You know that feeling? The one right after Thanksgiving dinner, where the table is still laden with delicious remnants, and the one after Christmas, when the meal is over. You’re just too full to think about another bite. Is it true that cravings start to whisper the next morning? Is it the craving for something comforting, something familiar, but also something *new*? How do I recreate all those delicious flavors without starting from scratch? What is the best Thanksgiving leftovers casserole? Think of it as a cozy hug disguised as food, transforming what’s left into brand. What are some of the most irresistible dishes I almost wish I had fewer leftovers just so I have an excuse. I want to make this sooner. Is it like a savory bread pudding? How do you deal with Thanksgiving leftovers?
What is the ultimate Thanksgiving leftovers casserole?
What is this magical creation that I can’t stop raving about? At its heart, it’s a way to give all those amazing Thanksgiving flavors – the turkey, the stuffing, and the gravy. cranberry sauce, even a little hint of mashed potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous – and for the second, the Peanut Butter. Is life a glorious life? We’re talking about a baked dish. A glorious sort of strata, where everything gets melded together. With a creamy, savory custard and golden-brown crust. Is it a pot pie? What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving Day treats? Something cohesive and utterly delicious. I like to call it the “Second Act Casserole” because that’s exactly what it is – the perfect encore. What are some of the best holiday performances?
Why you will love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin with why this casserole is a lifesaver and a pure joy? First off, the flavor. Oh. My. Goodness. It’s like all the best parts of Thanksgiving are concentrated into every single bite. You get the savory depth of the turkey, the herby goodness of the stuffing, a little tart sweetness from the cranberry sauce, all bound together by that rich, creamy custard. It’s incredibly satisfying. What I also adore is how ridiculously simple it is to pull together, especially when you’re already exhausted from cooking the main event. You’re basically just chopping and layering. It’s far less fussy than making a whole new meal, making it perfect for those post-holiday days when you just want something delicious without the fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly – you’re using what you already have! And the versatility? It’s amazing. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have left. I’ve even thrown in leftover Green Bean Casserole components before, and it was fantastic. It’s my absolute favorite way to avoid food waste while still eating like royalty. This one truly stands out because it’s not just about using leftovers; it’s about creating a completely new experience that’s just as, if not more, comforting and delicious as the original feast.
What are some of the best Thanksgiving leftovers to make?
Quick Overview
What is a casserole? How do you layer your favorite Thanksgiving foods into savory bakes? What’s the best way to make custard? What is the best way to bake a dish until golden brown and bubbly? It’s incredibly forgiving and adapts beautifully to whatever you have in your fridge. What is the best way to get a good mix of all those iconic holiday flavors into each scoop?
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole Base:
About 3-4 cups shredded or diced cooked turkey (dark meat and white meat are both great)
2-3 cups crumbled or cubed stuffing/dressing (make sure it’s not too soggy!)
1 cup mashed potatoes (optional but adds incredible creaminess)
1/2 cup leftover gravy (or turkey broth if you haven’t)?
1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied, your choice)!
What is the best way to add a pop of color to your peas?
For the Savory Custard:
4 large eggs
2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness)
1 teaspoon salt is a teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon black pepper.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
What are some good dried herbs to add to a salad?
For the Topping:
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs. Then add a few more.
