A plate of golden fried Opa's Smoked Turkey croquettes, one cut open to show the creamy filling, with cream sauce, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes alongside.

Opa’s Smoked Turkey Croquettes

Opa’s Smoked Meats • Small Batch. Craft Made. Texas-German tradition — since 1947

Opa's Smoked Turkey Croquettes

Opa's Smoked Meats
Servings

6

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Cuisine

American

Category

Main Course

Difficulty

Intermediate

Best For

Holiday leftovers

A second act for smoked turkey that's better than the first. Tender Opa's Smoked Turkey is bound in a silky cream sauce, rolled, breaded, and fried until golden and crackly outside, soft and savory within. Serve them with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, or any side that likes a little richness alongside it.
Opa's Smoked Turkey Croquettes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Opa's Smoked Turkey or Opa's Smoked Chicken, diced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 5 tablespoons flour, sifted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

  1. Make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the flour. Blend thoroughly until smooth and bubbly. Add the milk, celery salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. This makes about 2-1/2 cups of sauce.
  2. Form the croquettes. Combine the diced turkey with 1 cup of the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Chill the mixture 30 minutes so it holds its shape, then form into 12 balls.
  3. Bread the croquettes. Dip each in bread crumbs, then in beaten egg, then again in bread crumbs.
  4. Fry. Fry in oil heated to 360-370°F, a few at a time, 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Finish. If the remaining sauce is too thick, thin it with a little milk and heat through. Pour the remaining sauce over the finished croquettes and serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is Opa's smoked turkey already cooked?

    Yes. It's fully cooked, so you're binding and frying, not cooking the meat.

  2. Why do the croquettes fall apart?

    The mixture needs to be cold. Chill it for 30 minutes before shaping.

  3. Can I make them ahead?

    Shape and bread them up to a day ahead and refrigerate on a sheet pan. Fry just before serving.
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