Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey
Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey creatively transform traditional holiday leftovers into a crunchy, cheesy, and savory dish. This recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with creamy mashed potatoes, tender shredded turkey, a rich cheese blend, and gravy drizzle, making a comforting and flavorful snack or meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Base
- Crunchy tortilla chips – enough to cover a large baking sheet
Layers
- Mashed potatoes – about 2 cups, warmed
- Shredded turkey – 2 cups, leftover and tender
- Cheese blend – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings
- Gravy – 1/2 cup, warm
- Optional toppings: cranberry sauce, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Shred leftover turkey and warm mashed potatoes to a creamy consistency. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Create the Base Layer: Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, ensuring space for toppings on each chip.
- Add Mashed Potatoes and Turkey: Dollop mashed potatoes over the chips in small mounds using a spoon, then scatter shredded turkey evenly over the layer.
- Sprinkle with Cheese: Top the nachos with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, covering all areas for even melting.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and chips are extra crispy on the edges.
- Final Touches: Remove from oven, drizzle warm gravy on top, and add optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or cranberry sauce for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Bake chips alone for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings to keep them crisp.
- Use warm, thick gravy to add moisture without sogginess.
- Distribute mashed potatoes and turkey evenly for flavor balance in every bite.
- Drain excess liquid from turkey or vegetables to maintain chip crispness.
- Add fresh garnishes like green onions or celery after baking for texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, nachos, mashed potatoes, turkey, comfort food, holiday recipe, easy snack, gluten-free
