Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for using up holiday leftovers. By combining turkey, stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes, it creates a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
This casserole is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. It saves you time spent on cooking and helps minimize food waste after the festive meals.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is a fantastic way to repurpose food from your holiday feast. Often, there are plenty of leftovers, and turning them into a new dish brings variety to your meals. This casserole allows the beautiful flavors of your Thanksgiving dinner to shine once more.
Moreover, this dish is suitable for all ages, making it an ideal recipe for families. It’s comforting, filling, and can be enjoyed both for lunch and dinner. Plus, the satisfaction of transforming leftovers into something delightful is just an added bonus!
Equipment Needed for Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
To make this casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment. Having the right tools will make the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you should prepare:
- A large pot for boiling potatoes
- A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- A greased 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the casserole
- A potato masher or hand mixer for mashing potatoes
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements
- A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
What You Need to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 cups stuffing cubes, unseasoned
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked turkey, cubed
- 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup sour cream, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Cook Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Step by Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, take a large pot and fill it with water. Add the potato chunks to the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow them to cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender.
While you wait for the potatoes, gather a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine your unseasoned stuffing cubes, poultry seasoning, and rubbed sage. Pour in the chicken broth and stir the mixture until everything is evenly distributed. Next, take a greased 9×13 baking dish and pour the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
Now, turn your attention back to the turkey. In another large bowl, add your cubed cooked turkey, the two cans of undiluted cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and a quarter cup of sour cream. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Carefully spoon this turkey mixture over the stuffing base in the baking dish.
Once your potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. Transfer the drained potatoes into a large bowl for mashing. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash them until they are smooth. Beat in the softened cream cheese, pepper, salt, and the remaining sour cream. You want to ensure everything is well mixed.
Spread the mashed potato mixture over the turkey layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Lastly, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
Now, place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and the edges are slightly golden. When done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
If you have any leftovers, store the casserole in airtight containers in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to one month for later enjoyment.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
To make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, gather all of your ingredients and equipment first. This preparation will streamline your cooking process, making it efficient and enjoyable. Start with the potatoes, cooking them until tender for a fluffy mashed potato layer.
Next, handle the stuffing and turkey layers. Proper seasoning is key, so make sure to mix well to pull out the best flavors. Pay attention to the layering in your baking dish, as each layer should be spread evenly to ensure a good mix of flavors in every bite.
Finally, don’t rush the baking. Give the casserole enough time in the oven for all the elements to meld together beautifully. Once it’s done, let it rest before serving to ensure the perfect scoop every time.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
When it comes to serving Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, it’s best served warm right out of the oven. Use a spatula to dish out generous portions for everyone at the table. You can garnish each serving with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley for an added pop of color.
This casserole works well as a main dish, side dish, or even as a midnight snack. The creamy texture, combined with the chunks of turkey and the savory stuffing flavors, makes it appealing to many.
Consider offering a salad or a light vegetable side dish with the casserole to balance the meal. A refreshing green salad with vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the casserole wonderfully.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Pairing Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with the right sides can elevate your meal experience. Since the casserole is hearty, light and fresh options work best.
For a refreshing counterpart, consider a garden salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing. The crispness of the salad provides a great contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
Another excellent pairing is roasted vegetables. You might choose carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, lightly seasoned and roasted until tender. These not only add color to your plate but also bring in a healthy touch.
If you want to keep the holiday spirit alive, cranberry sauce is a classic addition. Its tartness can balance out the flavors in your casserole beautifully.
How to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
After enjoying your casserole, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly. To do this, let the casserole cool down to room temperature first. This helps prevent condensation, which could affect the texture and flavor when stored.
Use an airtight container or a covered dish to store the casserole in your refrigerator. It should remain fresh for about three days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
When freezing, portion the casserole into smaller containers for easier thawing. Label each container with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored. When you’re ready to eat the frozen casserole, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
To get the best results when preparing your casserole, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Always check your ingredients before starting to ensure everything is fresh and within its expiry date.
When mashing your potatoes, if you want a creamier texture, add a bit more sour cream or cream cheese. This will enhance the richness of the mashed potato layer.
Don’t hesitate to customize the seasoning according to your taste. You may want to add more garlic powder or even some herbs like thyme or rosemary to give it an extra kick.
Ensure that the layers are evenly spread in your baking dish for the best presentation and flavor distribution. Lastly, keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes to avoid overcooking the cheese topping.
Variation
If you want to change things up, there are various ways to alter the basic Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole recipe. One variation involves replacing turkey with ham or chicken, which can also be delicious.
You can also experiment with the cheese type; switching to mozzarella or pepper jack adds different flavors.
For a vegetarian alternative, try using sautéed vegetables instead of meat. Ingredients like mushrooms, broccoli, and bell peppers can create a delightful veggie casserole.
Best Time to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is best made shortly after the holiday, utilizing the uneaten turkey and stuffing while the flavors are still fresh in your mind.
However, it’s also a fantastic dish to prepare on those cold winter evenings when you crave comfort food. As long as you have the necessary ingredients, feel free to whip it up any time of the year!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, avoid common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfect. One mistake is undercooking the potatoes; they should be fork-tender for easy mashing.
Another issue is not allowing the casserole enough time to bake. Rushing the cooking process can leave the dish soggy or undercooked. Keep an eye on it, ensuring the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Finally, be cautious not to overmix the ingredients. Stirring too vigorously can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired creamy consistence.
Nutritional Notes
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is hearty and filling, making it important to consider portion sizes. This casserole contains protein from the turkey, calcium from cheese and sour cream, and carbohydrates from potatoes and stuffing.
While it offers a balanced mixture of nutrients, it may also be higher in calories due to creamy ingredients and cheese. Enjoying this dish in moderation can help you savor it guilt-free.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of meat in the casserole?
A: Yes! You can easily substitute turkey with chicken or even ham depending on your preference and available leftovers.
Q: Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have sour cream?
A: If you’re out of sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or a mix of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is more than just a way to clear out your fridge after the holiday. It’s a gracious blend of flavors and textures that can offer warmth and comfort any day of the year.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or create your own variations, this dish will surely become a beloved family tradition. Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious comfort food with your loved ones!
For the mashed potatoes
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sour cream, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the turkey layer
- 4 cups cooked turkey, cubed
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted (10.75 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the stuffing base
- 6 cups stuffing cubes, unseasoned
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the topping
- 1-1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil the potato chunks in a large pot of water over high heat for 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
In a large mixing bowl, combine stuffing cubes, poultry seasoning, and rubbed sage. Pour in chicken broth and stir until evenly distributed.
Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In another bowl, mix cubed turkey, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup sour cream until well combined. Spoon over the stuffing layer.
Drain the cooked potatoes, then mash them in a bowl. Mix in softened cream cheese, pepper, salt, and remaining sour cream until smooth.
Spread the mashed potato mixture over the turkey layer in the baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Baking
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to one month. Portion for easier thawing, and always label containers with the date.
