Sep 30, 2023, Updated Jan 26, 2024 Whatever you call it, it’s the perfect way to give your holiday leftovers a delicious second life.
What is Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole and Why Does it Taste So Good?
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is your new go-to for using up holiday extras. Imagine a pie, but the crust is stuffing, the filling is turkey and gravy, and the top is all mashed potatoes. The stuffing crust gets crispy and holds everything together. It’s the ultimate base for the juicy turkey and gravy filling. Veggies add color and a fresh bite, balancing out all the richness. The mashed potatoes on top are creamy and buttery. It’s all the best parts of Thanksgiving in one epic dish. (If you’re still in the planning stages of Thanksgiving dinner, don’t miss my no-stress guide to planning and prepping a turkey dinner – much of it can be made ahead of time!).
Gather Your Ingredients
Get everything you need for this leftover feast—each ingredient plays a crucial role:
Leftover Stuffing: Forms the delicious crust that holds the casserole together. I love this herbed Apple Stuffing for Turkey. Egg (optional): Helps bind the stuffing crust for extra sturdiness. Leftover Turkey: The main protein, adding substance and heartiness to the casserole. (If you’re starting from the ground up, here’s my easy way to cook a turkey) Leftover Gravy: Adds moisture and flavor, making the turkey even more delicious. Here are my favorite gravy recipes: Turkey Giblet Gravy Without Drippings and Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy. Leftover Vegetables: Anything goes, from glazed carrots (pictured) to my fav crispy roasted brussels sprouts with bacon. Incorporates essential nutrients and color, giving a balanced taste and texture. Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Makes the creamy, fluffy topping that everyone loves. Butter: Adds a final touch of richness and flavor to the mashed potato topping.
Variations and Substitutions
Switch things up or make do with what you have using these ideas:
Cranberry Sauce Layer: Add a thin layer of cranberry sauce for a tart contrast. Sweet Potato Topping: Use leftover sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Cheese Addition: Sprinkle some shredded cheese between layers or on top for extra gooeyness. Different Vegetables: Feel free to use any thawed frozen vegetables you have, like corn, mixed veggies or peas, if you don’t have enough leftover.
How to make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole: Easy Step-by-Step Directions
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a scrumptious casserole with these simple steps:
For the Stuffing Crust
Moisten Stuffing: This step keeps the crust from becoming too dry and helps it bind together, especially if you’re using egg. Form Stuffing Crust: Press moistened stuffing into a pie dish to create the base layer; it holds the rest of the ingredients. Pre-Bake Crust: Firms up the stuffing, making it sturdy enough to hold the filling.
For the Assembly and Baking
Combine Turkey and Gravy: Mix these together for the filling, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Add Filling to Crust: Lay this mixture in the crust, pressing it down to pack the flavors.
Layer Vegetables: Adds color and nutrients; works as a separator between the meat and potatoes.
Prep Mashed Potato Topping: Spooning it on forms the final layer; dot with butter for extra flavor.
Final Bake: Brings all the components together and heats it to a food-safe temperature. Use foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Make Ahead and Storage
Keep your casserole fresh and delicious for later with these storage tips:
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance; store it in the fridge before the final bake. Refrigerate: Once baked, cool it down and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freeze the unbaked or fully baked casserole for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through to 165°F; you can also use a microwave for quicker reheating.
Other Turkey Dinner Leftovers Recipes to Try:
Turkey Poutine – cheesy, french fry goodness, smothered in gravy. Leftover Turkey Stew with Mashed Potato Dumplings. ‘Nuff said. Classic Turkey Pot Pie with Crust – it’s an easy recipe and a classic for a reason. What to Eat with Mashed Potatoes (put those leftover spuds to delicious use) More Fan Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Easy Roast Turkey with Cranberry Chutney The Best Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Try Cornbread Casserole Apple Turkey Stuffing Candied Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Bacon Maple Five Spice Roasted Butternut Squash Super Easy Pumpkin Pie Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Turkey Giblet Gravy Recipe (Without Drippings)
