Day After Thanksgiving Casserole
A comforting casserole combining turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, perfect for using leftovers and suitable for a family dinner with festive flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare stuffing according to package directions.
- Stir cranberry sauce and chopped walnuts into the cooked stuffing.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture into a 3-quart oblong baking dish.
- Arrange cooked turkey cubes on top of the stuffing.
- Pour turkey gravy over the turkey and stuffing.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding sautéed onions or celery to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, try using homemade turkey gravy instead of canned. This casserole is also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes by spreading a layer on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting finish, serve with cranberry sauce on the side. It can also be accompanied by biscuits or cornbread, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Day After Thanksgiving Casserole contains roughly 1030 calories, with 31g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1143mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute cooked chicken for turkey if you prefer. The flavors will still work well with the stuffing and gravy. Just make sure to use a similar amount of cooked chicken, and consider seasoning it slightly to match the turkey flavor.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable gravy instead of turkey gravy, and ensure the stuffing is also vegetarian-friendly. This makes a delicious alternative for meat-free meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).