These turkey pockets make for a comforting and flavorful meal, combining deli-style turkey slices stuffed with savory Stove Top stuffing and smothered in turkey gravy. Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a meal that feels like a cozy holiday dinner.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Pockets:
- 1 lb deli turkey: Ask for dinner-thick slices at the deli counter (honey maple turkey is a great choice, but you can choose oven-roasted or smoked turkey based on preference).
- 1 box Stove Top stuffing mix: Use your favorite flavor; turkey or herb-seasoned works best.
- 1 tbsp butter and 1 1/2 cups water: For preparing the stuffing mix.
- 1 packet Knorr roasted turkey gravy mix: Adds a rich, homemade flavor to the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups water: For preparing the gravy.
Optional Seasonings (for added flavor):
- Paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder: Sprinkle lightly over the turkey pockets for a little extra kick.
For the Sides (Optional):
- Mashed potatoes: Use your favorite recipe or store-bought mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Green bean casserole: Classic side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Detailed Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Stuffing:
- Prepare the Stove Top stuffing mix according to the package instructions.
- Boil 1 1/2 cups water with 1 tbsp butter. Once boiling, remove from heat, add the stuffing mix, and fluff with a fork after a few minutes. Let it cool slightly to make it easier to handle.
- Assemble the Turkey Pockets:
- Lay out the thick-cut slices of deli turkey on a clean surface.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of prepared stuffing onto the center of each slice. Adjust the amount depending on the size of the turkey slices.
- Fold the turkey around the stuffing to form a pocket. You can overlap the edges or tuck them under. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the folds.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the Knorr turkey gravy mix with 1 1/2 cups water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour about half of the gravy over the stuffed turkey pockets in the baking dish. Reserve the remaining gravy for serving.
- Bake the Turkey Pockets:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the turkey moist while it cooks.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey pockets are heated through and the gravy is bubbling.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-7 minutes to let the tops lightly brown if desired.
- Prepare the Sides:
- While the turkey pockets are baking, prepare your sides. Make mashed potatoes and assemble and bake a green bean casserole if serving.
- Serve:
- Place the turkey pockets on a plate and drizzle with the reserved gravy.
- Add a generous serving of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to complete the meal.
Additional Tips
- Turkey Thickness: For thinner deli slices, roll them around the stuffing and secure with toothpicks to hold their shape while baking.
- Cheesy Option: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss) on top of the stuffing before folding the turkey slices.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle bread crumbs over the turkey pockets before baking for a golden crust.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the turkey slices with large boiled cabbage leaves or roasted portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with cranberry sauce or a tangy mustard dip for extra flavor.
- Add a small salad or dinner rolls for a complete, satisfying meal.
This recipe is a flexible, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to customize for any occasion! 🦃✨