Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time of year, and this casserole is the star of my holiday table! I remember every year, my family gathers around, the aroma of roasted turkey filling the air, and everyone eagerly awaiting this creamy, cheesy delight. What I love about this casserole is how it transforms leftover turkey into something magical, combining it with vibrant mixed vegetables and that classic cream of mushroom soup. It’s like a warm hug in a dish! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday prep. You can even make it a day ahead, which means more time to enjoy with loved ones! Trust me, once you serve this casserole, it’ll become a cherished part of your own Thanksgiving traditions.
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple yet satisfying ingredients to make your delicious casserole for Thanksgiving:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your turkey is nice and tender, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even throw in some fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor! The mixed veggies add a lovely color and crunch that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, this combination is a game-changer!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this Thanksgiving casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the highlight of your holiday spread! Here’s how to whip it up step-by-step:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bubbly, golden top!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded turkey, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed—trust me, the creaminess is key!
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix again until your ingredients are nicely seasoned. You want every bite to be delicious!
- Now, transfer that beautiful mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese and then sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over everything. This will create that irresistible crunchy topping!
- Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the top is a lovely golden brown. Yum!
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everyone avoid the “burned tongue” syndrome!
And there you have it! A warm, comforting casserole that’s sure to please your crowd. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time, making it ideal for the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations.
- Deliciously Satisfying: With layers of creamy soup, tender turkey, and crunchy topping, every bite is bursting with flavor!
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform your Thanksgiving turkey into a whole new dish that everyone will love, minimizing food waste.
- One-Dish Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to spend with family and friends, which is what the holidays are all about!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it uniquely yours—there’s really no wrong way to do it!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is always a hit at gatherings, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll quickly become a staple on your Thanksgiving table, bringing warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly? Here are some of my best tips that I’ve learned through my own Thanksgiving adventures!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If you can, opt for fresh or frozen mixed vegetables instead of canned. They bring vibrant flavor and texture that really elevate the dish.
- Herb It Up: Don’t be shy to throw in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary! They add a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is my go-to, you can absolutely mix it up! Try Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different twist on the cheesy topping.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepping the casserole a day in advance? Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if it’s done, insert a knife into the center; it should come out hot and clean. Bubbly edges are a great indicator too!
- Be Mindful of Salt: Depending on whether your turkey and soup are salted, adjust the salt you add to avoid an overly salty dish. Taste as you go!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a casserole that not only looks fantastic but tastes even better. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Thanksgiving casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands or ingredients you choose, but this will give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g
These estimates reflect a hearty serving of comfort food that’s both satisfying and packed with protein, thanks to the turkey and cheese! Perfect for fueling those lively family gatherings. Enjoy every nourishing bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious casserole for Thanksgiving? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use leftover turkey from my Thanksgiving dinner?
Absolutely! In fact, that’s one of the best parts about this casserole. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and give it a whole new life. Just shred it up and mix it in—it’ll be delicious!
What kind of mixed vegetables should I use?
I love a classic mix of carrots, peas, and corn, but feel free to get creative! You can use fresh, frozen, or even leftover veggies from your Thanksgiving spread. Just make sure they’re chopped up nicely for even cooking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You bet! This casserole is perfect for make-ahead prep. Just assemble it the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge and adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Great question! Look for that bubbly, golden top and use a knife to check the center—it should come out hot and clean. If you see bubbling around the edges, you’re in good shape!
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, you’re good to go. This dish can easily fit into a gluten-free Thanksgiving feast!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in whipping up this casserole for your holiday celebrations. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying this delicious casserole, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers, and I’m here to help you keep them just as wonderful as the first day! Here’s how to store and reheat your casserole:
First off, let it cool completely at room temperature before you store it. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together—so it’s almost like an encore of deliciousness!
When you’re ready to dig in again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re reheating the whole casserole, cover it with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. If you’re just warming up a single serving, pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
And voilà! You’re ready to enjoy those comforting flavors all over again. Trust me, this casserole tastes just as good—if not better—after a day in the fridge. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful casserole for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to round out the meal with a few complementary dishes that enhance the whole experience. Here are some of my favorite pairings that never fail to impress:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the casserole. The combination is pure comfort food!
- Green Bean Almondine: The crunch of sautéed green beans with toasted almonds adds a fresh, vibrant element to your plate. It balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly!
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet potato side, especially one topped with marshmallows or a crumbly topping, adds a lovely contrast to the savory casserole and brings that warm, festive feel to the table.
- Cranberry Sauce: Don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Its tartness cuts through the creaminess of the casserole, providing a delightful contrast that brightens up every bite.
- Stuffing: A savory stuffing filled with herbs and spices can complement the turkey flavors beautifully, making it a must-have on any Thanksgiving table!
- Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any delicious cheesy sauce left on your plate. They add that nice touch of comfort and are always a hit!
These dishes not only enhance the flavor of your casserole but create a beautiful spread that everyone will love. So go ahead, mix and match, and make your Thanksgiving feast a memorable one! Enjoy every moment and every bite!
Imprimer
Casserole Thanksgiving: 7 Ways to Warm Your Holiday Heart
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious casserole perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the turkey, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: casserole thanksgiving