2 tablespoons of melted butter. 1 teaspoon of
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (optional)
How do you follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)? What size baking dish would you recommend? How many leftovers are you working with? Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. How do you get a casserole out of the pan?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine your shredded turkey, crumbled stuffing, mashed potatoes (if using), thawed peas or corn. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly. You don’t want all the turkey in one corner and all the stuffing in another. Just a light mix is all you need here.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any herbs you might be using. This is your creamy custard base. Make sure the eggs are well beaten and everything is nicely incorporated. This mixture is what’s going to bind all those wonderful leftovers together and make them wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour about half of the wet custard mixture over your turkey and stuffing mixture. Add the gravy (or broth) and gently stir it all together. The goal here is to moisten everything without making it soggy. You want the stuffing to absorb some of that liquid, but still hold its shape a bit. If you’re using cranberry sauce, dollop spoonfuls of it throughout the mixture now, or you can swirl it in later during layering.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you’re using cranberry sauce and haven’t added it yet, this is a good time to dollop it strategically throughout the turkey and stuffing mixture. You want little pockets of that sweet-tart flavor in every bite. Don’t stir it in completely; think of it as adding little bursts of deliciousness.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour about half of the turkey-stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the remaining custard evenly over the top. Then, add the rest of the turkey-stuffing mixture. Pour the remaining custard over everything, making sure it seeps down into all the nooks and crannies. If you saved some cranberry sauce, you can gently swirl it on top now with a knife for a pretty marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is starting to turn a lovely golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out mostly clean, and the center shouldn’t be jiggly. If the top starts browning too quickly, you can always loosely tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows everything to set up properly, making it much easier to serve. While it’s resting, you can quickly mix up your topping: combine the crushed crackers or panko with melted butter and the optional cheese. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole. You can even pop it back under the broiler for a minute or two to get that topping extra crispy and golden, but watch it closely!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Now for the best part! Slice into your masterpiece and serve warm. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table again. It’s perfect on its own, but you could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of extra gravy if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
What should I serve it with?
This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out or serve it for a specific occasion, here are a few ideas that I love. For a casual breakfast the day after Thanksgiving (yes, I’ve done this!), a strong cup of coffee is absolutely essential. The savory flavors of the casserole pair surprisingly well with that morning caffeine boost. For a more relaxed brunch, I like to serve it with a simple green salad – maybe with a light vinaigrette – to cut through the richness, and perhaps some fresh fruit like sliced oranges or grapefruit. If you’re serving this as a main course for dessert (which I totally do when I’m craving something comforting and savory), it’s delicious with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or even some simple steamed Green Beans. For those cozy snack times when you just need a pick-me-up, a small bowl of this casserole, maybe with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives, is pure bliss. My family always requests this for breakfast on Saturday mornings after Thanksgiving; it’s become a tradition, and the happy murmurs as they dig in are the best reward!
What are some tips for making leftovers for Thanksgiving?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make this casserole sing. First, regarding the stuffing: if it was super moist to begin with, you might want to let it sit out for a bit to dry out slightly before adding it to the casserole. This helps prevent it from getting mushy. When mixing the custard, don’t over-whisk the eggs; you just want them incorporated with the milk. Over-whisking can sometimes lead to a slightly rubbery texture. For the swirl of cranberry sauce, I find that using a spoon to dollop it in and then a gentle swirl with a butter knife gives the prettiest result without mixing it in too much. If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, a layer of leftover sweet potato casserole (pureed a bit) can also be a delicious addition, though it will change the flavor profile quite a bit! When it comes to baking, ovens can be finicky. If your casserole is browning too quickly on top, don’t hesitate to cover it loosely with aluminum foil. And for that crispy topping, making sure the butter is fully melted and coats the crumbs evenly is key for maximum crispiness. I learned this the hard way after a few batches where the topping was a bit uneven! Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the custard. If your leftovers are already quite salty (like if your stuffing had a lot of added salt), you might want to reduce the salt in the custard slightly. Taste as you go!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This casserole is fantastic for making ahead or for enjoying over the next few days. Once it’s cooled, you can store it at room temperature for no more than two hours. For longer storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The quality is best when it’s eaten within that timeframe. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to do so before the topping is added. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or a small oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you’re reheating the whole dish, place it in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you froze it without the topping, add the cracker or panko topping before reheating in the oven and bake until golden and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite way to tackle those glorious Thanksgiving leftovers. This casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how delicious and comforting second chances can be. It’s a dish that brings people back to the table, sharing smiles and warm memories, all over again. It’s easy, it’s flavorful, and it’s incredibly satisfying. I truly hope you give this a try. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to leftovers, and that’s saying something! Let me know in the comments below how yours turns out, or if you have any other creative ways you like to use your Thanksgiving bounty. Happy cooking, and more importantly, happy eating!
Thanksgiving Leftover Crescent Rolls in Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Crescent roll dough
- 1 cup Turkey or chicken leftovers, shredded or diced
- 0.5 cup Stuffing
- 1 cup Gravy
- 0.25 cup Cranberry sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
- Place a spoonful of turkey/chicken and stuffing onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the point.
- Arrange rolls in a baking dish. Pour gravy over the rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce.
