Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole – The Perfect Post-Holiday Comfort Food

After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, it’s likely that your fridge is stocked with delicious leftovers. Instead of serving the same dishes over and over, why not transform them into something new and exciting? This Thanksgiving leftovers casserole is the perfect way to use up those extra ingredients while creating a comforting meal that brings all the flavors of the holiday together in one bite. It’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and a great way to avoid food waste.

The Story Behind This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and creating memories. After the big meal, though, there are always plenty of leftovers to deal with. I remember growing up, my family would make a layered casserole with all our favorite dishes from the holiday spread. It was a comforting way to enjoy those same flavors in a new format, without the hassle of reheating each dish separately. This recipe is inspired by those post-holiday meals, combining turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and even cranberry sauce for a casserole that captures the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Recipe Overview

This Thanksgiving leftovers casserole combines layers of leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce in a delicious baked dish. A layer of gravy and a crispy topping tie it all together, creating a comforting, hearty meal. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it based on whatever leftovers you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 2 cups stuffing
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 cup turkey gravy, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or thyme)

Substitutions: If you don’t have turkey, you can use leftover ham or chicken. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and use a plant-based butter substitute. Feel free to add in leftover roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the ingredients: Spread the turkey evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of stuffing, followed by the cranberry sauce (if using), and then a layer of mashed potatoes.
3. Add the gravy: Pour the gravy over the top of the casserole, spreading it evenly to ensure the dish stays moist during baking.
4. Add cheese (optional): If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the gravy layer for an extra creamy touch.
5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crispy crust.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with extra gravy on the side.

Tip: If the mashed potatoes are a bit dry, mix in a splash of milk or cream before adding them to the casserole to keep them creamy.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This Thanksgiving leftovers casserole serves 6-8 people and is perfect as a main course for a post-holiday dinner. Pair it with a light green salad for a balanced meal, or serve it with extra cranberry sauce and gravy for added flavor. If you’re entertaining guests again, consider making a double batch—it’s that good!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It’s a hearty dish with plenty of protein from the turkey and carbs from the stuffing and mashed potatoes. To lighten it up, you can reduce the amount of gravy or cheese used in the recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. If the casserole seems dry, add a little extra gravy before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What if I don’t have all the listed ingredients?

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Use whatever Thanksgiving leftovers you have on hand. Leftover roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, or even green bean casserole can be layered in for a delicious twist.

Can I freeze the Thanksgiving leftovers casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving leftovers casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy all your holiday favorites in one dish. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and brings comfort with every bite. The flavors of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy meld together beautifully, making it a perfect post-Thanksgiving meal. Try this recipe, and let us know in the comments how it turned out. Happy cooking!