Thanksgiving Leftover Wontons Recipe – Easy & Crispy Delight

Posted on November 9, 2025

Thanksgiving leftover wontons - featured image

The crunch of golden, crispy wontons stuffed with savory Thanksgiving leftovers—let’s just say, it’s a game-changer. Picture this: turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce wrapped in delicate wonton skins, fried or baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate way to turn holiday leftovers into something fresh, fun, and undeniably delicious. I stumbled upon this idea last year when staring at a fridge packed with leftovers, wondering how to make them exciting. Trust me, these Thanksgiving leftover wontons are addictive, and they’re perfect for snacking, parties, or as a creative appetizer. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make!

If you’ve got a pile of leftovers and aren’t sure what to do with them, this recipe might just become your post-holiday tradition. It’s versatile, customizable, and lets you enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without feeling like you’re eating the same meal on repeat. Plus, the crispy texture of the wontons adds a whole new layer of yum that you didn’t know your leftovers needed. Ready to give those leftovers a second life? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: These wontons come together in about 30 minutes, making them a stress-free snack or appetizer.
Perfectly Crispy: Whether you fry or bake them, you’ll get that irresistible crunch that makes you want more.
Minimal Ingredients: All you need are wonton wrappers and your Thanksgiving leftovers—no fancy ingredients required!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these bite-sized treats. They’re great for picky eaters who might be tired of traditional leftovers.
Customizable: You can mix and match whatever leftovers you have—turkey, mashed potatoes, even green bean casserole.
Party-Ready: These wontons are the perfect finger food for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

What sets this recipe apart is how it transforms leftovers into something completely unique. The combination of textures and flavors—the savory turkey, the soft stuffing, and the tangy cranberry sauce—is like a mini Thanksgiving feast in every bite. Plus, you don’t have to feel guilty about wasting food. It’s fun, delicious, and practical—what’s not to love?

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe is all about simplicity and using what you already have. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wonton wrappers: You can find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Look for thin, square wrappers.
Leftover turkey: Shredded or diced works best. (Dark meat adds extra flavor!)
Stuffing: Any type of stuffing will do—cornbread, sausage, or classic bread stuffing.
Cranberry sauce: Use whole berry or jelly—both work beautifully for a hint of sweetness.
Mashed potatoes (optional): Adds creaminess inside the wontons.
Egg (for sealing): Lightly beaten to help seal the edges of the wonton wrappers.
Cooking oil: For frying. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.

If you’re missing any of the leftovers above, don’t worry—you can substitute easily. No cranberry sauce? Swap in gravy or a dollop of cream cheese. Vegetarian? Skip the turkey and use roasted veggies instead. The possibilities are endless!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to make these wontons, but here’s what will help:

Cutting board: For prepping and assembling the filling.
Small bowl: To hold the beaten egg for sealing the wontons.
Frying pan or deep fryer: For frying the wontons to golden perfection.
Baking sheet: If you prefer baked wontons over fried.
Slotted spoon: For removing fried wontons from the oil.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, don’t worry—a regular pan works just fine. And if you’re baking, a trusty oven and parchment paper are all you need!

Preparation Method

Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
Set up your workstation: Lay out the wonton wrappers, a small bowl of beaten egg, and your filling mixture. Keep everything within reach for easy assembly.
Assemble the wontons: Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Use your finger to brush the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges to seal tightly.
Heat the oil: Add about 2 inches of oil to a frying pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the wontons: Fry wontons in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. If baking, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Drain and serve: Remove fried wontons with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tip: Be careful not to overfill the wontons, as they can burst during cooking. And don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for the best results!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t overfill: A small teaspoon of filling is plenty. Too much can cause the wrappers to tear or leak.
Seal tightly: Make sure to press the edges firmly to avoid any filling escaping during frying or baking.
Test the oil temperature: Use a thermometer or drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.
Work quickly: Wonton wrappers can dry out fast, so keep them covered with a damp towel while working.
Bake for a healthier option: While frying gives you the crispiest texture, baking is a great alternative for a lighter treat.

And here’s a tip from experience—if you don’t have wonton wrappers, try using thin sheets of phyllo dough or even tortillas cut into small squares!

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian option: Skip the turkey and fill the wontons with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and cranberry sauce.
Cheesy twist: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the filling for extra gooeyness.
Sweet & Savory: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tiny dollop of apple butter for a unique flavor combo.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free wrappers or rice paper to make this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions.

I once experimented by adding a little gravy to the filling, and it was a hit! Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Thanksgiving leftover wontons are best served warm and crispy, paired with a dipping sauce like sweet chili, soy sauce, or even leftover gravy. Arrange them on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While exact values depend on the specific leftovers used, these wontons are a good source of protein thanks to the turkey. They’re also a great way to enjoy vegetables from your holiday spread in a fun, kid-friendly format. Always check for allergens in the ingredients, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a creative, delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, these crispy wontons are the answer. They’re simple, fun, and endlessly customizable. Every bite feels like a celebration of the holiday flavors we love, but with a fresh twist. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste and impress your family or friends with something unexpected.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wonton wrappers?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before using.

What’s the best way to seal wontons?

Use a small amount of beaten egg around the edges—it acts like glue!

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

How should I store leftover wontons?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.

What dipping sauce goes best with these wontons?

Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or leftover gravy are all great options!

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