Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Casserole: Easy & Delicious

What transforms day-after-holiday fridge chaos into hearty morning meal that delivers comfort food satisfaction while eliminating food waste without requiring hours of meal planning or complicated preparation techniques? The answer lies in combining turkey, stuffing, and vegetables into egg-based casserole that creates complete breakfast. This Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole proves that post-holiday meals become effortless when creative thinking meets practical use of surplus food. The hot breakfast recipe delivers perfect harmony where savory turkey meets creamy eggs and herbed stuffing, allowing each component to contribute distinct flavor that creates ultimate morning-after feast.

Ingredients List

For this Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole you’ll need holiday leftovers, eggs, cheese, and milk that creates satisfying breakfast using surplus ingredients from festive meal.

Leftover Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 cup leftover vegetables (green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
• 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes (optional)
• 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce

Fresh Ingredients:

• 10 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter for greasing

Timing

This Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole requires overnight preparation for optimal flavor development, though active cooking time stays minimal for easy execution:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Refrigeration time: Overnight (8-12 hours)
• Baking time: 45-55 minutes
• Resting time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 9-13 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Proper greasing prevents sticking and ensures easy serving of the Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole after baking.

Step 2: Layer the Stuffing

Spread leftover stuffing evenly across bottom of prepared dish, breaking up any large chunks. Stuffing creates flavorful base that absorbs egg mixture beautifully in the casserole.

Step 3: Add Turkey and Vegetables

Distribute chopped turkey and leftover vegetables over stuffing layer. Even distribution ensures every serving contains balanced amount of protein and vegetables throughout the Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole.

Step 4: Dollop Mashed Potatoes

If using mashed potatoes, drop small spoonfuls randomly over turkey layer. Potatoes add creamy pockets of richness that complement other textures in the finished dish.

Step 5: Whisk Egg Mixture

Beat eggs, milk, heavy cream, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in large bowl until well combined. Thorough whisking ensures even distribution of seasonings throughout the Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole.

Step 6: Pour Over Layers

Slowly pour egg mixture over layered ingredients, allowing liquid to seep into stuffing and around turkey. Gentle pouring prevents displacing carefully arranged layers in the casserole.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over top of casserole. Cheese creates golden, bubbly crust during baking that adds irresistible appeal to the Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole.

Step 8: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Resting period allows flavors to meld and stuffing to fully absorb egg mixture for optimal texture.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until center sets and top turns golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Resting allows structure to set properly for clean slices when serving the Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole warm.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of this Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole, you’ll receive protein-rich meal that provides sustained energy for busy post-holiday activities:

• Calories: 425 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary fiber: 3g
• Total fat: 24g
• Saturated fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 285mg
• Sodium: 685mg
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 25% daily value
• Calcium: 22% daily value
• Iron: 15% daily value
• Vitamin C: 8% daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole into a healthier version with these modifications that reduce fat and calories while maintaining comfort food appeal:

• Egg whites substitute: Replace half the whole eggs with egg whites to reduce cholesterol and fat content
• Low-fat milk: Use 2% or skim milk instead of whole milk and omit heavy cream
• Reduced cheese: Use half the cheese amount or choose reduced-fat varieties for fewer calories
• Turkey breast only: Select white meat turkey for leaner protein with less saturated fat
• Extra vegetables: Increase vegetable proportion to boost fiber and nutrient content significantly
• Whole grain bread: Mix in cubed whole grain bread with stuffing for increased fiber
• Greek yogurt addition: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for protein boost and tangy flavor

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole experience with these ideas that transform simple morning meal into memorable post-holiday brunch:

• Serve with cranberry sauce on side for sweet-tart contrast to savory casserole
• Top individual portions with dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs
• Pair with fresh fruit salad or green salad for balanced breakfast spread
• Drizzle with leftover gravy warmed for comfort food indulgence
• Serve alongside toast points or English muffins for complete meal
• Garnish with crispy fried sage leaves for elegant restaurant-style presentation
• Accompany with mimosas or Bloody Marys for festive brunch celebration
• Present on decorative platter with garnish of fresh rosemary sprigs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master this Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole by avoiding these pitfalls that compromise texture, flavor balance, and overall quality of finished dish:

• Skipping overnight rest: Insufficient refrigeration prevents proper absorption and flavor development in casserole
• Overcrowding ingredients: Too many leftovers create dense, heavy texture instead of light, fluffy consistency
• Cold oven start: Baking straight from refrigerator creates uneven cooking with cold center and overdone edges
• Not draining vegetables: Excess moisture from watery vegetables makes casserole soggy instead of set
• Underseasoning egg mixture: Bland eggs don’t complement flavorful leftovers, so season generously
• Cutting too soon: Slicing immediately causes layers to slide and creates messy presentation
• Wrong baking dish: Too-small dish causes overflow while too-large creates thin, dry casserole

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole with these strategies that maintain quality and food safety for extended enjoyment:

• Refrigerator storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days after baking
• Portion freezing: Cut into individual servings, wrap separately, and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheating method: Warm in 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes
• Make-ahead timing: Assemble casserole up to 2 days before baking, keeping refrigerated until ready
• Leftover safety: Ensure all components were properly refrigerated within 2 hours of original cooking
• Thawing instructions: Move frozen portions to refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture
• Single servings: Store in individual containers for grab-and-go breakfast throughout week

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole combines turkey, stuffing, and vegetables with eggs and cheese, creating satisfying meal through simple layering and patient chilling. The recipe proves that post-holiday cooking becomes effortless when surplus ingredients transform into delicious breakfast. Whether serving family morning after Thanksgiving or meal prepping for busy week, this versatile casserole adds comfort while reducing food waste and simplifying holiday cleanup with creative leftover solution.

Ready to transform leftovers? Try this Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole today and share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear what leftover combinations you used or creative variations you discovered!

FAQs

Can I make this Thanksgiving leftovers breakfast casserole without stuffing? Yes, substitute with cubed bread mixed with butter and herbs for similar texture and flavor absorption in casserole.

What if I don’t have enough turkey? Use rotisserie chicken, ham, or cooked sausage as substitutes while maintaining similar protein content and flavor.

Can I bake this immediately without refrigerating? Yes, bake right away at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, though overnight rest improves texture and flavor development.

How do I know when casserole is done? Center should be set and not jiggly, with internal temperature of 160°F and golden brown top.

Can I freeze this before baking? Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month, baking from frozen with additional 15-20 minutes cooking time.

What vegetables work best? Any roasted vegetables work well, though avoid watery options like plain steamed vegetables that create soggy texture.

Can I make this dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, though texture will differ slightly from traditional dairy version.

How many people does this serve? Recipe yields 8-10 servings as main breakfast dish or 12-14 as part of larger brunch spread.

Can I add gravy to the casserole? Drizzle gravy over individual servings rather than adding to casserole itself to prevent excess moisture.

What’s the best way to reheat? Oven reheating at 350°F maintains best texture, though microwave works for quick individual portions.

Can I use egg substitute? Yes, use liquid egg substitute following package directions for equivalent of 10 whole eggs.