Looking to impress your guests with a unique and delightful Thanksgiving dish? This Turkey and Cranberry Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining tender turkey with tart cranberries, it captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients
To make this savory and sweet casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup turkey gravy
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
Prep Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the turkey: If you don’t have leftover turkey, cook and dice 4 cups of turkey breast.
- Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and celery.
- Season the turkey: Place the diced turkey in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
- Cook the vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until they are soft and translucent, around 5 minutes.
Assembly
- Layer the turkey: Spread the seasoned turkey evenly at the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Add cranberries: Spread the fresh cranberries and cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
- Top with stuffing mix: Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Add cooked vegetables: Spoon the cooked onion and celery mixture over the stuffing layer.
- Pour gravy and broth: Drizzle the turkey gravy and chicken broth evenly over the entire casserole to keep it moist.
- Sprinkle cheese: Finally, top with shredded mozzarella cheese for a delicious, melty finish.
Baking
- Cover with foil: To prevent the casserole from drying out, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Side dishes: Serve with classic Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Wine pairing: Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making a mouthwatering Turkey and Cranberry Casserole. This dish not only celebrates the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving but also brings a unique twist to your holiday table. Give it a try and enjoy the heartwarming compliments from your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
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