Oh, the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers! I can’t tell you how excited I get when I see that mountain of turkey and stuffing sitting in my fridge. It’s like a treasure trove waiting to be transformed into something delicious. That’s where this comforting casserole comes in! Using those precious Thanksgiving casserole leftovers, I whip up a dish that’s not just easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a family tradition to gather around the table and dive into this warm, cheesy goodness, reminiscing about the holiday while savoring every bite. Trust me, you’ll want to make this a part of your holiday traditions too!
Ingredients List
For this delightful Thanksgiving casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded – Use whatever turkey you have; it adds that lovely flavor!
- 1 cup leftover stuffing – It brings in that comforting texture and taste.
- 1 cup leftover green bean casserole – The creaminess makes this dish even better!
- 1 cup cranberry sauce – A little sweetness balances everything out perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I love using a sharp cheddar for a kick, but feel free to choose your favorite!
- 1/2 cup milk – This keeps the casserole nice and moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Because who doesn’t love a bit of oniony goodness?
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Casserole Leftovers
Let’s dive right in! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it helps the casserole cook evenly and thoroughly. While that’s warming up, grab a large bowl and combine your shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Seriously, the combination of flavors is going to blow your mind!
Next, pour in the milk along with the garlic powder and onion powder. Give it all a good mix until everything is well combined. If it looks a bit too thick, don’t worry; it’ll come together nicely in the oven. Now it’s time to transfer this delicious mixture to a greased baking dish—make sure it’s big enough to hold all that goodness!
Once you’ve spread the mixture evenly, it’s time for the secret weapon: shredded cheese! Pile it on top to create that gooey, melty layer we all love. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to throw together, perfect for a post-holiday meal.
- Utilizes all those delicious Thanksgiving casserole leftovers, minimizing waste.
- Flavor-packed with a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
- Cheesy, comforting goodness that will warm you from the inside out.
- Great for feeding a crowd or saving for later—it’s a win-win!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Thanksgiving casserole leftovers, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste—maybe add a little more garlic or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in different types of cheese; mozzarella gives a lovely stretch, while pepper jack adds a nice heat! You can also throw in some sautéed veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition. And remember, if it’s too thick, a splash more milk will do the trick. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
One of the best things about this casserole is how flexible it is! Feel free to swap in any other leftovers you have on hand. For instance, leftover mashed potatoes can make a fantastic topping instead of cheese—just spread them on top for a twist! You could also add some cooked vegetables like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition. If you want a bit of zing, toss in some jalapeños or a dollop of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving casserole leftovers is a breeze! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for those post-holiday cravings! If you want to save it for later, go ahead and freeze it. Just be sure to use an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and it’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this comforting Thanksgiving casserole leftovers. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on your specific ingredients:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
This hearty dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein, making it a great option for a post-Thanksgiving meal!
FAQs
Can I use other types of leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole is super versatile, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Leftover ham, veggies, or even mashed potatoes can work wonders in this dish.
How long does it take to cook?
It typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven, but remember, every oven is different! Keep an eye on that gooey cheese until it’s bubbly and golden.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
What if I don’t have milk?
No problem! You can substitute with chicken broth or even sour cream for added creaminess. Just adjust the consistency as needed.
Thanksgiving Casserole Leftovers: 5 Comforting Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers in a comforting casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup leftover stuffing
- 1 cup leftover green bean casserole
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
- Add milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add any other leftovers you have.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- This casserole can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: thanksgiving casserole leftovers
