Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Casserole
After a festive Thanksgiving dinner, the challenge often becomes what to do with all the delicious leftovers. Instead of letting turkey, stuffing, and roasted vegetables go to waste, you can transform them into a hearty, comforting breakfast casserole that brings new life to your holiday leftovers. A Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start the day with a warm, filling meal that captures all the flavors of your celebration.
This casserole combines savory turkey, bread, eggs, and creamy cheese, baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and convenient. Ideal for feeding family and friends the morning after Thanksgiving, it’s also a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the tastes of the holiday without the extra cooking. Creative, customizable, and endlessly delicious, this breakfast casserole turns yesterday’s feast into a show-stopping morning treat.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked turkey, chopped | 2 cups | 500 kcal |
| Leftover stuffing | 2 cups | 400 kcal |
| Bread, cubed (day-old or fresh) | 4 cups | 400 kcal |
| Eggs | 8 large | 560 kcal |
| Milk | 2 cups | 200 kcal |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups | 600 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme), optional | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Ingredients:
Chop leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Cube bread and crumble or chop leftover stuffing.
3. Layer the Dish:
In the prepared baking dish, layer bread cubes, stuffing, and turkey evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
4. Mix Eggs and Milk:
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
5. Add Herbs (Optional):
Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the top for added flavor and color.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve Warm:
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast sides or sauces.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with roasted vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Variations: Use Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, onions, or spinach work well for extra nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and stuffing to make the casserole gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~445 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Sodium | Varies based on leftovers |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad to balance richness.
- Pair with cranberry sauce or hot sauce for a flavor boost.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess.
- Offer warm coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice to complete the breakfast spread.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Casserole
6-8
servings15
minutes35
minutes445
kcalIngredients
IngredienttAmounttApprox. Calories
Cooked turkey, choppedt2 cupst500 kcal
Leftover stuffingt2 cupst400 kcal
Bread, cubedt4 cupst400 kcal
Eggst8 larget560 kcal
Milkt2 cupst200 kcal
Shredded cheddar cheeset1½ cupst600 kcal
Saltt1 tspt0 kcal
Black peppert½ tspt3 kcal
Garlic powdert½ tspt3 kcal
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme), optionalt2 tbspt5 kcal
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare ingredients: Chop leftover turkey and cube bread; crumble or chop stuffing.
- Layer the dish: Layer bread cubes, stuffing, and turkey evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Mix eggs and milk: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour over layered ingredients.
- Add herbs (optional): Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
- Serve warm: Let cool 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use cooked leftovers: Any leftover turkey, stuffing, or bread from Thanksgiving works perfectly.
Customize ingredients: Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or roasted squash for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a warm, flavorful breakfast.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated later.
3. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Replace the turkey with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or squash. You can also use a vegetarian stuffing.
4. What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack are great alternatives. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra flavor.
5. Can I use leftover turkey from the fridge?
Yes, cooked leftover turkey works perfectly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly in the casserole.
Conclusion
A Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate solution for transforming holiday leftovers into a savory, comforting morning meal. Easy to assemble, fully customizable, and full of flavor, this casserole is perfect for feeding family, reducing food waste, and keeping the holiday spirit alive for another day. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or reheated later, it’s a delicious, hearty way to start your day after a big feast.
