Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas with Turkey & Cranberry

If you love the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving but want to enjoy them in a brand-new, fun way, this Delicious Recipe of leftover turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce wrapped in tortillas and baked under cheese is pure magic. It transforms those classic holiday flavors into a comforting, satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting. Each bite bursts with savory turkey, herby stuffing, and tangy-sweet cranberry, all hugged by warm tortillas and melty mozzarella. This dish is the ultimate way to celebrate leftovers, turning them into a star-worthy feast everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Delicious Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient shines through to create a harmony of flavor and texture. You’ll be amazed at how straightforward pantry staples and leftovers come together to deliver a meal that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with classic holiday spirit.

• Flour tortillas (6, 10-inch): They act as the perfect soft and sturdy vessel to hold all the flavorful fillings together.
• Leftover turkey gravy (3 cups, heated): Divided for layering and topping, gravy adds deep savory richness and keeps everything moist.
• Cooked turkey (1 1/2 pounds): Your choice of white, dark, or both makes for a juicy and protein-packed center.
• Leftover stuffing (1 pound): This gives a wonderful hearty texture filled with herbs and a bit of crunch from the bread.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce (6 tablespoons plus extra): Adds a vibrant, tangy sweetness that cuts through the savory flavors beautifully.
• Fresh sage (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Brings an aromatic, earthy note that elevates the entire dish.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces): Melts to create a golden, bubbly topping that adds gooey, creamy goodness.

How to Make Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and preparing a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray. This ensures your enchiladas won’t stick and will come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Layer the First Ladle of Gravy

Ladle one cup of your warm turkey gravy evenly onto the bottom of the dish. This creates a savory, moist base for the tortillas and fillings to nestle into as they bake.

Step 3: Load and Roll the Tortillas

Lay out your six tortillas flat on a clean surface. Divide the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce equally by placing a generous line of each ingredient down the center of every tortilla. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped fresh sage over the fillings — its flavor is a game-changer. Roll each tortilla tightly, folding the ends in as you go and finishing with the seam side down for a neat bundle.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Arrange your rolled enchiladas seam side down in the prepared dish nestled close together. Spoon the remaining two cups of turkey gravy evenly over the top, making sure each one gets a good coat. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over everything, promising a melty golden crown once baked.

Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the cheese melt into a bubbly blanket. For that irresistible golden finish, place it under the broiler just briefly until the cheese browns beautifully. Serve piping hot with extra cranberry sauce on the side for an added pop of sweetness.

How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped sage or parsley over the top adds a fresh, herbal contrast. A little extra cranberry sauce served alongside not only brightens the plate but also balances the richness with its tart sweetness, making every bite a flavor sensation.

Side Dishes

This Delicious Recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans dressed with lemon juice also bring a lovely crunch and brightness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, slice each rolled tortilla into smaller pinwheel shapes and arrange them on a platter with mini dollops of cranberry sauce on top. Alternatively, serve individual portions in shallow ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh sage for a charming, personalized presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but unbaked enchiladas by wrapping the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes an incredibly convenient meal when you want a delicious recipe ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350-degree F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese topping again. Avoid the microwave to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! You can shred cooked fresh turkey and use it in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and seasoned to your liking before assembling the enchiladas.

What if I don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce?

Traditional cranberry sauce or even a tangy cranberry chutney can work just as well. The key is balancing the sweetness and tartness to complement the savory fillings.

Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?

Yes, feel free to use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend. Each will melt nicely and add its own unique flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and ensure your stuffing and gravy are made with gluten-free ingredients.

How spicy is this dish?

This Delicious Recipe is very mild and comforting, making it family-friendly. If you want a little heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the turkey gravy or a sliced jalapeño inside the tortillas.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Recipe is a brilliant, heartwarming way to reinvent your holiday leftovers that feels both indulgent and cozy. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make even when it’s not Thanksgiving, just because the flavors are truly so comforting and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly it brings joy to the table with every cheesy, savory bite.

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