was also the “more is more” incident where I overstuffed them so badly they erupted like little cheesy volcanoes in my oven. My kitchen smelled amazing, but they looked like abstract art. We’ve landed on this perfect, foolproof method after all that tasty trial and error.

The biggest evolution was moving from frying to baking. I found that with a good spray of oil and a hot oven, you get 95% of the crunch without any of the greasy mess. It makes me feel better about eating three… or four. Remember, cooking is an adventure. Embrace the little mishaps—they often make for the best stories later!

Your Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls completely, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw!

Q: My egg rolls are bursting open in the oven! What did I do wrong?
A: This almost always means they were overfilled. It’s tempting to pack in all that goodness, but show a little restraint! Also, make sure you’re sealing the final edge well with water—that’s your edible glue.

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Of course! Brie is melty and creamy, but other great options are camembert, havarti, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.

Q: My oven runs hot/cold. How do I know when they’re done?
A: Ovens can be tricky. Go by color, not just time. You’re looking for a deep, golden brown. If they’re lightly blonde, they won’t be as crisp. If your oven has hot spots, rotating the pan halfway through is a great idea.

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Nutritional Information*

*Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on the ingredients used and standard calculations. Values can vary significantly based on specific brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients.

Per Egg Roll (approx.):
Calories: ~180 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 220mg | Total Carbohydrates: 18g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 8g | Protein: 9g

While these are a treat, baking instead of frying saves a significant amount of fat and calories. Turkey is a fantastic lean protein source, and cranberries are packed with antioxidants. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet!

Your New Leftover Legacy

And there you have it, friends! Your guide to turning the humble Thanksgiving leftover into the undisputed star of the show. These Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Egg Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a deliciously creative way to reduce food waste.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and flavor to your kitchen as it has to mine. I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Did you add apples? Try the air fryer? Snap a picture and tag me @feastical on Instagram so I can see your culinary masterpiece.

Now, go forth and conquer that fridge. Happy cooking!

With love and a full plate,