A Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole is a delicious way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. It combines turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce into a single comforting dish. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
- 1 1/2 cups gravy (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer the Stuffing:
- In a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spread the leftover stuffing in an even layer to form the bottom of the casserole.
- Add Turkey:
- Spread the cooked turkey evenly over the stuffing layer.
- Cranberry Sauce Layer:
- Spoon dollops of leftover cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
- Mashed Potatoes:
- Reheat the mashed potatoes if they are cold. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once heated, spread the mashed potatoes over the cranberry sauce layer.
- Gravy:
- Pour the gravy evenly over the mashed potato layer. It will help keep the casserole moist and add flavor.
- Optional Cheese:
- If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for added richness.
- Season:
- Season the top with a bit of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, garnish your leftover Thanksgiving casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the casserole warm as a hearty and satisfying meal that uses up those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers.
Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking by adding other leftovers like green beans, sweet potatoes, or even a layer of cornbread. It’s a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for enjoying the flavors of Thanksgiving for days to come.