Ah, potluck Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when friends and family gather to feast, share stories, and create memories around the table. There’s something about a potluck that makes everyone feel included, like each dish adds its own little sprinkle of love to the celebration. My all-time favorite dish to bring is this layered turkey masterpiece. It’s a delightful combination of everything we love about Thanksgiving—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all those comforting sides—baked together into a warm, hearty casserole. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be the star of every potluck!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded: Use leftover turkey for the best flavor, or rotisserie turkey works great too!
- 2 cups stuffing: Any stuffing will do—homemade, store-bought, or even your favorite kind from a box!
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: You can use the canned stuff or make your own for a fresh twist.
- 1 cup green bean casserole: A classic side that adds a creamy layer—feel free to use your favorite recipe!
- 1 cup mashed potatoes: Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes are a must; you can make them fresh or use leftovers.
- 1 cup gravy: Drizzle on a rich turkey gravy to tie all those delicious flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a drizzle to help with baking and add a touch of flavor.
How to Prepare the Potluck Thanksgiving Dish
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top. Trust me, no one likes a soggy casserole!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it’s well mixed but still chunky. You want to see little bits of turkey and stuffing peeking through the cranberry sauce—this gives it that delicious texture and flavor contrast!
Layer the Dish
Now, grab a baking dish and spread the turkey mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, layer on the green bean casserole, followed by the fluffy mashed potatoes. Don’t be shy—let those layers stack high! Finally, drizzle the gravy over the top to create a luscious finish.
Baking Time
Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when everything is heated through and the top is bubbly and slightly golden. The aroma will be irresistible!
Serving Instructions
Once you take it out, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This little rest helps the layers settle, making it easier to serve. I like to scoop generous portions onto plates and watch everyone’s faces light up—this dish is a real crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute potluck plans!
- Combines classic Thanksgiving flavors into one hearty dish.
- Great for using up leftovers—no turkey goes to waste!
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.
- Always a crowd-pleaser—everyone will come back for seconds!
Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure your turkey is well-seasoned. If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped celery or onions to the stuffing for extra flavor and texture! You can also swap out the green bean casserole for roasted veggies if you prefer a lighter touch. If you’re short on time, pre-made mashed potatoes work just fine! And don’t forget to taste as you go—adding a little extra gravy or cranberry sauce can elevate the dish to new heights. Lastly, let your casserole cool slightly before serving; it helps with layering and presentation!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious potluck Thanksgiving dish. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also packs a good protein punch, making it a filling addition to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Potluck Thanksgiving Dishes
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble it a day or two before your potluck and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. It’ll save you so much time on the big day!
What can I add to the dish?
Get creative! You can add a variety of ingredients to customize this potluck Thanksgiving dish. Consider mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. You could also throw in some diced carrots or celery in the turkey mixture for crunch. If you love cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for an extra gooey layer!
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheating is a breeze! To maintain the flavors and textures, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s thoroughly warmed. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but I recommend the oven for the best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious potluck Thanksgiving dish fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days, making it perfect for those post-Thanksgiving cravings! If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
Print
Potluck Thanksgiving: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious potluck dish for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup green bean casserole
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup gravy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
- Layer the green bean casserole on top.
- Add the mashed potatoes as the next layer.
- Drizzle gravy over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until heated through.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Feel free to add your favorite Thanksgiving sides.
- Use leftover turkey for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: potluck thanksgiving
