You’ll love this recipe if you like this Sausage Stuffing Casserole and Swiss Chicken Casserole.
Thanksgiving leftovers can get repetitive fast, but this casserole makes them feel new again. The stuffing gets a little crisp around the edges, the mashed potatoes stay creamy, and the melted cheese ties everything together. The cranberry layer adds a bit of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. It only takes 10 minutes to prep, and the oven does the rest.
If your fridge is packed after the holiday, this is an easy way to turn all those leftovers into another cozy meal for the family. You can put it together the next day, bake it within a couple of days, or freeze it for a later dinner. It’s also a great dish to bring along to family get-togethers the weekend after Thanksgiving!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
💛 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Uses Thanksgiving dinner leftovers in one simple dish.
- Ready for the oven in 10 minutes.
- Great balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
- Reheats perfectly for quick lunches or dinners.
➡️ Ingredients you’ll need
⏲ How to make this Thanksgiving leftovers casserole recipe
👉 Easy ingredient swaps
- Turkey: Shredded rotisserie chicken works just as well.
- Mashed Potatoes: Instant mashed potatoes or refrigerated prepared potatoes save time.
- Gravy: Jarred or packaged turkey gravy works fine.
- Cheese: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
✨ Variations
- Add Vegetables: Mix in a cup of leftover green beans, peas, or corn for more texture.
- Crispy Topping: Add a light sprinkle of crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Creamier Version: Stir a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before layering.
〰️ How to serve
- Veggies — Roasted vegetables, green beans, or a light salad to balance the richness.
💬 FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven straight from the fridge.
How should the casserole be stored?
Store in an airtight container and use within 3 days, as long as you’re still within 3-4 days of when the Thanksgiving leftovers were first cooked.
Can this turkey leftovers casserole be frozen?
Yes. After baking, cool it completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered at 350°F until the center is hot and steamy (165°F).
📚 More casserole recipes
🍽 Recipe
Email Recipe
Enter your email below and we’ll send you this recipe!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover stuffing or 6 ounces box Turkey-flavored stuffing mix, prepared
- 1 ½ cups leftover gravy or 12-ounce jar turkey gravy, divided
- 3 cups chopped or shredded leftover cooked turkey
- 14 ounces canned cranberry sauce, whole or jellied
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes or 24 ounces refrigerated container
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional Garnish
- Fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375 °F and lightly coat 9×13-inch baking dish in nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer Stuffing: Spread stuffing evenly across bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Gravy: Pour about ½ cup of gravy over stuffing to moisten it.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread cranberry sauce in an even layer on top of stuffing.
- Add Turkey: Evenly scatter chopped or shredded turkey over cranberry layer.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon mashed potatoes over turkey and, using a rubber spatula, gently spread them into an even layer.
- Add Remaining Gravy and Cheese: Drizzle remaining gravy over potatoes, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow casserole to cool for about 10-15 minutes so it can set a little. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed, then garnish with fresh chopped sage and serve.
Leave a Reply