Leftover Stuffing Cakes – Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe

Leftover stuffing cakes are a delicious, easy, and crispy way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers. If you find yourself with extra stuffing after the holiday meal, don’t let it go to waste! These savory cakes are not only a fun and flavorful dish but also incredibly versatile. Whether you make them from leftover stuffing or opt for a quick boxed version like Stove Top, these cakes are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish to your turkey. Pan-fried in butter until crispy, they are best served with a generous drizzle of turkey gravy or brown gravy, turning them into a comforting and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Leftover Stuffing Cakes

There are so many reasons to love leftover stuffing cakes! They are:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for transforming your leftover stuffing into something new and exciting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• Crispy and Delicious: Pan-frying the cakes in butter ensures crispy edges and a golden-brown crust, making them incredibly satisfying with each bite.
• Versatile: You can serve these stuffing cakes as a side dish, a main course with a salad, or even use them as a base for a festive leftover turkey sandwich.

These stuffing cakes are so delicious, you might find yourself making them even when you don’t have leftovers. They’re the perfect dish to enjoy year-round, especially if you’re a fan of comfort food.

Ingredients for Leftover Stuffing Cakes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious leftover stuffing cakes:

• Leftover Stuffing: Whether it’s from your Thanksgiving meal or a boxed variety like Stove Top, the stuffing is the main ingredient. It adds texture and flavor to the cakes.
• Egg: The egg helps bind the stuffing mixture together, ensuring the cakes hold their shape while cooking.
• Whole Milk or Cream: A couple of tablespoons of milk or cream adds moisture and richness to the mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to taste. The stuffing is usually well-seasoned, but feel free to add a pinch more salt or pepper.
• Butter: The key to achieving crispy, golden edges. Butter also enhances the flavor of the cakes.
• Leftover Turkey Gravy or Brown Gravy: To complete the dish, top the stuffing cakes with some leftover turkey gravy or make a simple brown gravy from scratch.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Leftover Stuffing Cakes

If you’re missing some ingredients or have dietary preferences, here are some easy swaps:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you have gluten-free stuffing, use that in place of regular stuffing to make these cakes suitable for a gluten-free diet.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey gravy with vegetable gravy or a rich mushroom gravy to keep it vegetarian.

How to Make Leftover Stuffing Cakes

1. Prepare the Stuffing: If your leftover stuffing contains large chunks of bread or sausage, pulse it in a food processor a few times to create smaller, more uniform pieces. If you’re using boxed stuffing like Stove Top, you can skip this step.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing with the beaten egg, milk or cream, and seasoning (salt and pepper). Stir until well combined.
3. Shape the Cakes: Take the stuffing mixture and form it into cakes, about the size of a crab cake. You should get 4-5 cakes from 3 cups of stuffing. If your mixture feels too loose, you can refrigerate it for about an hour to firm it up.
4. Chill: Place the formed cakes on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps them hold together while cooking.
5. Cook the Cakes: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add the stuffing cakes. Fry them for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve: Serve the leftover stuffing cakes hot, topped with turkey gravy or brown gravy. Enjoy them as a side dish or a light main course.

Tips for Perfect Leftover Stuffing Cakes

• Use Cold Stuffing: The key to making the cakes hold together is using cold, firm stuffing. If the stuffing is too warm or too soft, the cakes may fall apart during cooking.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: If you have the time, refrigerate the stuffing cakes overnight. This makes them even easier to handle and helps the flavors meld together.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your stuffing mixture before cooking. If it needs more seasoning, feel free to add a little extra salt and pepper or even some herbs like sage or thyme.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Leftover Stuffing Cakes

Leftover stuffing cakes are incredibly versatile, and you can serve them with a variety of dishes. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Serve as a Side: These cakes are great alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or a hearty salad.
• Add Some Veggies: Top the cakes with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted Brussels sprouts for a more filling meal.
• Make It a Sandwich: For a fun twist, make a sandwich with leftover stuffing cakes, turkey, and some cranberry sauce for a complete Thanksgiving-inspired meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Make Ahead: You can form and refrigerate the cakes a day in advance. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet to restore their crispy edges.

Health Benefits of Leftover Stuffing Cakes

While these leftover stuffing cakes are comfort food at its best, they can be part of a balanced meal. The use of leftover stuffing allows you to repurpose ingredients from a previous meal, reducing food waste. Adding turkey gravy or serving with a side salad can help balance the dish with extra protein and fiber.

Incorporating leftover stuffing into new dishes like these cakes is a great way to reduce waste while enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re using leftover stuffing from a holiday meal or preparing a batch from a boxed mix, these cakes are a fun and creative way to enjoy one of the most iconic dishes of the season.

Conclusion: Why Leftover Stuffing Cakes Are a Must-Try

Leftover stuffing cakes are the perfect way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into something entirely new and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a crispy side dish, a fun lunch, or a comforting dinner, these cakes are sure to impress. Their versatility allows you to serve them alongside turkey, as part of a salad, or even inside a sandwich. The savory flavor, combined with the crispy texture, makes them a crowd favorite. Don’t let your stuffing go to waste—try making these cakes today for a satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is tasty!

FAQ About Leftover Stuffing Cakes

More Relevant Recipes

• Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing: This comforting dish combines chicken with stuffing in a slow-cooker for an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for using up leftover stuffing. The rich, savory flavors make it a great follow-up to your stuffing cakes.
• Sausage and Veggies Pasta Autumn Dinner: For a hearty, fall-inspired meal, this sausage and veggie pasta pairs beautifully with leftover stuffing cakes. The savory sausage and seasonal vegetables create a satisfying, balanced meal perfect for cooler weather.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A fresh and vibrant side, this roasted butternut squash salad complements the crispy, savory flavor of leftover stuffing cakes. The sweetness of the squash and the tang of the dressing add a delightful contrast to the stuffing cakes’ richness.

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