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Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey

Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey

Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey is a quick, comforting, and versatile dish that transforms your holiday leftovers into a fresh, warm, and flavorful meal. This recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with creamy mashed potatoes, savory turkey, melted cheese, and rich gravy, topped with fresh green onions and optional cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for cozy nights or casual gatherings, it’s a delicious way to reduce food waste while enjoying a new holiday tradition.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Tortilla Chips – enough to cover a large baking sheet (about 6 cups)
  • Cooked Turkey – 2 cups, chopped or shredded
  • Mashed Potatoes – 1 ½ cups, creamy and smooth
  • Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend) – 1 ½ cups
  • Gravy – ½ cup, warm
  • Green Onions – 2, finely chopped
  • Cranberry Sauce – ¼ cup (optional)

Optional Toppings

  • Jalapeños – sliced
  • Avocado – diced
  • Sour Cream
  • Leftover Vegetables – chopped, as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish to create a crunchy base for your nachos.
  2. Layer the Mashed Potatoes and Turkey: Drop spoonfuls of mashed potatoes over the tortilla chips to partially cover them, adding creamy texture. Scatter the chopped or shredded cooked turkey evenly over the mashed potatoes to balance protein and smoothness in each bite.
  3. Add Cheese and Drizzle With Gravy: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the layered turkey and potatoes. Drizzle warm gravy lightly over the top to keep the nachos moist and meld the flavors together as they bake.
  4. Bake Until Melty and Golden: Place the assembled nachos in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts into gooey perfection and edges start to crisp slightly. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and dollops of cranberry sauce. Add optional toppings like jalapeños or avocado as desired. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortilla chips to ensure a crisp texture after baking.
  • Slightly warm mashed potatoes and turkey beforehand for faster and more even oven reheating.
  • Layer ingredients thoughtfully for balanced crunchy and creamy bites.
  • Drizzle gravy sparingly to avoid soggy chips.
  • Add fresh garnishes after baking to keep vibrant texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey nachos, mashed potato nachos, leftover recipes, comfort food, holiday recipes, gluten free appetizers