Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake – the most INSANE dish you’ve ever seen! This epic creation is the ultimate way to use up all those Turkey Day leftovers and turn them into a sensational, mouth-watering masterpiece. Get ready to feast on this explosive, revolutionary comfort chaos that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake
This dish is an absolute game-changer, my friends! We’re taking all the classic Thanksgiving flavors – roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce – and smashing them together with layers of tortilla chips, gooey cheese, and irresistible toppings. The result is a thrilling, exciting flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. This loaded nacho bake is the ultimate in comfort chaos, blending comfort food classics into one sensational, legendary meal. Prepare to be amazed as you devour this epic creation!
Ingredients
For this insane Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake, you’ll need a delicious assortment of Thanksgiving leftovers, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. You’ll also need tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and any other tasty toppings you desire. Get ready to make magic in the kitchen with these incredible ingredients!
- 4 cups – Roasted turkey, shredded or diced
- 3 cups – Mashed potatoes
- 2 cups – Stuffing
- 1 cup – Cranberry sauce
- 1 bag – Tortilla chips
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 4 – Green onions, sliced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey: Roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken (works just as well for this loaded nacho bake)
- Mashed Potatoes: Sweet potato casserole (for a fun twist on the classic Thanksgiving flavors)
How to Make Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake
This Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake is an absolute breeze to make – just a few simple steps and you’re well on your way to flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to a scorching hot 400°F. Grab a large baking dish and layer the bottom with a generous helping of crunchy tortilla chips. Next, add a layer of shredded turkey, followed by dollops of mashed potatoes and stuffing. Sprinkle on some tangy cranberry sauce, then top it all off with a mountain of shredded cheese.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pop that epic creation into the oven and let it bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, because you don’t want to miss that moment when it goes from amazing to absolutely LEGENDARY.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, go absolutely wild with all your favorite toppings – sour cream, green onions, maybe even some crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling extra indulgent. This is where the flavor magic really happens, so don’t hold back!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the final touch, give the whole thing a light dusting of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it – the most epic Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake you’ve ever laid eyes on. Get ready to devour this insane masterpiece!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Toppings: Go wild with extras like diced jalapeños, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of zesty chimichurri sauce.
- Serve with Guacamole: Whip up a batch of homemade guacamole or salsa for the ultimate flavor pairing.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Try using sweet potato casserole instead of mashed potatoes for a fun twist on the classic Thanksgiving flavors.
- Green Bean Casserole: Layering in some leftover green bean casserole adds another delicious Thanksgiving element.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Homemade guacamole, salsa, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve, making it a super convenient option for entertaining.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be honest, this Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake is the ultimate in comfort chaos. With layers of rich, indulgent ingredients, it’s not exactly a health food. But sometimes you just need to say screw it and feast on something truly sensational. So go ahead, indulge in this amazing dish and enjoy every single bite. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake in advance and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a super convenient and stress-free option for entertaining.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You bet! This Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake freezes like a dream. Just portion it out, wrap it up tight, and stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven.
What if I don’t have all the Thanksgiving leftovers?
No problem! As mentioned earlier, you can easily substitute different ingredients to make this dish your own. Try using rotisserie chicken instead of turkey, or swap in sweet potato casserole for the mashed potatoes. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – so get creative and make it work for you!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! This dish is easily adaptable for our plant-based friends. Simply omit the turkey and use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like roasted veggies, bean-based dips, or meat-free stuffing. The options are endless, so have fun with it!
How spicy can I make this dish?
As spicy as your taste buds can handle! Feel free to add diced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give this Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake an extra kick of heat. But if you’re not a fan of the spice, you can certainly leave it out and enjoy the flavors as-is.
Try These Next
- Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Burger Stack
- Loaded Thanksgiving Turkey Burger With Cranberry Aioli
- Loaded Thanksgiving Stuffed Burger With Cranberry Drizzle
Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Nacho Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious, cheesy nacho bake! Perfect for a post-holiday snack or meal.
Ingredients
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
1 cup cranberry sauce
2 cups tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Layer the shredded turkey over the chips.
4. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
6. Add chopped green onions and jalapeños (if using).
7. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve with sour cream on the side for dipping.
Notes
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your leftovers! Add other veggies or sauces that you enjoy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, Nachos, Leftovers