Thanksgiving Quesadillas are a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a gourmet treat. These quesadillas are filled with savory slices of leftover turkey, stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce, all complemented by creamy Monterey Jack cheese and fresh sage. Perfect for casual family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish brings a unique twist to traditional Thanksgiving flavors while ensuring no leftovers go to waste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights after the holidays.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce creates a mouthwatering profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these quesadillas as a main dish or slice them into smaller pieces for appetizers at parties.
- Quick Cook Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm meal on the table in no time.
- Great for Leftovers: Transform your holiday leftovers into something exciting and new.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures your quesadillas cook evenly without sticking, making flipping easier.
- Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like cheese and mayonnaise seamlessly.
Ingredients
For the Quesadillas
- 1 8-ounce package Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped small (or half that of dried sage)
- 4 10-inch flour tortillas
- 1 pound leftover turkey (white or dark or both)
- 12 ounces leftover stuffing
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
For the Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped small (or half that of dried sage)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Thanksgiving Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped sage until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Divide the cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. On one half of each tortilla, layer on slices of leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
Step 3: Make the Dipping Sauce
Combine the remaining mayonnaise, whole berry cranberry sauce, and chopped sage in a bowl. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place two folded quesadillas in the pan and cook for about two minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
Step 5: Serve
Cut each quesadilla in half for serving. Plate them alongside the creamy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving Quesadillas!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Quesadillas
Thanksgiving Quesadillas are a delightful way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing. These flavorful quesadillas can be served in various ways to elevate your meal experience.
Casual Family Dinner
- Platter Style: Serve the quesadillas on a large platter, cut into quarters for easy sharing. This is perfect for family gatherings where everyone can grab a piece.
- With Fresh Salsa: Pair the quesadillas with a side of fresh salsa for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Game Day Snack
- Dipping Station: Set up a variety of dips, including guacamole and sour cream, alongside the quesadillas for a fun game day snack.
- Finger Food Style: Present them as finger food, allowing guests to enjoy them without utensils. This makes them ideal for casual gatherings.
Festive Appetizer
- Mini Quesadilla Bites: Cut the quesadillas into small bites and serve as appetizers during holiday parties. Perfect for mingling!
- Garnished with Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or extra sage for an elegant touch when serving at events.
How to Perfect Thanksgiving Quesadillas
To make your Thanksgiving Quesadillas even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Cheese Choice: Use a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor profile.
- Crispy Tortillas: Lightly brush tortillas with olive oil before grilling to achieve extra crispiness.
- Layer Wisely: Ensure even distribution of filling by layering turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce evenly on each tortilla.
- Mind the Heat: Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the tortillas while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add roasted vegetables or jalapeños for additional flavor and texture.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your quesadillas right after cooking while they are warm and gooey.
Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Quesadillas
Thanksgiving Quesadillas pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to serve alongside:
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the quesadillas.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Corn Salsa: A zesty corn salsa adds freshness and bright flavors that enhance each bite.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the quesadilla well.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and pairs perfectly with the crispy tortillas.
- Stuffing Balls: Serve mini stuffing balls as a nod to traditional Thanksgiving flavors in a new form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thanksgiving Quesadillas can be a delightful dish if prepared correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using stale tortillas: Always use fresh flour tortillas for optimal texture and flavor. Stale tortillas may tear easily and won’t hold the filling well.
- Overstuffing the quesadillas: While it’s tempting to add more filling, overstuffing can make them difficult to cook evenly. Aim for a balanced amount of turkey, stuffing, and cheese.
- Ignoring the cheese mixture: Skipping the cheese blend means missing out on a creamy texture. Ensure you mix the mayo, cheese, and sage thoroughly before spreading it on the tortillas.
- Cooking at too high heat: Cooking quesadillas on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Use medium heat for even cooking and perfect browning.
- Not using a dip: A creamy dip enhances flavor and adds moisture. Don’t skip it! Whip up a quick dip with mayo, sage, and your favorite herbs for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Thanksgiving Quesadillas in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Thanksgiving Quesadillas
- Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Thanksgiving Quesadillas
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cheeses in Thanksgiving Quesadillas?
You can absolutely substitute Monterey Jack with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
How do I customize my Thanksgiving Quesadillas?
Feel free to add veggies like spinach or peppers, or swap turkey for chicken or ham based on your leftovers!
What sauces pair well with Thanksgiving Quesadillas?
In addition to the creamy dip provided in the recipe, consider serving them with salsa or guacamole for added zest.
How long does it take to prepare Thanksgiving Quesadillas?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking time, making it quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Quesadillas offer a unique way to enjoy holiday leftovers while being deliciously versatile. You can customize them with various ingredients based on what you have on hand. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Thanksgiving Quesadillas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: serves 4
Description
Thanksgiving Quesadillas are a creative and delicious way to use up holiday leftovers. Imagine crispy flour tortillas filled with tender slices of turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce, all melted together with creamy Monterey Jack cheese and fresh sage. This dish is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, ensuring that not a single leftover goes to waste. In just 30 minutes, you can transform ordinary leftovers into an extraordinary meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage (or 1½ teaspoons dried sage)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 pound leftover turkey
- 12 ounces leftover stuffing
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped sage until well combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. On one half of each tortilla, layer slices of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Fold the other half over the filling.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook two folded quesadillas for about two minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining quesadillas.
- Serve warm with a creamy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and sage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider mixing different cheeses like cheddar or adding jalapeños for a spicy kick. Lightly brush tortillas with olive oil before grilling for added crispiness. Ensure even filling distribution to prevent overstuffing.