Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Add Preferred SourceTurn those Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouth-watering casserole that’ll make you wish every day was a holiday! This Thanksgiving Casserole is not just easy to make but also super tasty, packing all your leftover turkey into one delicious dish. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the best of Thanksgiving dinner all over again, without any of the fuss.
Why You Will Love Making Thanksgiving Casserole
If you’re wondering why you should give this Thanksgiving casserole a go, let me lay it out for you:
- Simple: No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a straightforward recipe.
- Flavorful: It’s like reliving Thanksgiving dinner all over again, with every bite packed with familiar festive flavors.
- Versatile: Got extra green beans or a spoonful of cranberry sauce? Toss them in! This casserole is super forgiving.
- Comforting: Nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty casserole on a chilly day.
- Efficient: This is a great way to use up leftovers and reduce waste. Plus, it’s a whole meal in one dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Thanksgiving Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Ready to transform your leftovers into something incredible? Here’s how you make this Thanksgiving casserole:
Prep Your Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200ºC). Take your cubed sandwich or French bread, spread it out on a baking tray, and drizzle with some olive oil.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
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Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the top for that extra flavor kick and bake for about 12 minutes until it’s nice and golden.
Cook Your Veggies
While the bread is toasting, grab a skillet and melt some butter over medium heat. Toss in your chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and smelling amazing, about 7 minutes.
Mix It All Together
Add your shredded turkey to the skillet and give everything a good stir. Season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste. In a large bowl, combine your toasted bread with the turkey mixture, a splash of white wine, some chicken broth, a pinch of thyme, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Stir it all together until everything is nicely mixed.
Bake Your Casserole
Transfer your mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it back into the oven and bake for another 18 minutes, until the top is crunchy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Pull your casserole out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a bit of green, and dig in! Your Thanksgiving casserole is ready to impress.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups sandwich bread slices cubed
- 2 cups French bread cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup butter
- 5 celery stalks chopped
- ½ red onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound cooked turkey shredded
- ½ cup white wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200ºC).
- Arrange the bread in a tray – drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.2 cups sandwich bread slices, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper, 2 cups French bread
- In a skillet, melt the butter and add the celery, onion, and garlic and cook for 7 minutes, or until soft.½ cup butter, 5 celery stalks, ½ red onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the turkey and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.1 pound cooked turkey
- In a bowl, combine the turkey mixture with the bread, wine, chicken broth, thyme and parsley. Mix well.3 cups chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ cup white wine
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 18 minutes, or until crunchy and golden brown.
- Serve with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix them until just combined to keep the textures intact.
- Customize It: Feel free to throw in any extra veggies you have on hand, like Brussels sprouts or diced butternut squash, for a burst of color and nutrition.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dollop of cream cheese can add a creamy richness that takes this dish to the next level.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference. Try adding some sage or extra thyme for deeper flavor.
- Crunch: For an added crunch, top your casserole with a layer of fried onions or a breadcrumb and parmesan mixture in the last few minutes of baking.
- Keep It Moist: If the casserole looks dry while baking, add a bit more broth to keep it moist and delicious.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake as directed.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool and Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before you pack it away, and store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate: Place them in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. This helps retain the texture better than zapping it in the microwave.
- Freeze: If you’ve got more than you can handle in the next few days, Thanksgiving casserole freezes well. Just wrap it up tightly in aluminum foil or store it in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll be good for a couple of months.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To make your Thanksgiving casserole truly unforgettable, here are some insider tips:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix them until just combined to keep the textures intact.
- Customize It: Feel free to throw in any extra veggies you have on hand, like Brussels sprouts or diced butternut squash, for a burst of color and nutrition.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dollop of cream cheese can add a creamy richness that takes this dish to the next level.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference. Try adding some sage or extra thyme for deeper flavor.
- Crunch: For an added crunch, top your casserole with a layer of fried onions or a breadcrumb and parmesan mixture in the last few minutes of baking.
- Keep It Moist: If the casserole looks dry while baking, add a bit more broth to keep it moist and delicious.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake as directed.
How to Store Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Got even more leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Thanksgiving casserole tasting great for days:
- Cool and Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before you pack it away, and store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate: Place them in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. This helps retain the texture better than zapping it in the microwave.
- Freeze: If you’ve got more than you can handle in the next few days, Thanksgiving casserole freezes well. Just wrap it up tightly in aluminum foil or store it in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll be good for a couple of months.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Saving some dough while making your Thanksgiving casserole is easier than you think! Check out these budget-friendly tips:
- Store Brand: Opt for store-brand basics like butter and broth—they taste the same in a casserole.
- Batch Cooking: Make more than one casserole at a time to save on energy costs and future meal prep.
- Alternative Proteins: Use other holiday proteins like chicken or pork if you have those leftover instead.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Casserole
Here are some unique and tasty ideas to serve alongside your Thanksgiving casserole, especially great for using up those extra holiday leftovers:
Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad
Toss together some fresh spinach with leftover cranberry sauce, toasted pecans, and a little goat cheese. The tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the pecans add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to your casserole.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
If you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, shape them into pancakes and fry them up until they’re crispy on the outside. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a bit of zing.
WOW…great for Thanksgiving…just ass I remember.
It is! Let me know how it turns out when you try it Estel!
I have trouble digesting stringy veg, so I GRIND half the celery then add the ground and juice–all the flavor half the struggle
I’m glad you’ve found a great solution for you!