Irresistible Thanksgiving Sushi Rolls Recipe with Turkey

Imagine combining the flavors of Thanksgiving into one bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing. That’s exactly what we’re doing with these irresistible Thanksgiving sushi rolls! Turkey, cranberry sauce, and all the classic holiday flavors wrapped up in a neat little roll—sounds amazing, right? Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftovers or simply want a festive appetizer for your holiday gathering, this recipe is a must-try. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a tradition in your holiday lineup!

I first came up with this idea during a post-Thanksgiving fridge raid. Staring at the leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, I thought, “Why not roll these up into sushi?” After a few attempts (and lots of taste tests), I landed on the perfect combination of flavors. The savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and creamy avocado wrapped in seasoned sushi rice—it’s comfort food with a gourmet twist. Plus, it’s a fun way to get both kids and adults excited about leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creative Twist on Thanksgiving Flavors: This recipe combines the best parts of Thanksgiving into bite-sized sushi rolls—totally unexpected but undeniably delicious.
• Perfect for Leftovers: If you’ve got leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, this is the perfect way to transform them into something fresh and exciting.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just common pantry items and Thanksgiving staples.
• Fun & Interactive: Rolling sushi is a great activity for the whole family. Kids and adults alike will love assembling these rolls together.
• Impressive Yet Easy: These rolls look like intricate works of art, but they’re surprisingly simple to make.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy avocado, and seasoned rice is a flavor explosion.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve these as appetizers at holiday gatherings, or enjoy them as a light, festive meal.

This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s a way to make Thanksgiving memories last a little longer. Plus, if you’re the type who loves surprising your guests with something unique, these rolls will undoubtedly steal the show.

What Ingredients You Will Need

These Thanksgiving sushi rolls use a mix of traditional sushi staples and classic holiday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sushi Rice: Cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that perfect sticky texture.
• Nori Sheets: The seaweed wrapper essential for holding everything together.
• Cooked Turkey: Thinly sliced or shredded, leftover turkey works perfectly here.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness complements the savory turkey beautifully.
• Avocado: Sliced for creaminess and a touch of richness.
• Cream Cheese: Optional, but adds a luscious texture and a bit of tang.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced for crunch and freshness.
• Soy Sauce: For dipping—choose low-sodium if preferred.
• Wasabi and Pickled Ginger: Optional, but a fun addition for those who love traditional sushi accompaniments.

You can also customize this recipe with other Thanksgiving leftovers, like stuffing or sweet potatoes. Just make sure the fillings aren’t too wet or they might make your rolls fall apart.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Thanksgiving sushi rolls:

• Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat: Essential for rolling tight sushi rolls, but you can use parchment paper in a pinch.
• For slicing the rolls cleanly.
• Helps achieve perfectly cooked sushi rice every time, though stovetop works too.
• For holding dipping sauces like soy sauce and wasabi.
• Optional, but handy for keeping the rolls intact while slicing.

If you don’t have a bamboo mat, you can use a clean kitchen towel wrapped in plastic wrap for rolling. It’s not traditional, but it works!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Sushi Rice: Cook 2 cups of sushi rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl and mix in ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the turkey into thin strips. Cut the avocado and cucumber into long, thin slices. If using cream cheese, soften it slightly for easy spreading.
3. Set Up Your Rolling Station: Place your bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Lay out your nori sheets and prepared ingredients for easy access.
4. Assemble the Roll: Lay a nori sheet shiny side down on the bamboo mat. Spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge uncovered to seal the roll.
5. Add the Fillings: Arrange a few strips of turkey, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, avocado slices, cucumber, and a small smear of cream cheese across the center of the rice.
6. Roll the Sushi: Use the bamboo mat to tightly roll the nori around the fillings, pressing gently to ensure it stays compact. Wet your fingers with water to seal the edge of the nori.
7. Slice the Roll: Use a sharp knife dipped in water to cut the roll into bite-sized pieces. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
8. Serve: Arrange the sushi rolls on a platter and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Thanksgiving sushi rolls turn out perfect:

• Don’t Overfill: Less is more when it comes to sushi fillings. Overstuffed rolls can be hard to roll and may fall apart.
• Keep Your Hands Wet: Sushi rice is sticky! Keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your fingers before handling it.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: While leftovers are great, make sure they’re still fresh and flavorful. No one wants soggy turkey!
• Slice Carefully: A sharp knife is key for clean slices. Dip it in water between cuts to prevent sticking.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first roll isn’t picture-perfect. Sushi rolling is a skill that improves with practice!

Remember, the process is just as fun as the final product. Don’t stress—enjoy the experience!

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap turkey for roasted sweet potato or grilled tofu, and use vegan cream cheese.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch and an extra festive touch.
• Spicy Version: Mix a bit of sriracha into the cream cheese for a spicy kick, or add thinly sliced jalapeños.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mix & Match Fillings: Get creative! Try adding thin slices of pickled red onion or substituting cranberry sauce with a dollop of orange marmalade.

Personally, I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the rice for extra flavor and texture—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These sushi rolls are best served fresh. Arrange them on a beautiful platter and pair them with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping. You can also add a sprig of parsley or a garnish of edible flowers for extra flair.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep the texture fresh, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before storing. When you’re ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

While these rolls are delicious cold, you can also gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to take the chill off. Just don’t overdo it—nori gets soggy if heated too long!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (2 pieces):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

The turkey is packed with lean protein, while cranberry sauce adds antioxidants. Avocados contribute heart-healthy fats, and the sushi rice provides a good source of energy. It’s a balanced snack that feels indulgent but is actually good for you!

Conclusion

These Thanksgiving sushi rolls are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season—or enjoy those post-holiday leftovers in style. The combination of flavors is unexpected yet comforting, and the whole process is a fun and creative culinary adventure.

I love how these rolls bring people together—whether it’s during a cozy family meal or as a conversation starter at a party. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the recipe by swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite flavors.

Have you tried these irresistible Thanksgiving sushi rolls? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your variations and adaptations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—it’s too good to keep to yourself!

FAQs

Can I use leftover stuffing in the sushi rolls?

Absolutely! Just make sure the stuffing isn’t too wet, or it might make the rolls difficult to handle.

What can I use instead of nori sheets?

If you’re not a fan of seaweed, you can use rice paper or thin slices of cucumber as an alternative wrap.

How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?

Be sure not to overfill them, and make sure you roll them tightly using the bamboo mat or plastic wrap.

Can I make these sushi rolls ahead of time?

Yes, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one day, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

What other dipping sauces can I use?

Aside from soy sauce, try a cranberry dipping sauce, spicy mayo, or even a honey mustard for a unique twist!

Print