Transform your leftover stuffing into a crispy, savory delight with these easy-to-make leftover stuffing cakes. Whether you have extra stuffing from Thanksgiving or just a batch leftover from a dinner gathering, this recipe gives new life to a classic dish. These cakes are crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and are the perfect way to use up your stuffing in a creative and delicious way.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Leftover Stuffing Cakes
Leftover stuffing cakes are a quick, flavorful way to repurpose stuffing that would otherwise go to waste. Not only do they make a great snack or side dish, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make, so you can enjoy a delicious, homemade dish without a lot of effort. Whether you’re serving them alongside turkey or enjoying them on their own, leftover stuffing cakes are the perfect solution for repurposing holiday leftovers in a way that’s just as delicious as the original meal.
Ingredients
• Leftover Stuffing: This forms the base of your cakes, giving them that familiar savory flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Binding the stuffing together, eggs provide structure and moisture to the cakes.
• Flour: Adds a little extra texture and helps hold the cakes together.
• Butter: For frying, it adds a crispy, golden-brown finish to the outside of the cakes.
• Parmesan Cheese: A touch of sharpness to elevate the flavor profile of the cakes.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note and a pop of color to the cakes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the cakes and bringing out all the flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Gluten-Free Stuffing: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the stuffing with a gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the stuffing mix for a spicy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing mix: Take your leftover stuffing and place it in a large mixing bowl. If it’s too dry, add a bit of broth or water to moisten it slightly.
- Add the eggs and flour: Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix them into the stuffing until well combined. Stir in the flour to help bind the mixture together.
- Season the mixture: Add Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper to the stuffing mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Shape the cakes: Take small portions of the stuffing mixture and form them into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Fry the cakes: Heat a little butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cakes to the pan, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, remove the cakes from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
Tips & Tricks
• Check for crispiness: If the cakes aren’t as crispy as you’d like, continue cooking them in the pan for another 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick skillet helps to ensure the cakes don’t stick, making flipping them easier.
• Storage: Leftover stuffing cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to restore their crispness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Leftover stuffing cakes can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Try them with mashed potatoes, gravy, or cranberry sauce for a traditional feel. They can also be served as a fun snack with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy ketchup. If you’re looking for a healthy twist, serve them alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables.
For a twist on the classic, add sautéed mushrooms or a touch of garlic to the stuffing mixture before frying for added depth of flavor. Leftover stuffing cakes also work well as a vegetarian option, especially when served with a savory mushroom gravy or vegetable sauce.
Seasonal Delight
These leftover stuffing cakes are not just for Thanksgiving. They’re perfect for any time you have extra stuffing to use up, especially during the fall and winter months when comfort foods are a staple. Serve them as a cozy addition to a holiday meal, or make them year-round for a delicious side dish that everyone will love
Conclusion
Leftover stuffing cakes are the ultimate solution for transforming your holiday leftovers into a crispy, savory dish that everyone will love. They’re quick, easy, and versatile—whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or part of a larger meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your leftover stuffing into a new, exciting recipe that’s sure to please your taste buds. So next time you have leftover stuffing, don’t let it go to waste—turn it into these mouthwatering leftover stuffing cakes!
FAQ
Can I use fresh stuffing to make leftover stuffing cakes?
Yes, you can use fresh stuffing if you don’t have leftovers. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and slightly moist before shaping it into cakes. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of broth or water to get the right consistency for forming the cakes.
How can I make leftover stuffing cakes crispy?
To make them extra crispy, make sure your pan is preheated and you use enough butter or oil for frying. The higher the heat, the crispier the cakes will be on the outside. You can also try pressing the cakes slightly flat before frying to increase the surface area for crispiness.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing cakes?
Yes! Leftover stuffing cakes freeze very well. After frying, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, just fry them for a few minutes on each side in a hot skillet, or bake them in the oven to restore the crispness.
More Relevant Recipes
- Thanksgiving Pizza: A Delicious Way to Use Leftovers
- Creamy Turkey Casserole: The Best Way to Use Holiday Leftovers
- Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole: A Cozy, Comforting Meal
Leftover Stuffing Cakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 cakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Leftover Stuffing Cakes are a crispy, savory dish made from repurposed holiday stuffing. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for turning leftovers into a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Leftover Stuffing: The base of the dish, providing flavor and texture from the original stuffing.
- 2 large Eggs: Help bind the stuffing together and provide moisture.
- 2 tablespoons Flour: Adds a slight texture and helps to hold the cakes together.
- 2 tablespoons Butter (for frying): Ensures the cakes crisp up beautifully when fried.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a savory, umami flavor to the cakes.
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped): Freshens up the flavor and adds color to the cakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper: Provides seasoning to balance the richness of the cakes.
Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing mix: Take your leftover stuffing and place it in a large mixing bowl. If it’s too dry, add a bit of broth or water to moisten it slightly.
- Add the eggs and flour: Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix them into the stuffing until well combined. Stir in the flour to help bind the mixture together.
- Season the mixture: Add Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper to the stuffing mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Shape the cakes: Take small portions of the stuffing mixture and form them into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Fry the cakes: Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cakes to the pan, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, remove the cakes from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, press the cakes slightly flat before frying.
- Store leftover cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing and flour.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
