Leftover Turkey Stuffing Waffles: Easy, Crispy & Delicious Second Act

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Sophie

Introduction

Remember those amazing holiday leftovers? The ones that taste even better the next day? Well, get ready to transform your Thanksgiving or Christmas stuffing and turkey into something utterly magical! Today, we’re whipping up Turkey Stuffing Waffles, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. This recipe is so ridiculously easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. It’s the perfect way to give your beloved leftovers a delicious second act, creating a comforting, crispy, and totally irresistible dish that’s ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, these waffles are quicker than you can say “encore!”
Easy: No fancy techniques here, just mix and waffle. It’s practically foolproof.
Giftable: Imagine surprising a friend or neighbor with a batch of these warm, savory waffles. They’ll be singing your praises!
Crowd-pleasing: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun brunch, these waffles are a guaranteed hit with everyone.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, because here’s what you’ll need to create these little bites of heaven:

2 cups leftover stuffing: This is our star! Whether it’s homemade or a good ol’ boxed mix, it’s the perfect base.
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped: Lean into those holiday vibes with your tender turkey.
½ cup dried cranberries: For that little burst of sweet-tart goodness that balances everything out beautifully.
2 large eggs: Our binder to hold all this deliciousness together.
¼ cup chicken broth or turkey gravy: Adds moisture and amplifies that savory flavor. Gravy is my personal fave for an extra kick!
¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Because everything is better with a little cheese, right? Adds a lovely salty, gooey element.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of freshness and color.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Just a little seasoning to make all the flavors sing.
Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter: To ensure your 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 it’s super simple.

Fire Up the Waffle Iron: First things first, get your waffle iron preheating. You want it nice and hot and ready to work its magic.
Mix It All Up: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, those delightful dried cranberries, the eggs, your chicken broth or turkey gravy, and if you’re feeling fancy, that optional cheese. Don’t forget the fresh parsley!
Season to Perfection: Give everything a good stir until it’s all well combined. Then, season it with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Taste it if you’re unsure, you want it just right!
Prep Your Waffle Iron: Once your waffle iron is hot, give it a little spritz with nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of melted butter. This is key for easy release and a crispy exterior.
Portion Control: Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of your stuffing mixture onto the preheated waffle iron. Gently spread it out a bit so it fills the sections nicely, but don’t overfill it!
Waffle Time! Close the waffle iron and let it do its thing. You’re looking for about 5-8 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and heated all the way through. You’ll see steam escaping when they’re ready.
Repeat the Wonder: Carefully lift out your perfectly cooked waffle. Repeat this process with the rest of your delicious mixture until it’s all used up.
Serve and Savor: Serve your Turkey Stuffing Waffles immediately while they’re warm and crispy. They are absolutely divine!

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling creative? I love that about you! Here are a few ideas to make these waffles your own:

For the Turkey: Don’t have turkey? Shredded chicken works wonderfully too!
For the Broth/Gravy: If you’re out of broth or gravy, a splash of milk or even a bit of cream will work in a pinch to add moisture.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Veggie Boost: Finely chopped celery, onions, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture. Sauté them briefly beforehand for the best results.
Herb Heaven: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or sage, which are classic stuffing companions.

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure these waffles turn out picture-perfect every time!

Don’t Overmix: While you want everything combined, overmixing can make the waffles tough. Just stir until everything is incorporated.
Test Your First Waffle: Waffle irons can vary, so the first waffle is your test run. Adjust the cooking time as needed for subsequent waffles.
Leftover Stuffing Consistency: If your stuffing is a bit dry, you might need an extra tablespoon or two of broth or gravy. If it’s very wet, you might need a tiny bit more stuffing mix to bind.
Prep Ahead: You can combine all the waffle ingredients (except for cooking) a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before you start cooking.

How to Store It

Got leftovers of these amazing waffles? Lucky you!

Let the waffles cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I find that popping them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes gives them the best crispy texture. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side. Microwaving is an option, but they might lose some of their crispness.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make these waffles without leftover stuffing? Absolutely! You can prepare boxed stuffing mix according to package directions, let it cool slightly, and then use it in the recipe.
What do you serve with Turkey Stuffing Waffles? They’re fantastic on their own, but I love them with a dollop of cranberry sauce, a drizzle of gravy, or even a fried egg on top for a complete meal.
Can I freeze these waffles? Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should last in the freezer for about 1-2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in your oven or toaster oven.

Turkey Stuffing Waffles

Print Recipe

Transform your Thanksgiving or Christmas stuffing and turkey leftovers into delicious, crispy waffles that are quick, easy, and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients

2 cups leftover stuffing (Homemade or boxed mix)
1 cup cooked turkey (Shredded or chopped)
0.5 cup dried cranberries
2 large eggs
0.25 cup chicken broth or turkey gravy (Gravy preferred for extra kick)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese (Optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (Chopped)
0 to taste salt
0 to taste black pepper
0 nonstick cooking spray or melted butter (For greasing waffle iron)

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Instructions

First things first, get your waffle iron preheating. You want it nice and hot and ready to work its magic.
Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, those delightful dried cranberries, the eggs, your chicken broth or turkey gravy, and if you’re feeling fancy, that optional cheese. Don’t forget the fresh parsley!
Give everything a good stir until it’s all well combined. Then, season it with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Taste it if you’re unsure, you want it just right!
Once your waffle iron is hot, give it a little spritz with nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of melted butter. This is key for easy release and a crispy exterior.
Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of your stuffing mixture onto the preheated waffle iron. Gently spread it out a bit so it fills the sections nicely, but don’t overfill it!
Close the waffle iron and let it do its thing. You’re looking for about 5-8 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and heated all the way through. You’ll see steam escaping when they’re ready.
Carefully lift out your perfectly cooked waffle. Repeat this process with the rest of your delicious mixture until it’s all used up.
Serve your Turkey Stuffing Waffles immediately while they’re warm and crispy. They are absolutely divine!

Notes

If your stuffing is a bit dry, you might need an extra tablespoon or two of broth or gravy. If it’s very wet, you might need a tiny bit more stuffing mix to bind. Don’t overmix the ingredients, as this can make the waffles tough.