When the big Thanksgiving feast is over, you’re often left with an abundance of leftover stuffing. Instead of letting it go to waste, why not transform it into something utterly delicious? Leftover Stuffing Cakes are the perfect solution – crispy on the outside, savory and comforting on the inside. These little patties are a fantastic way to repurpose your holiday extras and whip up a tasty meal or snack.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Leftover Stuffing Cakes
- 3 cups leftover stuffing (can also make a boxed stuffing like Stove Top if you don’t have leftover stuffing)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons whole milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Leftover Turkey Gravy or make our Brown Gravy Recipe, no drippings needed!
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use any type of leftover stuffing – from classic bread-based to wild rice or cornbread varieties. The egg and milk help bind the stuffing together into crispy cakes, while the butter provides the perfect sear and golden-brown exterior. Serve these savory bites with a drizzle of rich turkey gravy or your favorite brown gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Leftover Stuffing Cakes
Prep Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, beaten egg, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Form Cakes: Shape the stuffing mixture into individual patties, about 2–3 inches in diameter. This step is important to ensure the cakes hold their shape during cooking.
Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. This will create a nice, crispy exterior for the stuffing cakes.
Cook Cakes: Carefully add the stuffing cakes to the hot skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and heated through. Be gentle when flipping to maintain the cake shape.
Serve: Transfer the hot, crispy Leftover Stuffing Cakes to a plate and serve with your leftover turkey gravy or a homemade brown gravy. The combination of the savory, herb-infused stuffing and the rich, velvety gravy is pure Thanksgiving comfort food perfection.
Creative Variations on Stuffing Cakes
While the classic Leftover Stuffing Cakes are delicious on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes. Try folding in shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or diced vegetables for extra flavor and texture. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based stuffing and serve with a flavorful vegetable-based gravy.
Pairing Suggestions for Stuffing Cakes
These versatile Leftover Stuffing Cakes pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a fresh, crisp salad. For a cozy, fall-inspired meal, pair the stuffing cakes with a glass of dry white wine or a warm mug of apple cider.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Stuffing Cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed up.
If you have more stuffing than you know what to do with, you can even freeze the uncooked patties for later use. Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.
FAQs About Leftover Stuffing Cakes
How can I turn leftover stuffing into stuffing cakes?
To turn your leftover stuffing into crispy Stuffing Cakes, simply combine the stuffing with a beaten egg and a bit of milk or cream in a bowl. Mix the ingredients well, then shape the mixture into patties and pan-fry them in butter until golden brown on both sides.
Can I use any type of leftover stuffing for these cakes?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of leftover stuffing, whether it’s a classic bread-based stuffing, a wild rice and herb stuffing, or even a cornbread stuffing. The key is to make sure the stuffing is well-seasoned and holds together when formed into patties.
What’s the best way to cook stuffing cakes so they stay crispy?
The key to achieving crispy Stuffing Cakes is to cook them in a generous amount of butter over medium heat. This will create a nice, golden-brown sear on the outside while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. Be sure to flip the cakes gently to maintain their shape during cooking.
Can stuffing cakes be made ahead and reheated later?
Yes, Stuffing Cakes can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Simply cook the cakes as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly delicious with Leftover Stuffing Cakes. This simple recipe allows you to repurpose that extra stuffing into crispy, savory bites that are perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of the holiday all over again. So don’t let that stuffing go to waste – get creative and indulge in these tasty Leftover Stuffing Cakes!
Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!
PrintMake Tasty Leftover Stuffing Cakes in Just 5 Simple Steps!
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly delicious with Leftover Stuffing Cakes. This simple recipe allows you to repurpose that extra stuffing into crispy, savory bites that are perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cup leftover stuffing
- 1 beaten egg
- 2 tablespoon whole milk
- 4 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, beaten egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
2. Shape the stuffing mixture into individual patties, about 2–3 inches in diameter.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Carefully add the stuffing cakes to the hot skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and heated through.
5. Transfer the hot, crispy Leftover Stuffing Cakes to a plate and serve with your leftover turkey gravy or a homemade brown gravy.
Notes
Leftover Stuffing Cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, Leftovers, Stuffing Cakes