Thanksgiving Quesadilla: The Ultimate Leftover Remix!

Thanksgiving is a glorious celebration filled with family, friends, and of course, an abundance of delicious food. But what happens when the feasting is over and you’re faced with a refrigerator brimming with leftovers? While reheating the traditional spread is always an option, why not get creative and transform those holiday staples into something new and exciting? Enter the Thanksgiving Quesadilla – a warm, melty, and utterly satisfying way to enjoy your Thanksgiving favorites in a whole new light!

This recipe is not just about repurposing leftovers; it’s about creating a culinary masterpiece that’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect post-Thanksgiving comfort food, a fun way to use up ingredients, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the same old leftovers routine and prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with this Thanksgiving Quesadilla recipe.

## Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Quesadilla

* **Ultimate Leftover Makeover:** It’s the perfect way to use up all those Thanksgiving leftovers, from turkey and stuffing to cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the filling to your liking and use whatever leftovers you have on hand.
* **Deliciously Comforting:** Warm, melty cheese combined with savory Thanksgiving flavors – what’s not to love?
* **Kid-Friendly:** A fun and approachable way to get kids to enjoy their Thanksgiving leftovers.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts and use what you have on hand. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

* **Large Flour Tortillas:** Choose your favorite size, but larger tortillas will hold more filling.
* **Cooked Turkey:** Shredded or diced, this is the star of the show.
* **Stuffing:** Adds a savory and comforting element.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Provides a creamy and satisfying base.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Adds a touch of sweetness and tartness that balances the savory flavors.
* **Cheese:** Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites. Choose a cheese that melts well.
* **Butter or Cooking Oil:** For cooking the quesadillas.

**Optional Add-Ins:**

* **Gravy:** Drizzle a little gravy into the quesadilla for extra flavor and moisture.
* **Corn:** Adds a pop of sweetness and texture.
* **Black Beans:** For a Southwestern-inspired twist.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** Adds sweetness and a creamy texture. If using, consider reducing the amount of mashed potatoes.
* **Brussels Sprouts (Chopped):** Adds a slightly bitter and savory element.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** Adds a creamy, savory flavor.
* **Jalapeños (Diced):** For a spicy kick.
* **Onions (Caramelized):** Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Spinach or Kale (Wilted):** Adds nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
* **Other Cooked Vegetables:** Any leftover roasted vegetables would be a great addition.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Thanksgiving Quesadilla masterpiece:

**Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients**

* Gather all your Thanksgiving leftovers and shred or dice the turkey. This will ensure even distribution throughout the quesadilla.
* If your stuffing or mashed potatoes are cold, you might want to warm them up slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will help the cheese melt more evenly.
* Shred your cheese, if you haven’t already. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt better.
* Prepare any optional add-ins you’d like to include, such as chopping jalapeños or caramelizing onions.

**Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla**

There are two main methods for assembling quesadillas: the flat method and the folded method. The flat method is generally easier, especially for beginners, while the folded method can be a bit neater.

**Flat Method:**

1. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese evenly over the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
3. Layer your Thanksgiving leftovers on top of the cheese. Start with the mashed potatoes, followed by the stuffing and turkey. Distribute the fillings evenly.
4. Spoon dollops of cranberry sauce over the filling.
5. If using, drizzle a little gravy over the filling.
6. Sprinkle another layer of cheese over the filling.
7. Top with the second tortilla.

**Folded Method:**

1. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on one half of the tortilla.
3. Layer your Thanksgiving leftovers on top of the cheese on the same half of the tortilla. Start with the mashed potatoes, followed by the stuffing and turkey. Distribute the fillings evenly.
4. Spoon dollops of cranberry sauce over the filling.
5. If using, drizzle a little gravy over the filling.
6. Sprinkle another layer of cheese over the filling.
7. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.

**Step 3: Cook the Quesadilla**

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of cooking oil to the skillet.
2. Carefully place the assembled quesadilla into the hot skillet.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the quesadilla as it cooks to ensure even heating and melting.
4. If the quesadilla is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. If the cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help trap the heat.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
2. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing into wedges with a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
3. Serve immediately. You can enjoy the quesadilla plain or with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or extra cranberry sauce.

## Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Quesadilla

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the quesadilla will make it difficult to flip and cook evenly. It can also cause the filling to spill out.
* **Use a Non-Stick Skillet:** This will prevent the quesadilla from sticking and make it easier to flip.
* **Low and Slow:** Cooking the quesadilla over medium heat ensures that the cheese melts completely and the tortilla gets golden brown without burning.
* **Press Down:** Gently pressing down on the quesadilla with a spatula as it cooks helps to ensure even heating and melting.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors. This is a great way to use up all your Thanksgiving leftovers and create a unique and delicious meal.
* **Warm Leftovers:** Warming the leftovers slightly helps the cheese to melt faster and more evenly.
* **Consider a Sauce:** While cranberry sauce is classic, consider other sauces such as leftover gravy, a spicy aioli, or even a maple-mustard dressing to elevate the flavor profile.
* **Cheese is Key:** Use a cheese, or a blend of cheeses, that melts well for the best texture and flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and pepper jack are all good choices.

## Variations and Additions

This Thanksgiving Quesadilla recipe is just a starting point. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* **Spicy Thanksgiving Quesadilla:** Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
* **Southwestern Thanksgiving Quesadilla:** Add black beans, corn, and salsa for a Southwestern-inspired twist.
* **Vegetarian Thanksgiving Quesadilla:** Omit the turkey and add extra vegetables, such as roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash.
* **Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Quesadilla:** Add a layer of sweet potato casserole or apple pie filling for a sweet and savory treat.
* **Creamy Turkey Quesadilla:** Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the filling for added richness.
* **Add a Dip:** Serve your quesadilla with a side of cranberry salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
* **Breakfast Quesadilla:** Add a scrambled egg to the filling for a hearty breakfast quesadilla using leftover turkey sausage or ham (if you had it!).

## Serving Suggestions

The Thanksgiving Quesadilla is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the quesadilla into small wedges and serve with a variety of dips, such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy a slice of quesadilla as a quick and satisfying snack.
* **For a Crowd:** Make a large batch of quesadillas and serve them at a party or gathering.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Cut into smaller, manageable shapes for a fun and flavorful lunchbox surprise.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Thanksgiving Quesadillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can either microwave the quesadilla for a minute or two, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For a crispier tortilla, reheating in a skillet is recommended.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze quesadillas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the texture of the filling may change slightly after freezing.

## Thanksgiving Quesadilla Recipe

**Yields:** 4 quesadillas
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
* 1 ½ cups stuffing
* 1 cup mashed potatoes
* ½ cup cranberry sauce
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)
* 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
* Optional: Gravy, corn, black beans, jalapeños, etc.

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet or griddle
* Spatula
* Cutting board
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Ingredients:** Gather and prepare all your ingredients. Shred or dice the turkey, shred the cheese, and warm up any cold leftovers slightly.
2. **Assemble Quesadillas:** Lay out 4 tortillas. Sprinkle each with ¼ of the cheese. Top with ¼ of the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Add dollops of cranberry sauce and a drizzle of gravy (if using). Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Top with the other 4 tortillas.
3. **Cook Quesadillas:** Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place one or two quesadillas into the skillet (depending on size). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently with a spatula as they cook.
4. **Serve:** Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, and slice into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

## Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Leftovers in a Whole New Way!

This Thanksgiving Quesadilla recipe is a fun, easy, and delicious way to use up all those holiday leftovers. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a warm, melty, and utterly satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition.

This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen and transform familiar flavors into something truly special. Happy cooking and Happy Thanksgiving!