Name: Turkey Stuffing Casserole: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread (sourdough or French), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix); 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed; 1/2 cup turkey gravy (store-bought or homemade); 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Turkey Stuffing Casserole: the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover transformation! Are you staring down a mountain of leftover turkey and stuffing, wondering how to breathe new life into those holiday staples? I know I often am! Forget dry, reheated disappointment. This recipe is your secret weapon for creating a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Stuffing, in its various forms, has been a Thanksgiving tradition for centuries, evolving from simple bread-based fillings to the savory, herb-infused mixtures we know and love today. It’s a cornerstone of the holiday feast, representing abundance and warmth. But let's be honest, even the best stuffing can lose its luster after a day or two. That's where the magic of a casserole comes in!

People adore this Turkey Stuffing Casserole because it takes all the best parts of Thanksgiving – the savory turkey, the comforting stuffing, and the creamy gravy – and combines them into a single, easy-to-make dish. The casserole format ensures that everything stays moist and flavorful, while the crispy topping adds a delightful textural contrast. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those beloved holiday flavors in a new and exciting way. Plus, it's incredibly convenient – a one-dish wonder that simplifies cleanup and minimizes fuss. Get ready to rediscover the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers!

Ingredients:

For the Stuffing:

1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as sourdough or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix)
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

For the Turkey Layer:

4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
1/2 cup turkey gravy (store-bought or homemade)

For the Cranberry Sauce Layer:

1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Cheese Topping:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Stuffing:

Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is dried out but not browned. This step is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing! Let the bread cool slightly.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want them nice and translucent.
Brown the Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy stuffing!
Add the Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried sage, thyme, marjoram, pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance. This really wakes up the flavors.
Combine the Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, the sausage mixture, chicken broth, and parsley. Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix, or the stuffing will become dense.
Add the Eggs: Pour the lightly beaten eggs over the stuffing mixture and gently fold them in. The eggs help bind the stuffing together.

Assembling the Casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer 1: Stuffing: Spread half of the prepared stuffing evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Gently press it down to create a solid base.
Layer 2: Turkey: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or cubed turkey with the turkey gravy. Mix well to coat the turkey evenly. Spread the turkey mixture over the stuffing layer.
Layer 3: Cranberry Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the canned cranberry sauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix well. Spread the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the turkey layer. This adds a lovely sweetness and tartness that complements the savory flavors.
Layer 4: Remaining Stuffing: Spread the remaining stuffing evenly over the cranberry sauce layer. Again, gently press it down.
Layer 5: Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden-brown, bubbly crust.

Baking the Casserole:

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove Foil: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

Tips and Variations:

Bread Choice: While sourdough or French bread are classic choices, you can also use other types of bread, such as challah or brioche, for a richer flavor. Just make sure the bread is day-old so it dries out properly.
Sausage Variation: For a vegetarian option, you can omit the sausage or substitute it with plant-based sausage crumbles.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onion and celery.
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing for a nutty crunch.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or savory, to customize the flavor of the stuffing.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a little heat.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Gravy Boost: If you want an extra moist casserole, pour a little extra gravy over the stuffing layers before baking.
Cranberry Sauce Substitute: If you prefer homemade cranberry sauce, feel free to use that instead of canned.
Cheese Alternatives: Use other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

This Turkey Stuffing Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs well with other Thanksgiving or holiday side dishes, such as:

Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Dinner Rolls

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Turkey Stuffing Casserole isn't just another recipe; it's a warm hug on a plate, a comforting reminder of holidays past, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their leftover turkey game or simply craving a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year. The combination of savory stuffing, tender turkey, and that creamy, cheesy topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). What makes this casserole so special is its simplicity and versatility. It's incredibly easy to throw together, especially when you're already dealing with post-holiday fatigue. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up those leftover ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. But beyond its practicality, it's just plain delicious! The stuffing gets wonderfully crispy around the edges, the turkey stays moist and flavorful, and the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket of goodness. But don't just take my word for it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. And the best part? You can easily customize it to suit your own preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started: * Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole as a main course with a side of cranberry sauce and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It's also fantastic as a potluck dish or a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the casserole. * Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of stuffing. Cornbread stuffing, sausage stuffing, or even a wild rice stuffing would all work beautifully in this recipe. If you're not a fan of turkey, you can easily substitute shredded chicken or even diced ham. For a vegetarian option, try using roasted vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts in place of the meat. To add a little kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the stuffing mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious alternatives to the mozzarella. For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of cream cheese or sour cream to the casserole before baking. * Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole according to the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture for a subtle kick. Or, drizzle a little sriracha over the top of the casserole before serving for a more intense heat. I'm confident that this Turkey Stuffing Casserole will become a new family favorite. It's a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think and any variations you tried. Happy cooking!