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Tired of the same old leftovers after Thanksgiving? Toss everything into a single cozy bake for something totally new. Forget reheating stuff one by one. Just grab your holiday extras, pile them in a pan, and you've got a warm, can’t-wait-to-eat meal. No more wasted food, just easy comfort the next day.
Top Reason to Try This Casserole
Don’t stress over leftovers. Just toss whatever you have into one dish for a fast dinner. No separate warming needed. Use up whatever’s left, and you’re eating in half an hour. You’ll save cash and avoid tossing out good food, all while getting a meal that actually tastes great.
What Goes In
- Broth or Butter: ¼ cup keeps stuffing soft. Butter or stock both work fine
- Stuffing: 2 cups for the crunchy topping. No stuffing? Try breadcrumbs instead
- Milk: ¼ cup for thinning the gravy. Any kind is fine
- Gravy: 1 cup—the leftovers, or swap in chicken gravy if needed
- Corn: 1 cup for a pop of color and a little sweetness. Got other veggies? Toss them in
- Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups for that creamy middle layer
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup brings in a sweet-savory bite. Or swap for your favorite jam
- Turkey: 2 cups shredded cooked turkey (or any other cooked poultry)
Easy Steps
- Add the Topping
- Layer on the stuffing, then drizzle the broth over it. Pop some foil on top and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden.
- Pour the Gravy
- Whisk milk into your gravy till it’s smooth, then pour it evenly over all the layers in the pan.
- Build the Bottom Layers
- Start with turkey in the pan, smear cranberry on top, then plop on mashed potatoes and sprinkle with corn.
- Set the Oven
- Crank the oven to 400°F. While you wait, grab your square 8x8 pan.
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How This Dish Happened
This tasty bake started with a fridge loaded with holiday food and no desire to fuss over side dishes. Instead of nibbling from different containers, everything landed in one dish. Baked together, all those classic Thanksgiving flavors blend in a new, craveable way the next day.
Everybody’s Favorite
This warm bake is almost as popular as Thanksgiving dinner in our house. All those nostalgic tastes, but you only mess up one pan. Kids love the mix, parents appreciate using up extras, and it heats up awesome for tomorrow’s lunch.
Switch Things Up
Tweak your bake to fit what you’ve got. Extra potatoes? Add a bigger layer. Tons of stuffing? Make it super thick on top. Drop in leftover green beans or even some sweet potato if you want. Every batch is a little different and that’s part of the fun.
Cooking Smarts
Getting creative with leftovers is good for your wallet and helps cut down on waste. You stretch your grocery budget further and skip the need to cook or shop right away. Saves cash and helps the planet at the same time.
FAQs
Don’t keep your turkey in the fridge past four days. Store all leftovers in sealed containers till you’re ready for this bake. Got extra turkey? Try it in a sandwich or salad. Date your containers so you use things before they turn. And when something seems iffy, just toss it for safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap turkey for chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a perfect replacement. It blends just as well with the other ingredients.
- → What if I’m out of cranberry sauce?
No problem! Use apple sauce with a squeeze of lemon, any berry jam, chopped apples with dried cranberries, or even orange marmalade for sweetness.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
Sub dairy-free milk in the potatoes, make gravy with stock, and double-check stuffing labels. Swap butter for olive oil whenever needed.
- → Is it possible to prep in advance?
Yep! Assemble it completely, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and extend baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Or prep layers without stuffing and add it right before baking.
- → How do I get a crispy top?
Leave it uncovered for the last 10 minutes, sprinkle on buttered breadcrumbs, or toss crushed potato chips with your stuffing. Melted butter adds crunch, too.
- → How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days, though it tastes best on days one and two for optimal texture.
- → Can I freeze some for later?
Sure! Wrap portions securely and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- → What if it’s looking dry?
Add a little extra broth or gravy to bring back moisture. Leftovers can hold water differently.
- → No stuffing left—any other topping ideas?
Try crushed crackers with herbs, mashed potatoes, crispy fried onions, or crumbled cornbread for tasty alternatives.
Conclusion
Enjoyed this? Try out Turkey Shepherd's Pie next. It's another creative way to use your leftovers - layer turkey and gravy first, mashed potatoes on top, then bake until golden. Another dish to fall in love with your holiday extras.