Transform Thanksgiving Leftovers into a Mouthwatering Casserole
Thanksgiving leftovers often feel like a fridge puzzle. You’ve got turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, but the excitement of reheating the same meal quickly fades. The real challenge? Turning all those leftovers into something fresh and irresistible.
What if you could create a single dish that captures the heart of Thanksgiving while feeling entirely new?
Enter the Thanksgiving leftover casserole—your answer to the leftover dilemma. Easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, it’s the hero your fridge needs.
What Is a Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole?
A Thanksgiving leftover casserole is a layered dish that combines holiday staples like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into one warm, hearty bake. It’s the perfect way to reduce food waste while creating a meal everyone will love.
By layering each component, the casserole mimics the flavors of Thanksgiving but offers a new twist. Add a crispy cheese topping or a sweet potato crumble for even more flair.
Why You Should Try a Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
- Saves Time: Everything goes into one dish, cutting down on prep and cleanup.
- Reduces Waste: No more tossing leftovers that could’ve been delicious.
- Feeds a Crowd: Great for post-holiday family gatherings or freezing for later.
How Do You Deal with Leftovers on Thanksgiving?
Dealing with Thanksgiving leftovers starts with proper planning. Here’s how to make sure they don’t go to waste:
- Store Leftovers Safely: Use airtight containers to keep them fresh longer.
- Get Creative: Think beyond reheating. Use leftovers in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
- Freeze for Later: Items like turkey and mashed potatoes freeze well for up to three months.
Accurate measurements make a big difference when using leftovers. For tips on perfect portioning, read How to Measure Baking Ingredients to avoid common kitchen mistakes.
Not feeling casserole? Our Black Bean Butternut Squash Tacos recipe has great ideas for building bold, vegetarian flavors and for use with leftover butternut squash or even sweet potatoes’.
Can You Freeze Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Freezing a casserole lets you enjoy Thanksgiving flavors long after the holiday.
Freezing Tips:
- Use a Freezer-Safe Dish: Aluminum pans are great for freezing and reheating.
- Wrap It Well: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Know what’s inside and when you made it.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Did you know this casserole can be frozen for later? To ensure your ingredients stay fresh, check out our guide on Storing Raw and Cooked Chicken for helpful freezing tips and tricks.
How Long Do You Bake a Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole?
Bake your casserole at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. For a frozen casserole, bake for 60–70 minutes. Cover with foil for the first half to keep it from drying out, then uncover for a golden, bubbly top.
Print
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
Description
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting casserole that layers turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a unique sweet potato crumble topping. This dish reinvents holiday leftovers with an original twist, making it a standout addition to your table.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover stuffing (acts as a savory base)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (green beans, corn, or peas work well)
- 1 cup gravy, warm
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, creamy and fluffy
- 1 cup sweet potato puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Optional: 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, for a tangy layer
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Layer the Stuffing:
Spread the leftover stuffing evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Press gently to create a firm layer. - Add Turkey and Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, mixed vegetables, and gravy. Stir until evenly coated, then spread over the stuffing layer. - Optional Cranberry Layer:
If you like a sweet-tart flavor, spread cranberry sauce over the turkey mixture. - Top with Mashed Potatoes:
Evenly spread mashed potatoes over the cranberry (or turkey) layer. Smooth it out with a spatula. - Prepare Sweet Potato Crumble:
In a small bowl, mix sweet potato puree, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Spoon dollops of the mixture over the mashed potatoes, leaving some areas exposed for textural contrast. - Sprinkle Cheese:
Finish with shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly crust. - Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the comforting layers of holiday flavors!
Notes
What Makes This Recipe Unique:
The sweet potato crumble topping adds a unique twist that combines the classic holiday flavors of sweet and savory. The pecans bring a delightful crunch, while the brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This original element elevates the casserole, giving it a new texture and flavor dimension not found in traditional recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: ~400 per serving
- Sugar: ~8g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~36g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~23g
Ingredient Alternatives for Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Cooking is about making the most of what you have, and Thanksgiving leftover casseroles are no exception. You don’t have to follow the recipe exactly—sometimes substitutions can lead to even better results! Let’s explore some practical ingredient alternatives to ensure everyone at your table can enjoy this dish, no matter their preferences or dietary needs.
No Turkey? No Problem!
If turkey’s not available (or it’s just not your thing), try these alternatives:
- Chicken: Shredded or diced rotisserie chicken is a perfect substitute. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving sides.
- Ham: Cubed ham brings a salty, smoky contrast that works well with the sweetness of cranberry sauce or sweet potatoes.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian or plant-based option, use firm tofu. Crumble it slightly to mimic the texture of shredded meat and season it with herbs and spices for a flavorful boost.
Gluten-Free Swaps
For those avoiding gluten, a few simple substitutions can make this casserole safe and delicious:
- Gluten-Free Stuffing: Many stores now offer pre-made gluten-free stuffing mixes, so you can still enjoy the comforting flavors of herbs and spices.
- Breadcrumbs or Rice: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a similar texture or opt for cooked rice as the base layer for a heartier dish. Quinoa also works as a nutrient-rich alternative.
No Gravy? Get Creative!
If you’re out of gravy, don’t worry—there are other ways to add moisture and flavor:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A pantry classic that adds creaminess and umami flavor. Mix it with a little broth if it feels too thick.
- Bechamel Sauce: Whip up a simple white sauce with butter, flour (or gluten-free flour), and milk. Add a pinch of nutmeg or thyme for a flavor boost.
- Vegetable Broth: Combine broth with a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a lighter but equally satisfying alternative.
Vegan Option
Transform this casserole into a plant-based delight with a few swaps:
- Plant-Based Protein: Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based chicken substitute. Lentils or chickpeas are also great for a hearty texture.
- Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: Swap butter and milk with vegan butter and almond or oat milk.
- Vegan Cheese: Use shredded dairy-free cheese for the cheesy topping.
- Gravy Alternative: Make a vegan gravy using vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and a little flour or cornstarch for thickening.
Other Fun Additions and Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes Instead of Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover sweet potatoes or even roasted butternut squash for a slightly sweeter casserole.
- Crispy Topping Ideas: Add crushed potato chips, fried onions, or panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed) for a crunchy finish.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in leftover roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even sautéed mushrooms for more variety and nutrition.
Cooking with leftovers is all about adaptability. These swaps aren’t just about accommodating dietary restrictions—they’re opportunities to make the dish your own and create new family favorites. Whether you’re mixing in unexpected flavors or catering to a specific diet, there’s always a way to make your casserole unforgettable. Happy experimenting!
Helpful Questions About Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Yes, assemble it up to two days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Sweet potatoes or even a boxed mix will work in a pinch.
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until warm.
Absolutely! A crunchy stuffing topping is a great addition.
Not as written, but it can be with a few substitutions.
Up to four days when stored in an airtight container.
Of course! Bacon makes everything better.
The Final Bite
Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring. With this casserole, you’re turning yesterday’s meal into today’s masterpiece. It’s easy, satisfying, and saves you from wasting good food.
Hungry for more? Subscribe to the Simply Delicious Newsletter by Edible Exposure Media. You’ll get exclusive recipes, tips, and kitchen hacks delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now at Simply Delicious Digest.
This recipe was brought to you by Ryan Yates, a culinary pro with 20+ years of commercial kitchen experience and a working executive chef. Thanks for reading—now let’s get cooking!