Description
Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey transform your holiday leftovers into a vibrant, comforting, and easy-to-make dish. Crispy tortilla chips are layered with creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with tangy cranberry sauce, fresh green onions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This recipe is perfect for sharing, customizable to dietary needs, and an ideal way to enjoy familiar Thanksgiving flavors in a fun, new form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, warmed if cold
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
- 4 cups sturdy tortilla chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Optional Ingredients
- Jalapeños, sliced, or hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Leftovers: Shred or dice your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly so they spread easily without becoming too runny.
- Layer the Chips: Spread a generous layer of sturdy tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, forming the crispy, crunchy base for your nachos.
- Add Turkey and Mashed Potatoes: Distribute the diced turkey evenly over the chips, then dollop spoonfuls of the mashed potatoes on top, covering as many chips as possible for maximum flavor in each bite.
- Sprinkle Cheese and Bake: Cover everything with a hearty layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately add dollops of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Finish with sour cream or Greek yogurt and jalapeños if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess from mashed potatoes and toppings.
- Keep mashed potatoes thick to maintain texture; avoid watery potatoes.
- Layer turkey and mashed potatoes evenly for balanced flavors on each chip.
- Consider mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or other cheeses for enhanced flavor and melt.
- Serve nachos immediately after baking to enjoy optimal cheese melt and crispiness.
- Store leftover toppings like sour cream and cranberry sauce separately for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, nachos, mashed potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce, holiday recipes, comfort food, appetizer
