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**Instructions**:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with melted butter. A 9×9-inch dish works perfectly, but you can also use any other oven-safe dish depending on the amount of leftovers you have.
**Step 2: Layer the Base**
Begin by layering the bottom of your baking dish with the leftover mashed potatoes. Spread them evenly across the base of the dish. This forms the creamy, comforting layer of your casserole.
**Step 3: Add the Turkey and Stuffing**
Next, layer the shredded or chopped turkey over the mashed potatoes. Follow that with a layer of leftover stuffing. The stuffing adds great texture and flavor, making it a key element of this dish. If you have leftover green bean casserole, feel free to add it on top for extra texture and a burst of color.
**Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce**
Spoon a few dollops of leftover cranberry sauce on top of the stuffing. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce perfectly balances the savory layers beneath, adding a little zing that makes this dish so special.
**Step 5: Add the Cream or Gravy**
Pour the cream or gravy over the entire casserole. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping everything moist as it bakes. If you don’t have enough leftover gravy, feel free to substitute with cream, broth, or a little milk.
**Step 6: Top with Cheese**
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully over the casserole, creating a golden crust that makes it look as good as it tastes.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you want a golden, crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
**Step 8: Garnish and Serve**
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving all over again.
#### Why You’ll Love This Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
– **It’s a Crowd-Pleaser**: This casserole is perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends. It’s comforting, familiar, and packed with flavors everyone already loves. Plus, it’s a great way to share those beloved leftovers in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
– **No Waste, No Worries**: By using up all those leftover Thanksgiving dishes, you reduce food waste while creating a dish that feels like a new celebration. It’s an easy way to keep the holiday spirit alive long after the turkey has been carved.
– **Customizable**: This casserole is highly adaptable. You can add or omit ingredients based on what you have left over—whether it’s mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even a dollop of pumpkin pie filling. The recipe works with almost any traditional Thanksgiving side dish, making it a go-to for holiday leftovers.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: Not only is it great for dinner right after Thanksgiving, but this casserole also keeps well in the fridge for several days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. It’s an easy lunch or dinner option throughout the week, and you can even freeze it for later.
#### Conclusion
**Thanksgiving isn’t over in our house yet!** This **Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole** is proof that the flavors of the holiday can stretch far beyond the feast itself. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy every last bit of Thanksgiving leftovers while still feeling like you’re indulging in something fresh and exciting.
The blend of mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cheese creates the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and brings together all the beloved flavors of the season in a whole new way. If you’re looking for the perfect recipe to give those Thanksgiving leftovers new life, this casserole is the answer. So, the next time you’ve got turkey and stuffing to spare, don’t let them go to waste—turn them into this mouthwatering casserole and savor Thanksgiving for just a little while longer!
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