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Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey

Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey
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Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos with Mashed Potatoes and Turkey is a comforting and flavorful snack that transforms classic holiday staples into a fun, shareable dish. Featuring layers of creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, crunchy tortilla chips, and melty cheese, this recipe is a quick and kid-friendly way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors all over again.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)

Protein

  • 1 to 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

Foundation

  • 3 to 4 cups thick, sturdy tortilla chips

Cheese

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or mozzarella)

Optional Toppings

  • ½ cup sliced jalapeños or mild chilies
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • Gravy or cranberry sauce for drizzling
  • Dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Base: Spread a generous layer of mashed potatoes evenly over a baking sheet or oven-safe platter. This creamy base adds hearty smoothness that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy chips.
  2. Layer the Turkey: Scatter shredded or diced leftover turkey evenly on top of the mashed potatoes to ensure every bite has a good protein balance.
  3. Add the Chips: Place a single, sturdy layer of tortilla chips over the turkey and mashed potatoes, making sure the chips maintain their crunch beneath toppings.
  4. Sprinkle Cheese and Optional Toppings: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the chips. Add sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or other desired toppings now so they meld as it bakes.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the dish is heated through.
  6. Finish with Garnishes: Once out of the oven, drizzle warm gravy or cranberry sauce on top. Add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle fresh herbs if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Balance moisture carefully by adding wet toppings like gravy or sauces after baking to avoid soggy chips.
  • Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to hold up under layers of mashed potatoes and cheese.
  • Gently reheat turkey and mashed potatoes separately before assembling for even warming.
  • Distribute ingredients evenly to create a balanced mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures in each bite.
  • Experiment with herbs such as fresh rosemary or smoked paprika to deepen holiday flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: thanksgiving leftovers, leftover nachos, turkey nachos, mashed potato nachos, easy holiday snack, leftover recipes, family-friendly snack

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/thanksgiving-leftover-nachos-with-mashed-potatoes-and-turkey/