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Thanksgiving leftovers turkey quesadillas transform your post-holiday meal into a quick and comforting bite that’s packed with flavor and uses up those turkey and cranberry sauce remnants perfectly. This recipe brings together the richness of melted cheeses with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce and the warm aroma of herbs for a snack or light meal that feels like a celebration in every bite.
My family devoured these the first time I made them after Thanksgiving and they have since become our favorite way to reinvent leftovers. Honestly, it’s a little ritual now that we look forward to each year after the big feast.
Ingredients
- Large tortillas: Choose flour tortillas that are soft and pliable, whole wheat or spinach tortillas work well too if you prefer extra nutrition or color
- Turkey meat: Leftover chopped or shredded turkey breast is perfect if you don’t have turkey you can easily swap in rotisserie chicken
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds lovely meltiness and a mild flavor that balances the sweetness of the cranberry
- Swiss cheese: Brings nutty, slightly sharp notes and helps with that cheesy pull when melted
- Cranberry sauce: Use either homemade or canned cranberry sauce which keeps its bright flavor and texture while cooking
- Sage leaves: Fresh chopped sage gives a classic herbaceous holiday fragrance and thyme or rosemary are great alternatives if you want a different herbal touch
Instructions
- Make quesadillas:
- Heat up a large skillet over medium to medium low heat. Place one tortilla flat into the skillet to warm it. Sprinkle a generous amount of Swiss cheese evenly over the whole tortilla followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Focus your turkey filling on one half of the tortilla for easy folding. Add a few tablespoons of cranberry sauce over the turkey along with your chopped fresh herbs. Watch as the cheese begins to soften slightly which usually takes a minute or two. Gently fold the tortilla in half pressing down lightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt through the layers and bind everything together. Flip carefully to grill the second side until both are golden brown with a crisp exterior. Remove from heat and slice into thirds or quarters for easy serving.
My favorite part about this dish is the cranberry sauce. It’s the nostalgic burst of festive sweetness that really elevates the turkey to something special. This simple combo reminds me of cozy winter family gatherings where everyone eagerly fights over the last quesadilla slice.
Storage Tips
Leftover quesadillas store well in the refrigerator wrapped in foil or airtight containers for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness or pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the outside crispy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out the turkey meat for shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover ham if you prefer. Different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a creamy brie can create fun variations. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary offer alternatives to sage without overpowering the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These quesadillas are great on their own or served alongside a simple green salad to lighten things up. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra punch. Pair with a warm cup of apple cider to keep the festive vibes going.
I learned the hard way that browning the tortilla slowly keeps it crispy while giving the cheese enough time to melt fully. Enjoy these quesadillas warm for best texture.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different cheeses for this?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheddar, brie, or your favorite cheeses to customize the flavor.
- → Should I shred my cheese or use pre-shredded?
Both work well. Shredded cheese melts evenly, but sliced or cubed leftover cheese can add texture.
- → Which turkey meat is best to use?
Use any leftover turkey you prefer. Dark meat is moist and flavorful, while breast meat is leaner. A mix works great.
- → Can I substitute turkey with other meats?
Rotisserie chicken or other cooked poultry make excellent alternatives for this dish.
- → What herbs can I add to enhance flavor?
Sage, thyme, or rosemary complement the turkey and cranberry sauce beautifully; choose your favorite.
- → How do I get the quesadilla crispy on both sides?
Grill the folded tortilla over medium heat, pressing lightly and flipping until golden brown and cheese is melted.