Leftover Turkey Pull-Apart Bread: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Repurpose

Thanksgiving is a glorious feast, but what happens after the last slice of pie is devoured and the relatives have all gone home? You’re left with…leftovers! While turkey sandwiches are a classic, why not elevate your leftover game with a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing Leftover Turkey Pull-Apart Bread? This recipe transforms your Thanksgiving bounty into a warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible appetizer or light meal. It’s the perfect way to use up that leftover turkey, stuffing, and even cranberry sauce in a fun and interactive dish.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Versatile:** This recipe is highly adaptable. Use whatever leftover Thanksgiving components you have on hand. Swap out the stuffing for mashed potatoes, add different cheeses, or change up the herbs. It’s all about using what you’ve got!
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this pull-apart bread is surprisingly simple to put together. It relies on pre-made bread dough, which significantly cuts down on prep time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves pull-apart bread! It’s fun to eat, easy to share, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
* **Uses Leftovers Creatively:** Say goodbye to boring leftover turkey sandwiches! This recipe gives your Thanksgiving leftovers a delicious and exciting makeover.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** While ideal for post-Thanksgiving, this recipe is also great for game days, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed (such as Rhodes or Sister Schubert’s)**
* **2 tablespoons olive oil**
* **1/2 cup chopped onion**
* **2 cloves garlic, minced**
* **2 cups shredded leftover turkey**
* **1 cup leftover stuffing**
* **1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce (optional)**
* **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**
* **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
* **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
* **2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley**
* **1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning**
* **Salt and pepper to taste**
* **Optional: Melted butter for brushing after baking**

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large skillet**
* **Cutting board**
* **Knife**
* **Mixing bowls**
* **9×13 inch baking dish**

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delectable pull-apart bread:

**Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Filling**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the shredded leftover turkey and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that your turkey may already be seasoned, so taste before adding more salt.
6. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce**

1. If your leftover stuffing is dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of chicken or turkey broth to moisten it slightly. This will help it bind together better in the bread.
2. If using cranberry sauce, chop it into smaller pieces if it’s in whole berry form. This will help it distribute more evenly throughout the bread.

**Step 3: Assemble the Pull-Apart Bread**

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle the stuffing evenly over the turkey mixture.
5. If using, dollop the cranberry sauce evenly over the stuffing.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
7. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and Italian seasoning over the cheese.

**Step 4: Cut and Arrange the Dough**

1. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 1/2 inch strips. Make the cuts perpendicular to the longer side of the rectangle (so you end up with long strips).
2. Stack 6-8 strips of dough on top of each other.
3. Cut the stacked strips into 1 1/2 inch squares. You should have several stacks of dough squares.
4. Carefully transfer the stacks of dough squares to the prepared baking dish, arranging them standing on edge. Don’t worry about being perfect; the rustic look is part of the charm.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all the dough and filling are used. You want to fill the baking dish evenly with the stacks of dough.

**Step 5: Bake the Pull-Apart Bread**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 20 minutes. This helps the dough cook through without browning too quickly.
4. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Optional: Brush the top of the bread with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

**Step 6: Let Cool and Serve**

1. Let the pull-apart bread cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to pull apart.
2. Serve warm and enjoy! Encourage guests to pull apart the bread and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Make sure the stacks of dough squares are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding will prevent the bread from cooking evenly.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the turkey and stuffing before adding salt and pepper. Thanksgiving leftovers are often already well-seasoned.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The cheese is a key component of this recipe, so use good quality mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Skip the Parsley and Italian Seasoning:** These herbs add a touch of freshness and complexity to the dish.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Feel free to add other leftover Thanksgiving items, such as roasted vegetables, sweet potato casserole, or even a drizzle of gravy.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the pull-apart bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Freezing:** While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze leftover pull-apart bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
* **Dough Considerations:** Using thawed frozen dough simplifies this recipe. If you prefer making your own bread dough from scratch, that works perfectly too. Just adjust the recipe timing to accommodate your dough’s rising and baking requirements.
* **Cranberry Sauce Variations:** If you don’t have leftover cranberry sauce, a dollop of fig jam or even a sprinkle of dried cranberries can provide a similar sweet and tangy element.
* **Adjust for Dietary Restrictions:**
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread dough to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Turkey Pull-Apart Bread:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey filling for a little heat.
* **BBQ Turkey Pull-Apart Bread:** Toss the shredded turkey with your favorite BBQ sauce before adding it to the dough.
* **Buffalo Turkey Pull-Apart Bread:** Toss the shredded turkey with buffalo wing sauce and add blue cheese crumbles to the cheese mixture.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the turkey with roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.
* **Pizza Pull-Apart Bread:** Skip the Thanksgiving leftovers and use pizza sauce, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings.

Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve the pull-apart bread as an appetizer at your next gathering.
* **Light Meal:** Pair it with a simple salad for a light and satisfying meal.
* **Game Day Snack:** This is the perfect snack for watching football or other sporting events.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear.
* **Brunch:** Add it to your brunch spread for a savory treat.

Detailed Recipe

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed (such as Rhodes or Sister Schubert’s)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
* 1 cup leftover stuffing
* 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce (optional)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Melted butter for brushing after baking

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Turkey Filling:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the shredded leftover turkey and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce:** If your leftover stuffing is dry, add a tablespoon or two of chicken or turkey broth to moisten it. If using cranberry sauce, chop it into smaller pieces.
3. **Assemble the Pull-Apart Bread:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the stuffing evenly over the turkey mixture. If using, dollop the cranberry sauce evenly over the stuffing. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and Italian seasoning over the cheese.
4. **Cut and Arrange the Dough:** Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 1/2 inch strips. Stack 6-8 strips of dough on top of each other. Cut the stacked strips into 1 1/2 inch squares. Carefully transfer the stacks of dough squares to the prepared baking dish, arranging them standing on edge. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
5. **Bake the Pull-Apart Bread:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: Brush the top of the bread with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
6. **Let Cool and Serve:** Let the pull-apart bread cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (estimated)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on the amount of filling and cheese used)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-25g

**Note:** This is just an estimate, and the actual nutrition information may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Storing Leftover Pull-Apart Bread

If you have any leftover pull-apart bread (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Leftover Turkey Pull-Apart Bread is a fun, delicious, and creative way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So, ditch the boring turkey sandwiches and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy your post-Thanksgiving feast!