Ultimate Turkey Divan: A Creamy, Comforting Casserole Recipe

Turkey Divan is a classic casserole dish that’s the perfect comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender turkey and broccoli. This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, but it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round! This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.

What is Turkey Divan?

Turkey Divan is a baked casserole that typically includes cooked turkey, broccoli, a creamy sauce (often made with cream of chicken or mushroom soup, or a homemade béchamel), cheese, and sometimes sherry. It’s believed to have originated at the Divan Parisian Restaurant in the Chatham Hotel in New York City in the early 20th century. The original version likely used chicken, but turkey is a common and delicious substitution, especially after holiday feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Divan Recipe

* **Perfect Leftover Solution:** This recipe is an excellent way to transform leftover turkey into a completely new and exciting meal.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The creamy sauce, tender turkey, and cheesy topping make this a comforting and satisfying dish.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Turkey Divan can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for a convenient weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cooked Turkey:** 4 cups, shredded or diced. Leftover roasted turkey is ideal, but you can also use cooked turkey breast.
* **Broccoli:** 2 cups, cooked. Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before cooking.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can. You can also use cream of mushroom soup, or make a homemade cream sauce (recipe below).
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup. Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/4 cup. Contributes to the tangy flavor and creamy texture.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup, divided. Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Part of the cheese will be mixed in the sauce, and the rest will be sprinkled on top.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
* **Dry Sherry (Optional):** 2 tablespoons. Adds a subtle nutty flavor. If you don’t have sherry, you can omit it or substitute with chicken broth.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the sauce and the turkey mixture to your liking.
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1/2 cup. Adds a crunchy topping. Use plain or seasoned bread crumbs.
* **Melted Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Tossed with the bread crumbs for extra flavor and crispness.

Optional Ingredients

* **Mushrooms:** 1 cup, sliced and sautéed. Adds earthy flavor and texture.
* **Onions:** 1/2 cup, chopped and sautéed. Provides a savory base for the sauce.
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup, chopped and sautéed. Adds a subtle crunch and flavor.
* **Almonds:** 1/4 cup, slivered or sliced. Sprinkled on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated. Mixed with the bread crumbs for a cheesy topping.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
* **Paprika:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.

Homemade Cream Sauce (Béchamel)

If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can easily make a homemade cream sauce. Here’s a simple recipe:

* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons
* **Milk:** 3 cups
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Nutmeg:** Pinch (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if desired.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the ingredients.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the bread crumb topping.
* **Saucepan:** If making homemade cream sauce.
* **Whisk:** For making homemade cream sauce.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**

If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into florets. Steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well before cooking. You want the broccoli to be cooked but still retain some texture.

**Step 2: Make the Sauce**

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and sherry (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using the homemade cream sauce, simply whisk it together with the mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, and sherry.

**Step 3: Combine the Turkey and Broccoli**

Add the cooked turkey and broccoli to the sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the turkey and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

Pour the turkey and broccoli mixture into the 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.

**Step 5: Prepare the Topping**

In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss to coat the bread crumbs evenly. If you’re using parmesan cheese or other seasonings, add them to the bread crumbs at this step.

**Step 6: Add the Topping and Cheese**

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the turkey mixture. Then, sprinkle the bread crumb topping over the cheese.

**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Turkey Divan for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread crumb topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

**Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve**

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Best Turkey Divan

* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the casserole. Aim for tender-crisp broccoli.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Choose a good-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Sharp cheddar will give the casserole a richer, more pronounced cheese flavor.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
* **Use a Variety of Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, to add different flavor profiles.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey with cooked chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, or carrots.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey Divan is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Serve with Rice or Noodles:** Serve the Turkey Divan over rice or egg noodles for a heartier meal.
* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Serve with Cranberry Sauce:** A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make-Ahead:** You can assemble the Turkey Divan ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the bread crumb topping just before baking to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can also cook the broccoli and shred the turkey a day in advance to save time.

**Freezing:** To freeze Turkey Divan, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

**Storage:** Leftover Turkey Divan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Variations on Turkey Divan

* **Chicken Divan:** Substitute the turkey with cooked chicken.
* **Vegetarian Divan:** Replace the turkey with cooked chickpeas, white beans, or a combination of vegetables.
* **Divan with Rice:** Add cooked rice to the turkey and broccoli mixture for a more substantial casserole.
* **Divan with Curry:** Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce for a flavorful twist.
* **Divan with Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.

Turkey Divan Recipe

This recipe is a sure-fire way to create a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for using up leftovers or simply enjoying a comforting classic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own!

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

Ingredients:

* 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
* 2 cups broccoli, cooked (fresh or frozen)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare broccoli by steaming, boiling, or microwaving until tender-crisp. Thaw and drain if using frozen broccoli.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and sherry (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add cooked turkey and broccoli to the sauce; gently stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish; spread evenly.
6. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter; toss to coat.
7. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the turkey mixture, then sprinkle with bread crumb topping.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and topping is golden brown.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy Turkey Divan!

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

*Calories: About 350-450 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
*Protein: 25-35 grams
*Fat: 20-30 grams
*Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams

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**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always best to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.