Turkey Casseroles

Turkey casseroles are versatile baked dishes, often made with leftover turkey, that can include a variety of ingredients like pasta, rice, vegetables and creamy sauces. They are known for being hearty, comforting and a great way to use up leftovers, with common versions including creamy turkey noodle casserole or turkey rice casserole. Many recipes are easy to make and can be adapted to personal preference, such as adding different cheeses, vegetables, or toppings like crushed crackers or chips.

Common ingredients and variations:

• Protein: Leftover roasted turkey (cubed or shredded), or ground turkey.
• Starch: Pasta, rice, or stuffing.
• Vegetables: Common additions include peas, onions, celery, broccoli, or green beans.
• Binder/Sauce: Cream of mushroom soup, a simple homemade gravy, or a creamy cheese sauce are frequent choices.
• Topping: Crushed potato chips, crushed Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs are popular crunchy toppings.
• Flavour: Seasonings like dried herbs (thyme, sage, oregano), garlic powder and cheese are essential for a flavourful dish.

Tips for making turkey casseroles:

• Use leftovers: Casseroles are ideal for repurposing leftover roast turkey, but you can also roast a turkey specifically for this purpose.
• Be flexible: Don't be afraid to swap ingredients. For example, chicken can be used in place of turkey and different vegetables or cheeses can be incorporated.
• Add a crunchy topping: To add texture, top the casserole with crushed potato chips, crackers, or breadcrumbs before baking.
• Consider a layered approach: Some recipes, like a turkey and dressing bake, involve layering different components such as puff pastry, turkey, vegetables, cranberry sauce, dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes.