The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger: A Deliciously Decadent Feast

Thanksgiving is over, but the deliciousness doesn’t have to end! We’re left with a glorious bounty of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Instead of eating the same reheated plate for days, let’s transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly extraordinary: the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger. This isn’t just any burger; it’s a towering masterpiece of flavor and texture, a celebration of all things Thanksgiving, conveniently stacked between two buns. Get ready to experience Thanksgiving in every single bite!

## Why This Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger Recipe Rocks

Let’s be honest, Thanksgiving leftovers can get a little…monotonous. This recipe breathes new life into those delicious dishes, transforming them into something exciting and craveable. Here’s why you’ll love it:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, herby stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy is an absolute flavor bomb. Each ingredient complements the others perfectly.
* **Texture Variety:** From the crispy turkey to the soft stuffing and smooth mashed potatoes, this burger offers a delightful mix of textures that will keep your taste buds entertained.
* **Easy to Customize:** Don’t have all the leftovers listed? No problem! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Use what you have on hand and get creative!
* **Impressive Presentation:** This burger is a showstopper. It’s perfect for a casual post-Thanksgiving get-together or simply for treating yourself to a well-deserved reward.
* **Reduces Food Waste:** Instead of letting those precious leftovers go to waste, you’re turning them into a culinary masterpiece.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a guide, feel free to adjust quantities based on your leftover situation and personal preferences. Remember, it’s all about using what you have and making it delicious!

**For the Turkey Patty:**

* 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, use stuffing crumbs for extra flavor!)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, but adds moisture and flavor)
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, for cooking
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary) for extra flavor

**For the Gravy Aioli:**

* 1/2 cup leftover gravy (turkey or chicken)
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, but adds a nice kick)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens the flavor)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Stuffing Layer:**

* 1 cup leftover stuffing (any kind works!)

**For the Mashed Potato Layer:**

* 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes (any kind works, even sweet potato)

**For the Cranberry Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)

**Other Essential Components:**

* 4 burger buns (brioche, potato, or your favorite)
* Lettuce leaves (optional, for a bit of freshness)
* Optional toppings: Fried egg, crispy fried onions, cheese (cheddar, brie, or your favorite)

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your Ultimate Burger

Now for the fun part! Let’s assemble this Thanksgiving masterpiece, step-by-step.

**Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Patties**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion (if using), beaten egg, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).
2. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
4. Form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make sure the patties are slightly wider than your burger buns, as they will shrink a little during cooking.
5. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Carefully place the turkey patties in the hot skillet.
7. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 2: Make the Gravy Aioli**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the leftover gravy, mayonnaise, minced garlic (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
3. Set aside.

**Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Layer**

1. If your stuffing is very dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of chicken or turkey broth to moisten it slightly. This will help it adhere better to the burger.
2. Gently warm the stuffing in the microwave or oven. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it will make the burger even more enjoyable.

**Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potato Layer**

1. Similarly to the stuffing, if your mashed potatoes are very thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up a bit.
2. Gently warm the mashed potatoes in the microwave or oven. This will make them easier to spread on the burger.

**Step 5: Assemble the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger**

This is where the magic happens! Let’s build our burger masterpiece.

1. Lightly toast the burger buns.
2. Spread a generous amount of gravy aioli on both the top and bottom buns.
3. Place lettuce leaves (if using) on the bottom bun.
4. Top with a turkey patty.
5. Spoon a generous layer of stuffing over the turkey patty.
6. Add a layer of mashed potatoes on top of the stuffing.
7. Dollop a spoonful of cranberry sauce over the mashed potatoes.
8. If desired, add additional toppings such as a fried egg, crispy fried onions, or cheese.
9. Carefully place the top bun on the burger.
10. Gently press down on the burger to compress the layers slightly.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Tips for Success**

* **Don’t Overload the Burger:** While it’s tempting to pile on all the leftovers, try to avoid making the burger too tall. It should be manageable to eat without completely dislocating your jaw.
* **Warm the Leftovers:** Gently warming the leftovers before assembling the burger will enhance the flavors and make the overall experience more enjoyable.
* **Use High-Quality Buns:** The buns are the foundation of the burger, so choose good quality ones that can hold up to all the toppings. Brioche or potato buns are excellent choices.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch. Maybe you want to add some sauteed Brussels sprouts or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
* **Season to Taste:** Taste each component as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to bring out the flavors.
* **Use a Burger Press (Optional):** If you have a burger press, it can help you create perfectly shaped turkey patties. However, it’s not essential.
* **Rest the Patties:** After cooking the turkey patties, let them rest for a few minutes before assembling the burger. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy patty.
* **Secure the Burger (Optional):** If your burger is particularly tall, you can use a long skewer or burger pick to hold it together.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the turkey patty with a vegetarian burger patty or a grilled portobello mushroom. Use vegetable gravy and vegetarian stuffing.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the turkey patties and gluten-free burger buns. Ensure your stuffing and gravy are also gluten-free.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy aioli or a drizzle of hot sauce to the burger.
* **Cheese Please:** Add a slice of your favorite cheese to the burger. Cheddar, brie, Swiss, or provolone would all be delicious.
* **Thanksgiving Waffle Burger:** Use waffles instead of burger buns for an even more decadent treat.
* **Cranberry Mayo:** Mix cranberry sauce with mayonnaise for a sweet and tangy aioli.
* **Sweet Potato Mash:** Use sweet potato mash instead of regular mashed potatoes for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Greens:** Add some fresh spinach or arugula for a pop of freshness and color.

## Serving Suggestions

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** Sweet potato fries are a perfect complement to the Thanksgiving flavors of the burger.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw will add a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Pickles:** Dill pickles or bread and butter pickles will provide a tangy counterpoint to the savory flavors of the burger.
* **Pumpkin Pie Milkshake:** For the ultimate Thanksgiving indulgence, pair your burger with a pumpkin pie milkshake.

## Make-Ahead Tips

While the best experience is assembling the burger fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

* **Turkey Patties:** The turkey patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven before assembling the burgers.
* **Gravy Aioli:** The gravy aioli can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Leftovers:** Ensure all your leftovers are properly stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should be used within 3-4 days.

## Storage Instructions

Unfortunately, the assembled burger doesn’t store well. The bread will get soggy, and the layers will become messy. It’s best to eat it immediately after assembling.

If you have leftover turkey patties, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven before serving.

## The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger: A Delicious Conclusion

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger recipe is the perfect way to transform your post-holiday leftovers into a culinary masterpiece. It’s a flavor explosion, a textural delight, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your leftovers, fire up the skillet, and get ready to experience Thanksgiving in every single bite! Happy cooking (and happy eating)!