What Shall We Do With The Leftover Turkey
A hearty baked casserole combining leftover turkey, ham, vegetables, and cheese, layered with bread cubes and topped with a creamy mushroom sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed turkey ⓘ
- 1 c. cubed ham
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced pimentos ⓘ
- 1 c. mayo ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 slightly beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sharp cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter 2 slices of bread, cut into small cubes, and set aside.
- Cut the remaining bread into cubes.
- Place half of the unbuttered bread cubes in the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Combine turkey, ham, onion, green pepper, water chestnuts, pimentos, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise.
- Spoon the mixture over the bread cubes in the dish.
- Layer the remaining unbuttered bread cubes over the mixture.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and milk together; pour over the layered ingredients.
- Chill the casserole for 1 hour or overnight.
- Prepare the mushroom soup and spoon it evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60 minutes or until set.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover roasted vegetables or even a different type of cheese, like mozzarella, in place of the sharp cheese. If you prefer a crunchier top, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking. Ensure the casserole is well chilled before baking for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own but pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as Cheddar Broccoli Salad, to balance the richness. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with a side of cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of What Shall We Do With The Leftover Turkey contains roughly 693 calories, with 23g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2293mg per serving (100% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the turkey and ham with other cooked meats like chicken or even a mix of deli meats. Just make sure they are cooked and diced appropriately to ensure even baking and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making in advance. Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for the white bread. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise, are also gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).