Ah, Thanksgiving leftovers—those magical, delicious remnants of a feast that just beg to be transformed into something new! I don’t know about you, but I always end up with more turkey than I know what to do with, and that’s where this fabulous Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole comes in. It’s my go-to way to turn those tasty leftovers into a cozy, cheesy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, just picture it: tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, savory stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes all baked together in one easy casserole. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this after the holiday! Not only is it a great way to use up those leftovers, but it also creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Gathering the ingredients for this Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is as easy as pie! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups diced turkey: Use whatever leftover turkey you have—white meat, dark meat, or a mix. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for even heating.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: This can be homemade or canned. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberry sauce is what brings everything together, so don’t skip it!
- 1 cup stuffing: Any stuffing will do! Whether it’s traditional bread stuffing or a wild rice blend, it adds a wonderful texture to the casserole.
- 1 cup mashed potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect here. If they’re a bit thick, you can mix in a splash of milk to loosen them up before adding.
- 1 cup gravy: Any leftover gravy will work wonders. It keeps the casserole moist and adds that rich flavor we all love. If you don’t have any, feel free to use store-bought!
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I like to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a melty, gooey topping, but you can use your favorite cheese. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy melting!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden. I always set my timer for a few minutes to make sure the oven is ready before I start mixing everything together.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to get everything together! Toss in your diced turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. I love using a spatula to mix gently, making sure all those delicious flavors meld together. Just imagine that sweet-tart cranberry mixing with savory turkey—yum! You want everything to be well combined, but don’t overdo it; we want some texture in the casserole!
Assemble the Casserole
Now, grab your favorite baking dish and spread the turkey mixture evenly into the bottom. I like to use a spatula to press it down a bit; this helps everything hold together nicely while baking. You can use a 9×13-inch dish or whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all that goodness!
Add Gravy and Cheese
Next, pour the gravy generously over the top of your assembled casserole. This is where the magic happens—let that gravy soak in all the flavors! Then, sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top. I like to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella because it gives that ooey-gooey topping we all crave. Just think about that melty goodness waiting to happen!
Bake and Serve
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are just starting to get a little golden. I usually let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so be patient—it’ll be worth it! Slicing into that warm, cheesy dish is like diving into a cozy, comfort-filled hug. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal!
- The combination of turkey, cranberry, and stuffing creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- You can throw it together in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy post-holiday days!
- This casserole is super versatile; you can add in any leftover veggies you have on hand.
- It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- Everyone in the family will love it, from kids to adults—it’s comfort food at its finest!
- You can easily make it ahead of time, so it’s ready to bake when you are.
- The melty cheese on top is the cherry on the sundae, adding that creamy goodness we all crave!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole turns out absolutely delicious? Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use Quality Leftovers: The better your leftovers, the better your casserole will taste! Fresh turkey and flavorful gravy make a world of difference.
- Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to customize! If you have other leftovers like green beans or sweet potatoes, toss them in. It’s all about using what you have!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just enough to combine them without turning everything mushy. You want some texture in every bite!
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses. Gouda adds a wonderful smokiness, while pepper jack gives a nice kick. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy melting!
- Cover with Foil: If your cheese is browning too quickly while baking, lightly cover the top with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time to prevent burning.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes for easier slicing!
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers after you serve, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste just as good the next day, if not better!
With these tips, you’ll be a Thanksgiving casserole pro in no time! Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also reasonably balanced, making it a great choice for a hearty meal without going overboard. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portions. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a delicious meal that also packs some protein and fiber makes it taste even better, right? So dig in and enjoy every bite of those Thanksgiving leftovers!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Can I use other leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole is all about flexibility, so feel free to get creative with your leftovers. Got some green beans or corn hanging around? Toss them in! You could even add some roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for an extra flavor twist. The key is to stick with the same general proportions; just make sure everything is cooked and chopped into manageable pieces so it all heats evenly. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this dish as long as you have a little leftover love!
How can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any casserole leftovers (which, let’s be honest, can be a rare occurrence!), just let it cool completely first. Then, pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, just reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through. I recommend using the oven for that freshly-baked feel, but the microwave will work in a pinch. Just be careful not to overheat—it can get a bit dry if you’re not careful!
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
You bet! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can assemble it the day before and just pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, just take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to go with minimal fuss—perfect for those busy post-holiday days!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it to create a complete meal. I’ve got a few ideas to elevate your dinner and make it even more satisfying!
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich casserole. It adds a refreshing touch that balances out the hearty flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender. They add a delicious, caramelized flavor that complements the casserole beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s a fantastic side that can soak up any extra gravy from the casserole and add a nice crunch to your plate.
- Cranberry Relish: A dollop of fresh cranberry relish or sauce on the side can brighten up the dish and enhance those savory flavors with a zesty kick.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: If you have some leftover sweet potatoes, mash them up and serve them on the side! Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory turkey casserole.
- Apple Sauce: A small serving of apple sauce can be a delightful addition, offering a sweet contrast to the savory casserole. Plus, it brings a nostalgic touch to your meal!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’ll impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cozy dinner and the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving all over again!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole: 7 Cozy Comfort Bites
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
A simple way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Zutaten
- 2 cups diced turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup stuffing
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup gravy
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- Pour gravy over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish is great for using up various leftover items.
- Feel free to add vegetables like green beans or corn.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving leftovers, turkey casserole, holiday recipes
