Everyone loves the classic Thanksgiving tradition of taking turns yanking on the nipples of the still-raw turkey before it goes into the oven. And even better? Those nipples make for a variety of delicious dishes. Here are our personal favorite recipes.
Nipple Crostinis
The hours spent waiting for the turkey to roast is the perfect time to gobble up them nips. Just lightly grill the nipples on a cast iron skillet or panini press, lay them on slices of toasted baguette, and voila! A perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. Make sure you have your favorite spreads on hand. Baked brie? Fig jam? Cheez Wiz? The possibilities are endless!
Nipple Pâté
You can class up those crostinis by first blending your grilled nipples into a festive pâté. Just add a handful of onions, a dash of sherry, a hearty pour of coconut oil, and seasoning to your skillet and then throw it all in a food processor. Grind those nipples until they’re perfectly pureed, then spread on toasted baguette slices or your choice of veggies.
Stuffed Nipples
Have you ever heard of an empanada? It’s like that, just with nipples. Stuff those nipples with cranberries, chestnuts, cheese, and whatever other bits of holiday cheer you’ve got in the kitchen. Seal up the ragged edges with a bit of egg wash, bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, and presto!
Dessert Nipples
Turkey nipples are usually a savory treat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sweeten them up! After grilling your nipples, just roll them in a mix of cinnamon sugar and bake until golden brown. Try drizzling with caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. After all, nothing says “home for the holidays” like candied nipples. Also consider using them as a unique garnish for a personal-sized tart.
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