Thanksgiving is over, and you've got a fridge stocked with stuffing, turkey, potatoes, and probably enough cranberry sauce to last a lifetime. But before you throw together another plain old turkey sandwich, make this Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole instead.
This cozy casserole layers all your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers with a little cheesy, creamy twist (looking at you, cranberry mayo). It's my family's favorite way to use them up, and the first meal we look forward to the day after.
Quick Summary
- A layered casserole for the day after Thanksgiving, ready in about an hour and serving 8.
- The cranberry mayo twist in the middle layer.
- How to build it while you put the leftovers away, so it's ready to bake the next day.
- Freezing directions for before or after baking, plus how to reheat.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients
- Leftover stuffing: Makes both the bottom and top layers. I use my Momma Law's Crock Pot Stuffing.
- Leftover turkey: Coarsely chopped for the middle layer.
- Mayonnaise: I use Hellmann's (Best Foods). Some gets mixed in with the cranberry sauce, and the rest goes into the potato layer.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: The other half of the cranberry mayo.
- Leftover mashed potatoes: The creamy layer under the top stuffing.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and stirred into the potatoes.
How To Make Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Stuffing Layer
Spray an 8x8 or 9x9 square baking dish with olive oil spray and layer with leftover stuffing.
Turkey Layer
Spread leftover turkey over top of the stuffing mixture.
Cranberry Mayo
Stir together the cranberry sauce and mayonnaise until well combined.
Cranberry Layer
Spread the cranberry mayonnaise over top of the turkey layer.
Final Layer
Stir the rest of the mayo and the cheese into the mashed potatoes and spread over the cranberry layer, then top with more leftover stuffing.
Substitutions
Turkey: If you're out of turkey, any cooked protein works! Try shredded chicken, ham, or even crumbled sausage.
Stuffing: No leftover stuffing? Use a prepackaged box of Stove Top stuffing instead!
Cheese: Sub any of your favorite cheeses for the mozzarella. Cheddar or Gruyere are great choices.
Variations
Make it spicy with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use my Cranberry Chipotle Sauce in place of the whole berry sauce for a smoky touch.
French fried onions sprinkled over the top give it some crunch.
Green beans, roasted carrots, or any leftover roasted veggies make a tasty addition.
Tip
Use room temperature leftovers: Cold leftovers can take longer to heat through, so let everything sit out for a few minutes before assembling.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through, or heat in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
The casserole can be frozen before or after baking.
Serve with
Serve leftover Thanksgiving casserole with a leafy green salad or air fryer Brussels sprouts.
You May Be Wondering
Yes! Just add the layers to your casserole dish as you're putting away the leftovers, then bake as directed when you're ready.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Let it sit out on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
No, I bake it uncovered.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Still have turkey to use up? Here are a few more ways to enjoy it!
- Leftover Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict
- Leftover Turkey Tostadas
- Turkey Hot Brown Sandwiches
- Turkey Pot Pie with Cheddar Garlic Biscuits
If you give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below to let me know how you liked it. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your beautiful salad bowls!
📖 Recipe
Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
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Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover stuffing divided
- 4 cups leftover cooked turkey coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a square baking dish with olive oil spray. Spoon in 2 cups stuffing, then top with turkey.
- Combine ¼ cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise with cranberry sauce; evenly spread over the turkey layer
- Combine remaining ½ cup Mayonnaise, potatoes and cheese in large bowl. Evenly spread over the cranberry layer, then top with remaining 2 cups stuffing.
- Bake 40 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired, with dried cranberries.
Pamela Moore says
My family loves this casserole so much that they asked me to make it a second time from the same original thanksgiving meal leftovers this year instead of having me make my wonderful turkey soup with the last of the turkey. LOVE LOVE LOVE this casserole! I make it with some alterations— twice the cranberry-mayo, all the stuffing on the bottom (none on top), additional cheese on the top. We love the way the cranberry-mayo layer keeps the turkey moist and plump, and love the tangy flavor it imparts. Every bite is delicious!
Laurel says
Making this tomorrow for the weekend. I regularly roast whole turkey breasts and we just can't eat so much at one time so this is a terrific way to use us the leftover meat! Thank you so much for the idea!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Laurel, thanks for stopping by and for trying the recipe. I hope you love it also! Shelby
Jessica Blackburn says
I haven't seen if we're supposed to cover lightly or bake un covered for this recipe.
I've covered it lightly for the first 20 minutes. It's still in the oven.
I'll post when the casserole is finished with how Ive done it the best way I can.
Thank you for sharing. I did make a few changes due to the fact I'm a left handed person so a lot of times I do things differently.
Ttysoon,
Jess
Shelby says
Hi Jess, I did not cover my casserole when baking. I hope it turned out well for you, it is a really delicious (to us!) recipe. 🙂 BTW, I'm left handed too 🙂
Kristi Kellberg says
This turkey casserole looks so yummy! This is a great way to use up all the Thanksgiving leftovers. I'm going to try it
with my Hellmann's mayonnaise.
Nancy Wallner says
This looks so yummy!! I am going to make it tonight.
erica s says
This looks SO good! I love the idea of mellowing out the cranberry sauce with mayo - and Hellman's is the best!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Oh, this is a fabulous idea for those Thanksgiving leftovers! 🙂 I think this just made it on my dinner plan for the weekend.
Sandra says
This casserole looks delicious! Let's skip Thanksgiving dinner and go straight to the leftovers! Happy Thanksgiving!
Sarah says
I would never thought to add the mayo! Sounds like a perfect way to kick up the leftovers a notch!
Glenn says
Well, that is a delightful looking casserole and a great way to use leftovers up. I just hope we have some!
Shelby says
🙂 Glenn, I have a feeling you will get some snow considering where you live....but I wouldn't cry if we didn't. lol I am loving the fact I haven't had to refill my furnace yet!