⭐Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!⭐
Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Okay, let's face it: Thanksgiving is amazing, but the mountain of leftovers that follow can be a little daunting. Year after year, I'd stare into the fridge wondering what to do with all that turkey and stuffing. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a good turkey sandwich, but after the third one, the thrill wears off. I needed a new solution, something exciting, something…cheesy! My friend, Maria, mentioned one year she made mac and cheese with her leftovers. It was a eureka moment, and now its a family favorite.
That's how the Thanksgiving Leftover Mac was born. Imagine: creamy, dreamy mac and cheese, loaded with savory turkey, herby stuffing, and a touch of sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food mashup, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Plus, its a total crowd-pleaser! Even the kids who were initially skeptical ended up devouring it. Trust me, this recipe will not only help you clear out your fridge but also win you some serious culinary points. Honestly? Its probably better than the original Thanksgiving meal itself, please don't tell my grandma!
Required Equipments
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large saucepan or pot
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
Thanksgiving Leftover Mac: Frequently Asked Questions
Thanksgiving Leftover Mac
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece with this Thanksgiving Leftover Mac recipe! Combining the comforting flavors of macaroni and cheese with savory turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, this dish is the perfect way to enjoy those holiday flavors all over again.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. We don't want mushy noodles! Drain well and set aside. While the pasta cooks, you can get your other ingredients ready.
- In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce. Make sure there aren't any lumps!
- Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmering helps the sauce thicken up nicely.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Oh, that cheesy aroma!
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Don't be shy with the seasonings; they really make a difference!
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Make sure every noodle is coated in that cheesy goodness!
- Gently fold in the diced turkey, crumbled stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the textures intact. The cranberry sauce adds a delightful touch of sweetness and tang!
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, melt the remaining butter. Mix in the breadcrumbs and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. This creates a lovely, golden crust. If you want an extra crispy topping, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the mac and cheese to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover comfort food!
📝 Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of leftovers based on what you have available.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- If you don't have Gruyere cheese, you can substitute it with another melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Fontina.
- Add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little zing
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 300 mg
