Turkey Stuffing Waffles: The Ultimate Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Recipe

Introduction

Remember those cozy Thanksgiving dinners? The ones where the aroma of roast turkey and savory stuffing filled every corner of your home? We all have those cherished food memories, right? Well, what if I told you that you could recapture that warm, comforting feeling, even long after the holiday has passed? And what if I told you it could be done in a way that’s surprisingly quick, incredibly easy, and just plain fun? Get ready to transform your leftover stuffing and turkey into something totally new and absolutely delicious: Turkey Stuffing Waffles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, these come together in a flash! Perfect for a quick lunch or an unexpected dinner.
• Easy: If you can stir ingredients together, you can make these. No fancy techniques needed, promise!
• Giftable: Imagine a little box of these warm waffles as a thoughtful, edible gift for a friend or neighbor. So unique!
• Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will be intrigued and delighted by these savory waffles. They’re a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all about using what you’ve got.

• 2 cups leftover stuffing: This is our star! Whether it’s homemade or from a box, it’s the flavor foundation.
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped: Don’t let that delicious turkey go to waste! Any bits will do.
• ½ cup dried cranberries: For that delightful pop of sweetness and chewiness.
• 2 large eggs: Our binder to hold all these yummy ingredients together.
• ¼ cup chicken broth or turkey gravy: A little moisture to help everything meld and add extra savory depth. Gravy is extra special if you have it!
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Because who doesn’t love a little cheesy goodness? This is a fantastic optional boost.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A little sprinkle of fresh green for brightness and a hint of herb.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Just a pinch to bring out all those wonderful flavors.
• Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter for greasing: To ensure our waffles don’t stick and get that perfect golden crust.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s super simple.

1. Preheat your waffle iron: First things first, get your waffle iron nice and hot. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions – some have indicator lights, others just need a few minutes to warm up.
2. Combine everything in a bowl: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your leftover stuffing, that lovely cooked turkey, those sweet dried cranberries, the eggs, and your broth or gravy. If you’re feeling cheesy (and why wouldn’t you be?), add your Parmesan or cheddar now. Don’t forget that pretty chopped parsley!
3. Season it up: Give it a little pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Stir everything gently until it’s all nicely mixed. You want all those delicious ingredients to get acquainted!
4. Grease your iron: Now, carefully grease your preheated waffle iron. A quick spray of nonstick cooking spray or a brush of melted butter will do the trick beautifully.
5. Spoon it in: Scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of your stuffing mixture onto the hot waffle iron. Try to spread it out a bit so it’s an even layer. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have a messy situation!
6. Cook until golden: Close the waffle iron and let it do its thing. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You’re looking for that gorgeous golden brown color and for it to be heated all the way through. Every waffle iron is a little different, so you might need to adjust the time.
7. Repeat the magic: Carefully lift out your perfectly cooked stuffing waffle. Repeat steps 5 through 7 with the rest of your mixture. You might want to re-grease the iron between batches if needed.
8. Serve and enjoy! These are best served immediately while they’re warm and wonderfully crisp.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to make these waffles your own:

• Veggie Power: Got some leftover cooked veggies like green beans or carrots? Chop them up small and toss them in with the stuffing mixture.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of sage or thyme can add another layer of classic stuffing flavor. A dash of nutmeg is also a nice touch.
• Different Protein: No turkey? Cooked chicken or even pulled pork would be delicious in these!
• Sauce Savvy: Instead of broth, try using a splash of leftover cranberry sauce for an extra fruity kick.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to ensure your Turkey Stuffing Waffles are absolutely perfect every time!

• Don’t Overcrowd: Resist the urge to stuff too much mixture into the waffle iron. It’s better to make a few more smaller waffles than one giant messy one.
• Waffle Iron Differences: As mentioned, cooking times can vary. Trust your eyes (and nose!) to tell when they’re done. They should smell amazing and look golden.
• Prep Ahead: You can totally mix all the ingredients (except for eggs and broth/gravy) a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add the wet ingredients and cook when you’re ready!
• Crispiness is Key: If your leftover stuffing is a little dry, that’s great! If it’s very moist, you might need to cook them a minute or two longer for that delightful crispy exterior.

How to Store It

These waffles are truly at their best fresh, but if you have any leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to store them:

Let the waffles cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I recommend popping them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make these if I don’t have leftover stuffing?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare a box of your favorite stuffing mix according to package directions and let it cool slightly before using it in this recipe.

Q: What can I serve these with?
A: These are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of extra gravy, or even a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch!

Q: My waffle iron isn’t nonstick, what should I do?
A: Make sure you generously grease it with melted butter or oil before each batch to prevent sticking. You might need to add a little extra between waffles.