If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting way to breathe new life into your holiday meal remnants, the Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish transforms simple russet potatoes into a mouthwatering feast by blending creamy mashed insides with tender turkey, gooey mozzarella, savory stuffing, and a drizzle of rich gravy. Each bite is like a little celebration of Thanksgiving, bringing together those beloved flavors in a satisfying, easy-to-make baked potato that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Perfect for using up leftovers, this recipe will soon become a treasured staple in your post-holiday rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create an irresistible blend of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role, from the soft and fluffy potato base to the savory turkey and melty cheese that make every bite rich and fulfilling.
- 4 large russet potatoes: Ideal for baking because of their fluffy interior and sturdy skins that hold all the delicious fillings.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps the potato skins crisp up beautifully in the oven for a perfect texture contrast.
- Salt and pepper to season: Simple but crucial for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- ½ cup of milk: Moistens the mashed potato filling for creamy softness.
- 1 tablespoon of butter: Adds richness and a buttery depth to the mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey goodness and binds the filling together.
- ½ cup of thick turkey slices (roughly chopped): The star leftover ingredient, bringing savory, meaty bites to the mix.
- 1 ½ cups of stuffing (prepared): Provides a flavorful, crumbly topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that brightens the dish (optional but recommended).
- ½ cup of gravy (or more): Pours over the final bake to keep everything moist and add that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- Dried cranberries to garnish: A little pop of tartness and color to finish the dish with festive flair.
How to Make Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub your potatoes with oil, which will help create a crispy skin once baked. Place them directly on a baking pan and let them bake for one hour. This long bake time ensures your potatoes will be tender and fluffy inside, the perfect canvas for the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Shells and Filling Base
Once the potatoes have baked, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the potatoes to cool 조금, so you can handle them safely. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides, keeping a rim intact to ensure the skin remains sturdy. Place the scooped potato in a medium bowl for mashing and filling preparation.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Potato Mixture
Mash the potato insides and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts—this step infuses the mash with luxurious creaminess. Fold the warm milk mixture into your potatoes, then add mozzarella cheese and chopped turkey slices. Stir gently to combine all those wonderful Thanksgiving flavors in one hearty mixture.
Step 4: Stuff and Top the Potatoes
Evenly distribute the cheesy, turkey-packed potato mixture back into the potato skins. Then, top each filled potato generously with prepared stuffing. This layering creates a contrast of creamy filling beneath the crispy-topped crumbs, making every bite delightful.
Step 5: Final Bake and Garnish
Pop the stuffed potatoes back into the oven for another 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set and the stuffing to toast to perfection. Once out of the oven, drizzle generously with gravy and finish with a sprinkle of dried cranberries. These tart jewels add the perfect festive touch and a burst of sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Serve Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a bright contrast, plus extra dried cranberries or even a dollop of sour cream. These additions add a pop of color that makes the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple bowl of soup to round out your meal. The hearty nature of the potatoes means you can keep sides light and fresh for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the potatoes halved on a large platter with all the garnishes arranged in bowls around them, allowing guests to customize their toppings. Alternatively, try packing the potato filling into small ramekins and topping with stuffing for individual portions that are perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh while preventing the potato from drying out.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked stuffed potatoes by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to two months. Just note that the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the potato skins crisp and the stuffing nicely toasted.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweeter flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey and stuffing, offering a fresh twist on this Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe.
Is it okay to use leftover gravy or stuffing from my Thanksgiving dinner?
Yes, using leftover stuffing and gravy not only saves time but also intensifies the traditional flavors in this recipe, making it a perfect way to repurpose classic sides.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetarian gravy to keep all the comfort without the meat.
How can I make the potato skins crispier?
Make sure to rub the skins with oil before baking and avoid covering the potatoes—they crisp up best when exposed to dry heat in the oven.
Can I add other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Of course! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are excellent choices that add more flavor or heat, depending on your preference. Mixing cheeses can be especially delicious here.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic, mouthwatering way to reinvent your holiday leftovers into a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Its ease and versatility are just the icing on the potato skin. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becomes a beloved tradition all year round!
Print
Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Baked Potatoes recipe is a delicious and creative way to transform your leftover turkey, stuffing, and other traditional holiday sides into a comforting and hearty dish. Crispy baked russet potatoes are scooped and filled with a creamy mixture of turkey, cheese, and seasoning, then topped with stuffing and baked again to meld all the festive flavors. Finished with warm gravy and a sprinkle of dried cranberries, these potatoes make a perfect, easy-to-make post-holiday meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to season
Potato Filling
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup of thick turkey slices (roughly chopped)
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups of stuffing (prepared)
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- ½ cup of gravy (or more)
- Dried cranberries to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub each russet potato with oil, then place them on a baking pan. Bake for one hour until the skins are crisp and the insides are tender.
- Prepare Potato Shells: Remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Let the potatoes cool until they can be handled safely. Slice each potato in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the insides into a medium bowl, leaving a sturdy shell for stuffing.
- Make Potato Filling: In a small pan or microwave, heat the milk and butter just until the butter melts. Add this warm milk mixture to the bowl with the mashed potato insides. Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese and roughly chopped turkey slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently but thoroughly.
- Stuff Potatoes: Evenly fill each potato shell with the cheesy turkey and potato mixture. Top each filled potato with a generous layer of prepared stuffing.
- Bake Stuffed Potatoes: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the stuffing to brown slightly and the filling to warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with warm gravy poured over the tops and sprinkle dried cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting leftover-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best texture and sturdy skins to hold the filling.
- Leftover turkey can be substituted with cooked chicken or ham if preferred.
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the potato mixture when mashing.
- If gravy is too thick, thin it with a bit of broth before pouring over the potatoes.
- These potatoes pair well with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
