These Turkey & Stuffing Turnovers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy your holiday leftovers! With flaky pastry filled with juicy turkey and savory stuffing, they’re like little pockets of happiness.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a cozy meal in handheld form? I often bake these for a quick lunch, and they disappear faster than I can say “Thanksgiving”! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Diced turkey is essential for this recipe. You can also use chicken or any cooked meat you have on hand, like pork. If you want a meatless option, try adding more vegetables or beans instead!
Stuffing: Leftover stuffing makes this recipe even better! If you don’t have any, you can use breadcrumbs mixed with herbs and spices to create a quick stuffing-like base.
Celery and Onions: These add crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or replace them with finely chopped bell peppers or leeks for a different twist.
Cranberries: I love the touch of sweetness cranberries bring. You could use raisins or chopped apples in their place for a fruity flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or sage can also enhance taste.
Puff Pastry: This is what gives the turnovers their flaky texture. You can use refrigerated pie crusts as a substitute if needed, but the result will be a bit different. Ensure they’re rolled out thinly for the best results!
How Do You Seal Puff Pastry Properly?
Sealing the pastry well is crucial to prevent leaks while baking. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
- After placing the filling, ensure you leave at least 1/2 inch of border around the edges.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg. This acts like glue.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create your turnover shape.
- Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra secure seal.
- For more security, you can poke a small hole on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.
Getting a good seal helps keep your filling inside and ensures a flaky, golden crust!
Turkey & Stuffing Turnovers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 1 1/2 cups stuffing (prepared or leftover stuffing)
- 1/2 cup cooked celery, diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup cooked onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup turkey gravy or broth (optional, to moisten filling)
- 1 package (about 2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme, finely chopped – optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake, for a total of roughly 40 minutes. It’s a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy your leftover turkey!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced turkey, stuffing, cooked celery, cranberries, and cooked onions. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them here too. To moisten the filling, you can add a splash of turkey gravy or broth if it’s too dry. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (you can also choose to cut them into circles if you prefer a different shape).
4. Fill the Pastry:
Take about 3 tablespoons of the turkey and stuffing mixture and place it on one half of each pastry square. Be sure to leave a small border all around the edges for sealing.
5. Seal the Turnovers:
Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg – this will help them stick together. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a triangle (or your desired shape) and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them well.
6. Bake the Turnovers:
Place your filled turnovers onto the prepared baking sheet, then brush the tops with more beaten egg for that lovely golden finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, pull them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them warm and enjoy with extra turkey gravy or cranberry sauce if you like!
These Turkey & Stuffing Turnovers are the ultimate handheld meal, perfect for utilizing leftovers while being super delicious!
Can I Use Raw Turkey Instead of Cooked?
It’s best to use cooked turkey for this recipe. If you want to use raw turkey, you’ll need to cook it thoroughly first. You can sauté or roast it, then dice it up to mix with the other ingredients.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Turnovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked turnovers. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add vegetables like carrots or peas, cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar), or even spices to give it an extra flavor kick!
How Do I Reheat Leftover Turnovers?
To reheat leftover turnovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the pastry as flaky.
