1. Can I freeze this casserole for later?

Yes! Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F until heated through, about 40–50 minutes.

2. What if I don't have cranberry sauce?

You can skip it, but the cranberry mayo adds a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the other ingredients. If you’re out, try using a touch of chutney, red currant jelly, or even a thin layer of sweet relish for a similar sweet-savory contrast.

3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayo, and use plant-based shredded cheese. The texture and flavor will still be creamy and delicious, with the same comforting layers.

4. Is it okay to use boxed stuffing instead of leftover?

Definitely. Boxed stuffing like Stove Top works great when leftovers are scarce. Prepare it according to package instructions before layering into the casserole to ensure the right texture.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole – Best Way to Use Leftovers

Name: Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups leftover stuffing: forms the savory, herby base and topping layers; 4 cups cooked turkey, coarsely chopped: the main protein, juicy and tender; 3/4 cup mayonnaise: adds creaminess and blends the mashed potatoes; 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: provides a tangy-sweet layer; 2 cups mashed potatoes: creamy layer for texture and heartiness; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into the potatoes for richness

Description

This Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole is the ultimate way to transform your holiday leftovers into a warm, hearty, and cheesy dish. Featuring layers of stuffing, turkey, creamy cranberry mayo, and mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting one-pan meal that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups leftover stuffing: forms the savory, herby base and topping layers
4 cups cooked turkey, coarsely chopped: the main protein, juicy and tender
3/4 cup mayonnaise: adds creaminess and blends the mashed potatoes
1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: provides a tangy-sweet layer
2 cups mashed potatoes: creamy layer for texture and heartiness
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into the potatoes for richness

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with olive oil spray.
Spread 2 cups of leftover stuffing into the bottom of the baking dish, pressing it to form a firm base.
Layer the chopped turkey evenly over the stuffing.
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce until smooth. Spread this cranberry mayo over the turkey layer.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, mashed potatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Spread the mashed potato mixture over the cranberry layer in the dish.
Top with the remaining 2 cups of stuffing.
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until hot and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let your leftovers sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before assembling to ensure even cooking.
You can substitute turkey with chicken or ham, and use boxed stuffing if leftovers are limited.
For added crunch, top the casserole with French fried onions before baking.
This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
To freeze, assemble and wrap tightly. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 516 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 830 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
Trans Fat: 0.04 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg