Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, a feast. But after the holiday meal, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of leftovers. Rather than reheating the same plate of turkey and sides, why not transform those leftovers into new and exciting dishes? In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of creative and easy Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas that will breathe new life into your holiday remnants. From savory casseroles to delicious sandwiches and soups, these recipes ensure that nothing goes to waste and that you continue enjoying the flavors of Thanksgiving in delightful new ways.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
To create a versatile Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 cups leftover stuffing: Any variety you have on hand.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Smooth and creamy works best.
- 1 cup gravy: This will serve as the base for the casserole’s sauce.
- 1 cup green bean casserole or leftover vegetables: Adds a nice mix of flavors and textures.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: To add a cheesy, melty topping.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: For a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup: To add creaminess and bind the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps to thin out the gravy and soup mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust according to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and added freshness.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready when you’ve assembled your casserole.
- Prepare the turkey: If your turkey is not already shredded or chopped, do so now. This will make it easier to distribute evenly throughout the casserole.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the gravy, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the casserole:
- First layer: Spread the shredded turkey evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second layer: Evenly distribute the leftover stuffing over the turkey.
- Third layer: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the stuffing, spreading them out with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Fourth layer: Scatter the green bean casserole or your chosen leftover vegetables on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Add the sauce: Pour the gravy and soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. This will help to moisten the stuffing and add flavor throughout the casserole.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, melty crust as it bakes.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Add cranberry sauce: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon dollops of cranberry sauce over the top of the casserole for a touch of sweetness.
- Garnish and serve: If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy a new take on your Thanksgiving leftovers.
About the Main Ingredients
Turkey: Turkey is the star protein of Thanksgiving and is rich in lean protein, making it a healthy choice for post-holiday meals. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to sandwiches. When using leftover turkey in a casserole, shredding or chopping it ensures it distributes evenly and reheats well, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
Stuffing: Stuffing, with its mix of bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage or vegetables, adds a hearty and flavorful component to the casserole. It’s typically well-seasoned, which helps to infuse the entire dish with delicious Thanksgiving flavors. Whether you have a traditional bread stuffing or a more unique recipe, it will work well in this casserole.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes act as a binder in the casserole, helping to hold everything together. They also add a comforting, smooth texture. Leftover mashed potatoes can sometimes be dry, so spreading them as a layer ensures they stay moist and integrate well with the other ingredients.
Gravy: Gravy is essential for adding moisture and flavor to the casserole. It’s typically made from turkey drippings, which means it carries a rich, savory taste that enhances the overall dish. When combined with cream of mushroom soup and milk, it creates a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together and keeps the casserole from becoming dry.
Green Bean Casserole or Vegetables: Using leftover green bean casserole or any other vegetables adds texture, flavor, and nutritional value to the dish. Green bean casserole, in particular, with its creamy sauce and crispy onion topping, adds a delightful crunch and creaminess. Other vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or corn can also be used, making the casserole a colorful and wholesome meal.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheese adds a melty, gooey topping that makes the casserole irresistible. Cheddar is a great choice for its sharp, tangy flavor, which complements the savory elements of the dish. Cheese also provides additional protein and calcium, enhancing the nutritional profile of the casserole.
Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich and savory ingredients. Its bright flavor cuts through the richness of the gravy and cheese, adding a refreshing note. Cranberries are also high in antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This soup is often used in casseroles to add creaminess and bind ingredients together. It’s a convenient and flavorful option, though you can make a homemade version if you prefer. The soup’s earthy mushroom flavor complements the turkey and stuffing, adding depth to the dish.
By utilizing these ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying casserole that transforms your Thanksgiving leftovers into a brand-new meal. Not only does this recipe prevent food waste, but it also provides a comforting and hearty dish that extends the joy of Thanksgiving well beyond the holiday. Enjoy the creativity and flavors that come with repurposing your leftovers in this delightful casserole!