Nothing beats the comfort of a Creamy Turkey Casserole after the holidays. This easy casserole recipe transforms simple leftovers into a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that feels brand new. With layers of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a surprising cranberry twist, this creamy bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Turkey Casserole Stands Out
The beauty of this Creamy Turkey Casserole is that it takes common holiday leftovers and turns them into something truly indulgent. The secret ingredient? Mayonnaise. It keeps the turkey moist, adds creaminess to the potatoes, and balances perfectly with the cranberry sauce. The result is a cozy family-friendly dinner that tastes just as festive as the holiday itself.
Ingredients for Creamy Turkey Casserole
• Stuffing: Provides the savory base and crunchy topping that ties the casserole together.
• Cooked Turkey: The star protein, chopped into hearty chunks for texture.
• Mayonnaise: The secret creamy binder that locks in moisture and richness.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tangy-sweet layer that balances the savory flavors.
• Mashed Potatoes: Brings comfort and a creamy, fluffy texture to the dish.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Melts into the potatoes, adding cheesiness and stretch.
• Dried Cranberries (optional): A festive garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
• Chicken: Substitute turkey with leftover roasted chicken if turkey isn’t available.
• Cheese: Use cheddar or Swiss for a sharper flavor profile.
• Cranberry-Free: Omit cranberry sauce if you prefer a strictly savory dish.
• Gluten-Free: Swap stuffing with gluten-free bread cubes or rice.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free mayo for a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Turkey Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the stuffing evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the chopped turkey on top of the stuffing.
- Mix cranberry sauce with ¼ cup of mayonnaise, then spread the mixture over the turkey.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining mayonnaise with mashed potatoes and shredded mozzarella. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cranberry-turkey layer.
- Top with the remaining stuffing for a crispy finish.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until hot and bubbling in the center.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried cranberries if desired.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Turkey Casserole
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on bubbling edges; this prevents the casserole from drying out.
• Layering Tip: Spread ingredients evenly for consistent bites of flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of panko or crushed crackers to the top layer of stuffing.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead and freeze (unbaked) for up to 2 months.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Turkey Casserole is hearty enough to be the main dish but pairs wonderfully with lighter sides:
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add extra nutrition with carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
• Cranberry Relish: Brightens the flavors with an additional sweet-tart note.
• Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce.
A Festive Twist on Leftovers
What makes this Creamy Turkey Casserole so special is how it captures the spirit of holiday flavors while offering a fresh, satisfying meal. The combination of turkey, stuffing, and potatoes feels like Thanksgiving on a plate—but the creamy mayo and cranberry twist elevate it to something new and exciting.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or need a creative way to stretch holiday leftovers, this creamy casserole is a must-try. With minimal prep, comforting flavors, and a touch of holiday magic, it’s a dish you’ll want to make year after year.
Conclusion
A Creamy Turkey Casserole is more than just a leftover solution—it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that brings holiday warmth back to the table. With its rich layers of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and a tangy cranberry twist, this casserole proves that leftovers can be just as exciting as the original feast. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it to impress post-holiday guests, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Turkey Casserole
Can I make Creamy Turkey Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble all the layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How can I freeze Creamy Turkey Casserole?
This recipe is freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I serve with Creamy Turkey Casserole?
This hearty casserole pairs best with lighter sides such as roasted vegetables, green salad, or steamed broccoli. Dinner rolls and a little extra cranberry sauce also complement it perfectly.
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Creamy Turkey Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Kosher
Description
This Creamy Turkey Casserole is the perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful family dinner. With layers of stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and mozzarella, this creamy casserole is festive, comforting, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cups prepared stuffing, divided
- 1 lb cooked turkey, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
- 3/4 cup Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise, divided
- 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the stuffing evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the chopped turkey.
- Mix cranberry sauce with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and spread evenly over the turkey layer.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining mayonnaise with mashed potatoes and mozzarella cheese. Spread this mixture over the turkey and cranberry layer.
- Top with the remaining stuffing.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbling in the center.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried cranberries if desired.
Notes
- Prepare up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
- Substitute chicken for turkey if desired.
- Add extra crunch by topping with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
