Thanksgiving leftovers are a gift that just keeps on giving, but sometimes you need a little inspiration to transform them into a new and irresistible dish. Enter our Creamy Turkey and Cranberry Casserole – a cozy, comforting, and utterly craveable way to enjoy those precious holiday extras. With a rich, velvety sauce, tender turkey, and pops of tart-sweet cranberry, this casserole is pure comfort food magic.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey and Cranberry Casserole for Leftovers
This casserole is the ultimate way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. Not only is it a snap to throw together, but it’s also packed with warming spices, a lush, creamy sauce, and the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dish to serve to your family or take to a holiday potluck.
Ingredients
This easy casserole comes together with just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. You’ll need cooked turkey (hello, leftovers!), a creamy sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings, plus a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce or relish to provide the perfect contrast.
- 3 cups (about 12 ounces) – Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons – Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup – Chicken broth
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey: Use a combination of turkey and chicken if you’re short on leftovers.
- Cranberry Sauce: Swap in whole-berry cranberry jelly or your favorite jam or chutney if you don’t have cranberry sauce on hand.
How to Make Creamy Turkey and Cranberry Casserole for Leftovers
This comforting casserole comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, gather all of your ingredients and chop or shred the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the broth and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite warm spices like sage, thyme, or poultry seasoning.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the shredded turkey and cranberry sauce to the creamy sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and top with a layer of breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra-special touch, garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, a drizzle of melted butter, or a sprinkle of crunchy toasted nuts.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Make it Heartier: Stir in some cooked stuffing or mashed potatoes for an even more substantial dish.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in roasted carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash cubes.
- Crispy Topping: Top the casserole with a layer of buttery crackers or homemade breadcrumbs before baking.
- Dietary Swap: Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives to make a vegan version, or swap the turkey for chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
This casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish, with the rich, creamy sauce and tender turkey. Each serving provides a generous dose of protein, as well as some beneficial nutrients from the cranberries and any additional vegetables you choose to include.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen turkey instead of leftover cooked turkey?
Definitely! If you don’t have any Thanksgiving leftovers on hand, you can use frozen cooked turkey or chicken. Simply thaw and shred or chop the meat before proceeding with the recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven, covering it with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the turkey for cooked chickpeas, lentils, or a plant-based protein of your choice. For a vegan casserole, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives and omit the turkey.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole has a mild, comforting flavor profile. The seasonings are kept fairly simple to let the turkey and cranberry flavors shine. If you’d like to add a bit of heat, try stirring in a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Try These Next
- Hearty Turkey And Stuffing Casserole For Comfort
- Creamy Potato And Ham Casserole For Comforting Dinners
- Creamy Cheddar Chicken And Rice Casserole For Cozy Nights
Creamy Turkey and Cranberry Casserole for Leftovers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy turkey and cranberry casserole is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any festive meal. It combines savory turkey with tangy cranberries and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. Perfect served with biscuits or over rice!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 cup cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the turkey mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the turkey mixture.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and then sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate before baking. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: turkey, casserole, leftovers, cranberry, comfort food