Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna: A Cheesy, Comforting Twist on Your Holiday Feast

Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Chef Josie

If there’s one thing I love more than Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the creative magic that happens the next day. This Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna turns all those delicious remnants, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and even cranberry sauce, into a rich, layered dish that’s bubbling with flavor. It’s hearty, cozy, and feels indulgent while making sure nothing goes to waste.

The first time I made this, I had more leftovers than fridge space. I decided to treat them like pasta ingredients, layering them up with cheese and sauce. What came out of the oven was so comforting that I’ve made it every year since. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes as a ricotta layer, turkey and gravy as your meat sauce, and stuffing as a savory base. It’s Thanksgiving reborn, Italian-style.

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Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna

• Uses up all your leftovers: A creative, waste-free way to reinvent your feast.
• Pure comfort food: Cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor.
• Easy to prepare: Just layer and bake, no complicated steps.
• Perfect for meal prep: Freezes and reheats beautifully.
• Crowd-pleasing: Everyone will want seconds, even more than the original dinner!

Ingredient Breakdown

• Cooked Turkey: Shredded or chopped, it’s your “meat” layer.
• Mashed Potatoes: Acts as a creamy ricotta substitute.
• Stuffing: Adds flavor and texture like pasta or noodles.
• Gravy: The “sauce” that ties everything together.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tangy-sweet note that brightens each bite.
• Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar for the ultimate golden topping.
• Optional: A sprinkle of parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.

Substitutions:

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey.
• Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Swap mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes for a festive twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Start with stuffing on the bottom. Add turkey, a drizzle of gravy, mashed potatoes, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Repeat the layers until you reach the top.
3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar generously on top.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or thyme.

Notes and Top Tips

• Warm your mashed potatoes slightly before layering for easy spreading.
• Don’t overdo the cranberry sauce; a little adds great balance.
• For extra richness, mix some gravy into the turkey before layering.
• Make it ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day for even better flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• Pair with a light green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Add a dollop of leftover cranberry sauce on top when serving.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper.
• Try adding ricotta cheese or béchamel sauce for a fusion feel.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual slices.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna is proof that leftovers don’t have to be boring. With its creamy, cheesy layers and all the comforting flavors of the holiday meal, it’s the kind of dish that makes you wish you had more leftovers.

Bake this the day after your big feast, and turn your Thanksgiving dinner into a whole new celebration. If you make it, share your twist, maybe you added sweet potatoes or a little heat, and let me know how your family liked it!

FAQs

1. Can I make this Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. What kind of cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella for meltiness and sharp cheddar for flavor works perfectly, but Monterey Jack or Gruyère are great alternatives.

3. Can I use leftover gravy as the sauce?
Absolutely! It acts as the “marinara” here. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

4. How can I make this lighter?
Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes and skip some cheese for a lower-carb version.

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