Ah, the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers! It’s like a second chance to savor all those delicious flavors, but with a fun twist. My Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole has become a family favorite because it’s such a simple and delicious way to use up all that turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. I love how everything melds together in this cozy dish, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this sooner! It’s the perfect solution for those post-holiday cravings and a wonderful way to keep the festive spirit alive!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole. It’s all about using what you have on hand!
- 2 cups of shredded turkey: Make sure it’s well-cooked and tender for the best texture.
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, this will add a sweet-tart flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup of stuffing: Any leftover stuffing works! I love using a herb-flavored one for extra depth.
- 1 cup of mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are essential for that comforting base.
- 1/2 cup of gravy: Use your homemade gravy or a good quality store-bought option to keep things easy.
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese: I usually go for cheddar, but feel free to use your favorite melty cheese!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Making this Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is a breeze! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. It’s like a Thanksgiving party in a bowl—so much flavor! Stir everything together until well mixed.
Next, grease a baking dish (I love using a 9×13 inch one) and spread that delicious mixture evenly into the dish. Now, pour the gravy all over the top—don’t be shy, it adds moisture and flavor! Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. This is where the magic happens as it melts and gets bubbly.
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Wow, the aroma will be irresistible—get ready for some hungry faces at the table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is not only delicious but also gives you a satisfying meal without the guilt. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories. You’ll get 15g of fat, including 7g of saturated fat, which is pretty standard for a comforting casserole. It also packs in 20g of protein, making it a hearty option! The dish has around 40g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, which is always nice. Just keep in mind that these values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, it’s a pretty balanced dish that’s sure to please!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely! If you have leftover chicken, it works beautifully in this casserole. Just shred it up like you would with turkey.
What if I don’t have gravy? No worries! You can substitute with a bit of broth or even a creamy soup if you want that moisture without gravy.
Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have, like green beans or corn. They’ll add even more flavor and texture!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with foil and it’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in under an hour!
- So easy to make, even a novice cook can nail it.
- Minimizes food waste by using up those Thanksgiving leftovers.
- A comforting meal that brings everyone together.
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Leftovers
To make sure your Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste—adding a pinch of salt or some pepper can elevate the flavors. If your mashed potatoes are a bit thick, mix in a splash of milk to help them spread easily. Also, consider covering the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps everything set up nicely. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
Variations for Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
If you want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try! For a veggie boost, add some leftover roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots—yum! You can also swap out the turkey for shredded ham or even a mix of proteins, like turkey and bacon for a smoky twist. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach for some earthy flavors. And don’t forget about different cheeses! A blend of mozzarella and gouda can give it a creamy, dreamy texture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative with what you have!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole properly is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for those post-holiday cravings! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn; it’ll last for about 2 months.
When it’s time to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just make sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving the Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole with a fresh green salad for a refreshing crunch. You could also pair it with some warm, buttery dinner rolls to soak up any extra gravy. And don’t forget a side of tangy pickles or cranberry relish to brighten the flavors!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole: 5 Cozy Comforts to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A simple and delicious way to use your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Składniki
- 2 cups of shredded turkey
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of stuffing
- 1 cup of mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup of gravy
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
Instrukcje
- 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 greased baking dish.
- Pour gravy over the top.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add any other leftover vegetables.
- You can substitute chicken for turkey.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving leftovers, turkey casserole, holiday meals
