Turkey Bites
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This Turkey Bites recipe is your new go-to for leftover turkey! It combines shredded turkey breast with a rich mix of sour cream, asiago, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a fluffy, homemade dough that turns golden and crispy in the oven – a scrumptious makeover for any leftover turkey.
Use That Leftover Turkey To Make These Delicious Turkey Bites
Let me tell you about my Turkey Bites recipe – it’s a clever and delicious way to use up leftover turkey. Picture this: tender shredded turkey, blended with zesty sour cream, hot sauce, and chili garlic sauce, all wrapped up in a soft, homemade dough, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a flavor-packed, easy-to-make treat that transforms ordinary turkey into an extraordinary snack or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Bites
- Creative Use of Leftovers: It’s a creative way to use leftover turkey, making meal planning both efficient and exciting.
- Bursting with Flavor: The recipe delivers a burst of flavor, blending spicy, creamy, and savory elements in a delectable bite.
- Versatile and Convenient: These Turkey Bites are not only great as a snack or appetizer but also work well for parties, picnics, or as a fun family meal.
- Water (Lukewarm): Activates the yeast for the dough. Substitute with milk for a richer dough. Lukewarm water should be around 105°F to 115°F (40°C to 46°C).
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise. Honey can be a natural alternative.
- Yeast: Essential for leavening the dough. You can also use Quick-rise yeast for faster results.
- Eggs: Adds richness and structure to the dough. For a vegan option, try flax eggs.
- Butter (Unsalted, Melted): Provides flavor and tender texture to the dough. You can substitute with margarine.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough. Use bread flower for a chewier texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough. Kosher salt is a good alternative.
- Turkey Breast (Cooked and Shredded): The main ingredient for the filling. Feel free to substitute with chicken or pork.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess to the filling. Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute.
- Asiago Cheese (Shredded): Gives a nutty, sharp flavor to the filling. Substitute with Parmesan or Romano.
- Hot Sauce: Provides a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to taste or use chili flakes for a different kind of heat.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds depth and spice. Sriracha or sambal oelek are good alternatives.
- Fresh Dill: Brings a fresh, herby note.
- Egg (For Egg Wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust on the bites.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch to the exterior.
To create these Turkey Bites, start by activating yeast in lukewarm water with sugar, then mix it with eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt to form a soft dough. Let this dough rise until it doubles in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining shredded cooked turkey breast with sour cream, asiago cheese, hot sauce, chili garlic sauce, and fresh dill.
Once the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 375°F. Now, roll out the dough and cut it into strips. Spread the turkey mixture over each, and roll them up, sealing the edges. Cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces, place them on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Finally, transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Serve With
Easy Tossed Salad
Red Lentil Chicken Soup
Baked Feta And Spinach Dip
Mini Quiche
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Turkey Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the filling a day in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble and bake the bites when you’re ready to serve. They’re also great for freezing – just bake them, let them cool, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for a quick snack or appetizer.
What can I use instead of turkey in this recipe?
This recipe is quite versatile. If you don’t have turkey, you can use cooked and shredded chicken or pork as a substitute. Even a mix of vegetables and cheese can make a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I know when the Turkey Bites are done baking?
The Turkey Bites reach their perfect state when they turn golden brown on the outside, usually after 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, indicating that the dough has cooked through and the filling is hot.
Expert Tips
- Allow Yeast To Properly Activate: To get the best rise in your dough, make sure the water is lukewarm (105°F to 115°F) for optimal yeast activation. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Roll the Dough Evenly: When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and helps prevent the dough from tearing when you’re adding the filling and rolling it up.
- Seal the Edges Well: After adding the filling and rolling the dough, make sure to pinch and seal the edges tightly. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking and helps maintain the shape of your bites.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: When placing the Turkey Bites on the baking sheet, leave enough space between each piece to allow for even baking and to ensure they get nicely browned on all sides.
Storage
After the turkey bites have cooled down completely, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Discover More Delicious Appetizers
- Hush Puppies
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Baked Feta And Spinach Dip
- Patatas Bravas
- Deviled Eggs
- Potato Skins
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Turkey Bites
Ingredients
Dough
- ⅔ cup water (lukewarm)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter (unsalted, melted)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1¼ pound turkey breast (cooked and shredded)
- ½ cup sour cream (unsalted)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup asiago cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- ¼ cup dill (fresh, chopped)
Other
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the water, sugar and yeast together and let it sit until the yeast bubbles.
- In another small bowl mix the eggs and the melted butter. In the bowl of your mixer, add the flour, salt and mix. Add the butter/egg mixture and the yeast mixture and using the paddle attachment, mix it all together until everything is well incorporated. The dough will be fairly soft.
- Place the dough into an oiled bowl and rub some of the oil all over the dough. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, you can make the turkey mixture. Combine all the turkey filling ingredients together and mix until well incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take the dough and roll it out into a big square about 16×16-inches.
- Cut the square into 4 long strips. Take the turkey mixture and divide it in 4, spreading it across the length of the strips. Next, bring the two sides together of each strip, pinching it together so that the dough sticks, and thus forming a roll.
- Repeat with all 4 strips. Take one strip and using a sharp knife, cut it into 1 inch pieces.
- Place the pieces on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat.
- Brush the turkey bites with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Transfer the baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until nice and golden brown.
Notes
- Leftover Turkey Alternative: If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use rotisserie chicken or even cooked ham as a substitute.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce and chili garlic sauce to your taste. Reduce for a milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
- Freezer-Friendly: These Turkey Bites freeze well. Just bake, cool, and freeze. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- Dough Consistency Tip: If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water. The dough should be soft and pliable.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or honey mustard, for an added flavor boost.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
