Leftover Turkey Cornbread Casserole Recipe - Thanksgiving Leftovers (2024)

ThisLeftover Turkey Cornbread Casseroleis the PERFECT way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey and veggies are topped with flavorful gravy and baked with fluffy, golden-brown cornbread.

Let’s be real…the best part about Thanksgiving is the leftovers.While I do love the actual meal (duh), there’s something about waking up the next morning, throwing on some Christmas music, and eating ALL THE LEFTOVERS. Who’s with me? 😉

You know what’s better than just plain old regular leftovers? Turning your leftovers into a NEW recipe! Today, we’re taking leftover turkey and turning it into a delicious leftover turkey cornbread casserole. Can I get a heck yes?

If you’re looking for other ways to use your leftover turkey, try my leftover turkey corn chowder recipe or this leftover turkey sandwich!

Ingredients

I absolutelylove the tender, juicy turkey, flavorful gravy, and fluffy yet crispy cornbread that make up this casserole. It’s all your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers in one!

• Unsalted Butter– used to cook the veggies.
• Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery– a classic veggie combo, also known as a mirepoix, that adds delicious texture and sweet flavor.
• Dried Rosemary, Dried Thyme, Dried Nutmeg, Dried Ground Sage, Salt, and Pepper– a sweet, salty, flavorful blend of classic Thanksgiving seasonings.
• Turkey– I use Jennie-O Oven-Ready Boneless Turkey Breast but feel free to use whatever turkey you have leftover. You’ll need about 4 cups, diced.
• Turkey Gravy– Jennie-O Turkey comes with a packet of gravy so I used that but feel free to use homemade gravy instead. You’ll need one cup!
• Corn Muffin Mix– prepared according to box directions to become our base for the cornbread topping.
• Corn– use drained canned corn for easy prep; adds a pop of texture and amazing sweetness.
• Cheddar Cheese– adds a sharp, cheesy flavor to the cornbread.

How to make

This cornbread casserole takes 20 minutes to prep, making it PERFECT for Thanksgiving leftovers, because nobody wants to spend any more time in the kitchen!

1. Melt butter in a sauté pan then add in onion, carrots, celery, and spices. Cook until the veggies are tender then add in cubed turkey.
2. Transfer the veggie/turkey mixture to a greased baking dish then pour gravy over the top. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together corn muffin mix and prepare according to package directions. Stir in corn and cheddar cheese.
4. Pour the corn muffin mixture over the top of the veggie/turkey mixture.
5. Bake for 35-55 minutes then serve and enjoy!

How long to bake

Once assembled, you’ll bake the casserole in a preheated 400ºF oven for 35-55 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the cornbread has become golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the casserole comes out clean.

What turkey to use

Any leftover, cooked and cubed turkey will work for this recipe. I use Jennie-O’s Oven-Ready Boneless Turkey Breast, because that’s what we always use for Thanksgiving.Whatever turkey you use, you’ll need about 4 cups.

What gravy to use

Any leftover gravy you have on hand is just fine — store-bought or homemade! If you have none, whip up a homemade gravy in 20 minutes!

What to serve with leftover turkey cornbread casserole

I love to serve this leftover turkey cornbread casserole with an extra splash of gravy and even more delicious leftovers!

• Green Bean Casserole
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sausage Stuffing
• Sweet Potato Casserole

How to store

Store leftover turkey cornbread casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To reheat,thaw in the fridge if frozen then microwave or bake to warm.

– Jennifer

This post was originally published November 13, 2017 and has been updated to provide more detailed content.