Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? The cozy gatherings, the aroma of turkey roasting in the oven, and of course, the delicious spread of food that brings everyone together. One of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up during this festive season is this easy Thanksgiving dish. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and makes use of leftover turkey, which is a lifesaver after the big feast! Trust me, when I serve this at our family gatherings, everyone digs in and savors every bite. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s so simple to prepare—you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen! Just a quick combine, bake, and serve, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready to impress your guests. So, let’s dive into how to make this tasty treat!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to set the stage for our delicious dish! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top. Trust me, you’ll want that perfectly bubbly cheese!
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, let’s bring the magic together! Start by mixing the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and cream of mushroom soup. I like to use a spatula or a large spoon to gently fold everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those flavors to mingle and sing! Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at this stage; it’ll come together beautifully in the oven.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes for an easy cleanup later! Carefully transfer your turkey mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure it’s nice and snug in there; we want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Add the Toppings
Next up, it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of your mixture. And don’t hold back on this—who doesn’t love a cheesy topping? Finally, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over everything. This little step adds a nice richness and helps the cheese get beautifully melty.
Bake the Dish
Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and possibly even a little browned on top. Just keep an eye on it towards the end—every oven is a bit different, and we want that perfect finish!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. I know it’s tempting, but giving it a little time helps everything set up nicely. Serve it warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what you’re getting in each delicious serving of this easy Thanksgiving dish! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just a typical estimate. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Fiber: 3g
Knowing what’s in your food can help you enjoy it even more, right? So, whether you’re counting macros or just savoring the flavors, this dish has something for everyone to love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just mix, bake, and serve!
- Family-friendly flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
- A fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving feast.
- Delicious combination of sweet cranberry and savory stuffing that everyone enjoys.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, ensuring there’s something everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, try to use fresh turkey and homemade cranberry sauce if you can. It makes a big difference in taste!
- Check the Cheese Melt: Keep an eye on that cheese toward the end of baking! You want it to be perfectly melted and just starting to brown. If it’s not there yet, a few extra minutes can do wonders.
- Mix It Up with Veggies: Feel free to toss in some frozen peas or corn for an extra pop of color and flavor. It also adds a bit more nutrition to the dish!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the texture a bit off, and we want it to be nice and cozy!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepped ahead of time! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving for an easy, stress-free meal.
- Serve with a Side: Pair it with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal. It’s a great way to add some freshness to your plate!
Variations
- Herb Infusion: Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mixture for a burst of flavor. Just a teaspoon or two will elevate the dish beautifully!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. It adds a fun twist that spicy food lovers will adore!
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in some frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell peppers for a colorful, nutritious boost. They’ll not only add flavor but also a lovely crunch!
- Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different types of cheese! Try using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or mozzarella for that gooey stretch. You can even mix different cheeses for a cheesy fiesta!
- Stuffing Swap: Switch out the stuffing mix for a different flavor—like cornbread stuffing or even a wild rice blend. Each variation brings a unique taste to the table!
- Sweet and Savory: Mix in some diced apples or pears for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. It’s a delightful combination that will surprise your taste buds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your delightful meal, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers, and guess what? This easy Thanksgiving dish stores beautifully! To keep it fresh, let it cool completely before transferring any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well to keep all those savory flavors intact!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again. Place your dish in the oven and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is nice and melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it’s heated evenly.
And there you have it! Enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again with perfectly reheated leftovers that taste just as good as the first time around!
For more tips on Thanksgiving recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Also, if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of turkey, you can visit Healthline for detailed information.
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easy thanksgiving dish: 5 ingredients for cozy joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious Thanksgiving dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor.
- Use leftover turkey for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy thanksgiving dish