Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Chef Josie

If there’s one thing better than Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the day after, when you can transform your leftovers into something just as satisfying. This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole takes everything you love about the holiday feast and layers it into a creamy, cheesy, golden bake that tastes like Thanksgiving all over again.

I remember making this the first year I hosted Thanksgiving. After days of cooking, I wanted something simple but hearty the next day. A few scoops of leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing went into a baking dish, and what came out was comfort food perfection. The crispy cheese top, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory filling made it a post-holiday staple ever since.

Golden turkey and mashed potatoes casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley in a glass baking dish.

Click to Access the Table of Contents:

Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Chef Josie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, cheesy bake made with leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing; the perfect next-day comfort meal after Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
2 cups leftover stuffing
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup gravy or cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish

Learn More Mexican Street Corn Dip That Brings Big Flavor to Every Party

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Layer stuffing, then turkey, and pour gravy or soup on top.
Spread mashed potatoes evenly and top with cheese.
Bake 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use chicken if you’re out of turkey.

Add leftover veggies for extra flavor.

Can be made ahead and baked the next day.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

Easy and Fast: Perfect for using up leftovers in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Customizable: Works with whatever you have in the fridge.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it early and bake when ready.
Freezer-Friendly: A cozy meal ready whenever you need it.

Ingredient Breakdown

Leftover Turkey: The star of the show, shredded or diced.
Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy and creamy, forming the top layer.
Stuffing: Adds texture and flavor to the base.
Gravy or Cream of Chicken Soup: Binds everything together with a luscious sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top for that irresistible golden finish.
Optional Add-ins: Leftover green beans, corn, or peas for extra color and flavor.

Substitutions:
No gravy? Mix a little milk or sour cream with the mashed potatoes for moisture. No turkey? Use cooked chicken instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Layer the Stuffing: Spread stuffing evenly at the bottom of the dish.
Add Turkey and Sauce: Top with shredded turkey and drizzle with gravy or cream of chicken soup.
Spread the Potatoes: Gently layer mashed potatoes over the turkey.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar generously over the potatoes.
Bake: Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with golden cheese.
Garnish and Serve: Let rest 5 minutes, then top with fresh parsley or thyme.

Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole | Cheesy, Creamy, and Comforting — Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole; Cheesy, Creamy, and Comforting

Notes and Top Tips

Use warm mashed potatoes to make spreading easier.
Don’t skip the cheese; it creates that perfect baked crust.
Add a little gravy on the side when serving for extra comfort.
This recipe doubles beautifully for feeding a crowd after the holidays.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve with a simple green salad or cranberry sauce to balance the richness.
Add layers of leftover vegetables like roasted carrots or corn.
Try mixing in crispy fried onions for crunch.
For a smoky twist, use gouda or smoked cheddar instead of plain cheddar.

A warm and cheesy Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole layered with tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheddar — the ultimate comfort food made for cozy fall nights. — A warm and cheesy Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole layered with tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheddar; the ultimate comfort food made for cozy fall nights.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Conclusion

This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole is everything you love about Thanksgiving in one comforting dish. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the perfect way to enjoy your leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice.

Make it once, and you’ll look forward to leftovers every year. Try it this season, and share your version in the comments; did you add veggies, extra cheese, or maybe even cranberry sauce on top? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly with foil before freezing. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

3. What if I don’t have stuffing?
You can use cooked rice, quinoa, or even buttered noodles as a base instead.

4. How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream to your mashed potatoes before layering.

For more delicious recipes follow me on :

Medium: @RecipesByJosie

Instagram: @RecipesByJosie

Pinterest: @RecipesByJosie

Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Comfort Bake

Table of Contents