Holiday Leftovers Recipes

ByDave Simpson

Feasts abound during the holidays, and I love making something new and delicious with the leftovers. My Holiday Leftover Recipe combines tender, shredded turkey and savory stuffing with an even more comforting layer of mashed potatoes, turning them into a hearty casserole.

I add bright green beans for a nutritious boost, depth of flavor, and color. The hint of dried thyme adds to the flavor profile.

I finish off this Healthified Recs with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of shredded cheese (your choice: cheddar or mozzarella) so that it emerges from the oven golden, bubbly, and even more enticing. This is how I celebrate every bit of holiday goodness with a recipe that doesn’t waste a thing.

Ingredients photo for Holiday Leftovers Recipes

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Holiday Leftovers Recipes

Cooked Turkey:
Rich in protein, low in fat, ideal for meals after the holidays.

Stuffing:
Adding depth and texture, it’s immensely flavorful and downright delicious.

Mashed Potatoes:
Comforting and creamy, it provides energy-boosting carbohydrates.

Cranberry Sauce:
Offers a burst of freshness and vitamins; sweet and tangy.

Gravy:
Delicious and full of flavor, it serves to amplify the taste and adds moisture to the dish.

Green Beans:
Contains beneficial fiber and abundant nutrition.

Contributes vibrant colors and essential nutrients.

Shredded Cheese:
Richness and indulgence are in the details.

That’s why cream and melted cheese are such effective ingredients.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded

  • 1 cup cooked stuffing

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes

  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce

  • 1/2 cup gravy

  • 1 cup cooked green beans

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and half of the gravy. When well combined, this mixture will resemble a somewhat thick, chunky, cohesive mass—kind of like a turkey potpie filling.

3. Adjusting the taste to your liking, make sure to evenly distribute the salt, pepper, and dried thyme throughout the mixture.

4. Evenly distribute the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to form an even layer.

5. Pour the leftover gravy on top of the mixture. It serves two purposes: It adds more moisture, and it enhances the flavor.

6. Cranberry sauce should be evenly distributed over the top, creating dollops across the surface.

7. Over the top of the cranberry sauce layer, sprinkle the shredded cheese, covering the surface completely and evenly.

8. Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven, set at 350 degrees, for 20 minutes.

9. Keep the foil off and keep baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld together. Serve it as a cozy, comforting meal made with whatever leftovers you have.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Foil
8. Grater (if shredding cheese)

FAQ

  • Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?
    Absolutely! You can substitute cooked shredded chicken for the turkey if that’s what you have on hand.

  • How can I store any leftovers of this recipe?
    Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

  • What other vegetables can I use instead of green beans?
    You can use any cooked vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, peas, or broccoli.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes! Omit the turkey and stuffing, and use cooked lentils or a meat substitute, vegetable gravy, and additional vegetables or stuffing of your choice.

  • What can I use if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
    You can skip the cranberry sauce or substitute it with a fruit chutney or apple sauce for a sweet-tangy element.

  • Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
    Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Substitutions and Variations

Shredded cooked turkey: Use shredded cooked chicken or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Dressing: Use cooked rice or quinoa in place of bread to give a whole new texture.
Mashed potatoes: Replace with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for an alternative flavor.
Cranberry sauce: Change it out for apple sauce or cherry preserves to add a fruitier flavor.
Gravy: For a savory switch-up, use a cream or mushroom sauce in its place.