Revitalize Your Thanksgiving Leftovers: Delicious Casserole Recipe
The aftermath of Thanksgiving often leaves us with a bounty of delicious leftovers, and what better way to give them new life than by creating a mouthwatering Thanksgiving leftover casserole? This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that transforms your remaining turkey, stuffing, and vegetables into a comforting dish that’s perfect for enjoying the holiday feast all over again. Let’s dive into this creative and tasty way to repurpose your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 2 cups cooked vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, etc.)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup gravy (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cranberry sauce or leftover roasted vegetables for topping
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer the Casserole:
- Spread the leftover stuffing evenly as the bottom layer of the baking dish.
- Layer the cooked turkey on top of the stuffing.
Add the Vegetables:
- Arrange the cooked vegetables over the turkey layer. You can mix different vegetables or layer them separately.
Spread Mashed Potatoes:
- Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the vegetable layer. Use a spatula to create a smooth surface.
Optional Gravy Layer:
- Pour gravy over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor and moisture. This step is optional but adds richness to the dish.
Top with Cheese and Season:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake and Serve:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Optional Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Optionally, garnish with dollops of cranberry sauce or leftover roasted vegetables before serving.
Customization Tips:
- Creative Additions: Incorporate other leftovers like roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even a layer of cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart twist.
- Herbaceous Touch: Enhance the flavors by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the casserole layers.
This Thanksgiving leftover casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary reinvention that brings the holiday spirit back to your table. It’s a celebration of flavors and a creative way to relish the feast all over again. So, gather your Thanksgiving leftovers, layer them with love, and transform them into a scrumptious casserole that captures the essence of the holiday—a delightful dish that ensures every bite is a reminder of the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving.
Left Over Thanksgiving Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 2 cups cooked vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, etc.)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup gravy (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cranberry sauce or leftover roasted vegetables for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the leftover stuffing evenly as the bottom layer of the baking dish, Layer the cooked turkey on top of the stuffing.
- Add the Vegetables: Arrange the cooked vegetables over the turkey layer. You can mix different vegetables or layer them separately.
- Spread Mashed Potatoes: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the vegetable layer. Use a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Optional Gravy Layer: Pour gravy over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor and moisture. This step is optional but adds richness to the dish.
- Top with Cheese and Season: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake and Serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes; Optionally, garnish with dollops of cranberry sauce or leftover roasted vegetables before serving.
- Customization Tips: Creative Additions: Incorporate other leftovers like roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even a layer of cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart twist; Herbaceous Touch: Enhance the flavors by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the casserole layers.
