Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe
Introduction
Thanksgiving Nachos are a fun and delicious way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a savory snack or meal. Combining crispy chips, turkey, stuffing, and festive flavors, this dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tortilla chips (or thick-cut kettle chips)
- Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon sage)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked shredded turkey (or chicken)
- ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables
- 1½ cups prepared stuffing (divided, or half of a boxed mix prepared according to directions)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup gravy (heated)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 2: Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper over the chips, then toss gently to coat evenly. Bake for 5 minutes to lightly toast the chips and enhance the flavors.
- Step 3: Remove the chips from the oven and evenly spread the shredded turkey over the top.
- Step 4: Chop the roasted vegetables into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the turkey. Crumble 1 cup of the prepared stuffing evenly over the nachos.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add the remaining ½ cup of crumbled stuffing. Dollop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce across the surface for bursts of sweetness.
- Step 6: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with warm gravy on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Use thick-cut kettle chips for extra crunch that holds up well under toppings.
- Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for more depth of flavor.
- Try adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be dolloped on before baking for a comforting twist.
Storage
Store any leftover Thanksgiving Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the chips crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Thanksgiving Nachos ahead of time?
You can assemble the nachos a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of turkey?
Chicken works well as a substitute. You can also use leftover ham or a vegetarian alternative like seasoned beans or mushrooms.
Print
Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Thanksgiving Nachos combine the festive flavors of a holiday meal into a fun, shareable appetizer or snack. Layers of tortilla chips, seasoned with poultry spices, topped with shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, melty mozzarella cheese, and cranberry sauce, baked to bubbly perfection, then garnished with fresh parsley and served with warm gravy for dipping. This creative twist on traditional nachos is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or bringing the essence of the holiday to your snack table.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces tortilla chips (or thick-cut kettle chips)
- Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon sage)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked shredded turkey (or chicken)
- ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables
- 1½ cups prepared stuffing (divided; or half of a boxed mix prepared according to directions)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- 1 cup gravy (heated)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chips with the seasoning.
- Prepare the Chips: Arrange the tortilla chips evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper evenly over the chips, then toss gently to coat all the chips. Bake for 5 minutes to slightly toast and infuse flavor.
- Add Turkey Layer: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly spread the shredded turkey over the baked chips, providing a hearty protein layer.
- Add Roasted Vegetables and Stuffing: Chop the leftover roasted vegetables finely and scatter them over the turkey. Crumble 1 cup of the prepared stuffing and sprinkle it over the vegetables and turkey, adding texture and traditional flavor.
- Top with Cheese and More Stuffing: Generously cover the nachos with shredded mozzarella cheese to ensure a gooey, melted topping. Then crumble the remaining ½ cup of stuffing on top for extra crunch and taste. Dot the surface with small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce for a burst of sweetness.
- Bake Again: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and return the nachos to bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, signaling that the nachos are hot and ready.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh herbal note. Serve the Thanksgiving Nachos hot with a side of heated gravy for dipping to add rich, savory moisture with every bite.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with plant-based meat or extra vegetables.
- Use thick-cut kettle chips if you want extra crunch and sturdiness for holding toppings.
- If you don’t have poultry seasoning, use equal parts sage, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary for a similar flavor.
- Make sure the gravy is warm but not boiling when serving to avoid cooling the nachos too quickly.
- These nachos can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving nachos, turkey nachos, holiday appetizer, leftover turkey recipe, stuffing nachos, cranberry sauce, easy baked nachos
