Turkey A La King
Turkey A La King is a comforting casserole featuring tender turkey, creamy mushroom and celery flavors, topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs and melted cheddar. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines savory, cheesy, and crispy elements for a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 packages boxed dressing mix (chicken flavor) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup celery, cut up ⓘ
- 4 to 5 cups turkey or chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 small cans mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers ⓘ
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the dressing according to the package instructions.
- Add raisins and celery to the dressing, then press the mixture into the bottom of a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the turkey, mushrooms, cream of celery, cream of chicken, and cream of mushroom soups, then spread this mixture over the dressing in the pan.
- Crush the Ritz crackers into small crumbs.
- Mix the shredded cheddar cheese and melted margarine into the crushed crackers.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the hot dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the topping to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to the soup mixture. If you prefer, substitute the turkey with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor twist. Incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the dish's aroma and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkey A La King over a bed of rice or egg noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, such as Eyes Of Texas Salad, to add a refreshing contrast. Additionally, crusty bread or garlic bread makes an excellent side for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey A La King contains roughly 964 calories, with 32g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (88% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1535mg per serving (67% 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 leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this dish, making it a great way to utilize holiday leftovers. Just ensure it's well-shredded or cubed for even distribution in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you want a healthier option, you can make your own cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk as a base. Alternatively, using a combination of Greek yogurt and broth can provide a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
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).