Thanksgiving potlucks are one of my absolute favorite traditions! There’s just something magical about gathering with friends and family, each person bringing their own special dish to share. This turkey casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Imagine tender, shredded turkey mingling with sweet cranberry sauce and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with a crunchy layer of cheddar cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest! One of my fondest memories is when I first made this dish for a potluck, and it disappeared within minutes. Now, whenever I whip it up, it brings back those warm, cozy feelings of togetherness and gratitude. You’re going to love how easy and delicious this recipe is—trust me, it’ll be a hit at your next gathering!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Thanksgiving potluck dish a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded: I love using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, but you can roast or boil some fresh if you prefer.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Sweet and tangy, this adds a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the turkey.
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup: This gives the casserole its creamy texture and rich taste.
- 1 cup cornbread stuffing: For that classic holiday flavor; it adds a wonderful texture to the mix.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: These add a fresh, zingy touch that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because who doesn’t love a cheesy topping? It brings everything together perfectly!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Potluck Dish
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to create this scrumptious turkey casserole. Trust me, it’s super simple and so rewarding! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden crust we all adore.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix it all together until everything is well coated. Next, gently stir in the cornbread stuffing and chopped green onions. This is where the magic happens—those flavors meld together beautifully!
Once that’s done, transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly for even cooking. Now, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top—because who doesn’t love cheese, right? Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with that heavenly aroma and the cheese is melted to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
- Gently fold in the cornbread stuffing and chopped green onions, ensuring everything is nicely incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious casserole in no time!
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of turkey, cranberry, and cheesy goodness is pure bliss that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Potlucks: This dish is designed to serve a crowd, making it ideal for your Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, saving you time and stress on the big day.
- Kid-Approved: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone leaves happy!
Tips for Success
To make this turkey casserole truly shine, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First, don’t rush the mixing—take your time to combine the ingredients well, as that’s where the flavors truly come together. If you find yourself without turkey, feel free to swap in shredded chicken; it works beautifully too! Also, if you love a bit of crunch, consider adding some breadcrumbs on top along with the cheese for an extra crispy finish.
And here’s a little secret: if you prep this dish the night before, just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. Then, when it’s time to bake, you can throw it straight into the oven! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious turkey casserole: approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. It’s a satisfying dish that balances taste and nutrition, perfect for your Thanksgiving potluck!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen turkey for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. Frozen turkey can be a great time-saver if you don’t have leftovers on hand.
Can I make this turkey casserole gluten-free? Yes! Just choose gluten-free cornbread stuffing and make sure the cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free. It’s easy to adapt this dish for gluten-sensitive friends and family!
How do I store leftovers? Simply place any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again!
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Feel free to mix in some frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Is this casserole suitable for a potluck? For sure! This turkey casserole is perfect for potlucks—it’s easy to transport, serves a crowd, and is bound to be a hit with everyone. Just make sure to bring a serving spoon!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying this turkey casserole for days to come! Once your casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container.
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious as when you first made it!
Serving Suggestions
To create a truly memorable Thanksgiving potluck spread, consider pairing this turkey casserole with a few delightful sides! A fresh, crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the creamy casserole. You can also serve some roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans almondine for a touch of seasonal greens. And let’s not forget about the classic mashed potatoes—they’re always a hit! For dessert, a slice of warm pumpkin pie or apple crisp rounds out the meal perfectly. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this feast for weeks to come!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Potluck: 5 Comforting Casserole Recipes to Love
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A festive dish perfect for Thanksgiving potlucks.
Zutaten
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cornbread stuffing
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir in cornbread stuffing and green onions.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey for best results.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Substitute chicken if turkey is not available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving potluck, turkey casserole, holiday dish
