Gather ’round, my friends! If you’re anything like me, there’s always a delightful chaos that comes after Thanksgiving dinner. I’m talking about a fridge stuffed to the brim with savory leftovers just waiting to be transformed into something magical! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite ways to repurpose those Thanksgiving treasures: Thanksgiving Leftovers Stromboli!
This dish not only showcases all those beloved flavors we can’t get enough of but is also a fun and hearty meal that the whole family will adore. I can still remember the first time I whipped this up; my poor family thought I was a wizard! It brought back all the cozy memories of the holiday, but with a twist that made it feel brand new. Trust me: once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe, shall we?
What’s in Thanksgiving Leftovers Stromboli?
Pizza Dough: You can either take the easy route with store-bought dough or show off your skills with homemade. Either way, it serves as the perfect canvas for this flavor explosion!
Cooked Turkey: Shredded turkey is the star of this show, bringing that classic Thanksgiving taste. If you have a favorite recipe for turkey, now is the time to use it!
Stuffing: This is where the magic happens! Using leftover stuffing adds the unique taste of the holiday directly into each bite. Feel free to use your favorite kind, whether it’s savory, herbaceous, or even cornbread-based.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: I’ll be honest, I could eat mashed potatoes every single day and never get tired! They create a creamy layer in the Stromboli and turn everything into a deliciously satisfying meal.
Cranberry Sauce: This is the cherry on top… or rather, the sweet tartness that elevates the entire dish. Drizzling it inside brings a delightful surprise!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? It melts into gooey goodness that binds everything together.
Egg (for wash): A simple brushing of beaten egg gives your Stromboli that beautiful golden crust that makes it almost too pretty to eat.
Dried Thyme, Salt, and Pepper: These staples enhance the flavors and warm your kitchen with that homey scent!
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end? Now we’re talking presentation!
Is Thanksgiving Leftovers Stromboli Good for You?
You might be thinking, “Okay, but is this dish actually nutritious?” Let’s break it down!
Turkey: Rich in protein, it’s a great lean meat option. It helps keep you full and satisfied, which is essential after a big meal!
Stuffing: Depending on what you used, stuffing can offer some hearty grains, but be mindful of the portion size, as it can sometimes be carb-heavy.
Mashed Potatoes: While comforting, mashed potatoes can be high in calories if you’re not careful with the butter and cream. However, they do provide vitamins if made with skin-on potatoes!
Cranberry Sauce: Not only tasty, but cranberry sauce is packed with antioxidants. Just watch the sugar content, especially if it’s from a jar!
This dish combines everything we love about Thanksgiving into one convenient opportunity to be creative. So make sure to enjoy in moderation, and don’t forget to share with friends!
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Stromboli?
So, are you ready to create some magic with these leftovers? Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 14×10 inches).
3. Spread the shredded turkey evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Layer on the stuffing, followed by the creamy mashed potatoes.
5. Drizzle cranberry sauce over the mashed potatoes and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Carefully roll the dough from one long edge to the other, enclosing all that delicious filling inside. Pinch the seams to seal it well; this is where we don’t want any leaks!
8. Place the rolled Stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Brush the top with the beaten egg for that golden finish.
10. Use a knife to make a few shallow slits on the top to let steam escape—no one wants a soggy Stromboli!
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dough becomes golden brown and cooked through.
12. Once it’s nice and toasty, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Make It Your Own!
Here’s the thing—I absolutely love how customizable this dish is! If you have extra veggies lying around, toss ‘em in! You can also switch up the cheese to your favorite kind, whether that be cheddar or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Serving leftovers is part of the experience, so feel free to set out extra cranberry sauce for dipping or even some gravy on the side. You’ll impress everyone at the table, guaranteed!
So there we have it—your new go-to method for feasting on Thanksgiving leftovers. I can’t wait for you to make this Stromboli and truly enjoy all those wonderful flavors in a brand new way. Once you’ve tried it, come back and tell me how it turned out! Happy cooking, my friends!
