Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Flatbreads: Creative Recipes for Holiday Leftovers
A smart way to repurpose turkey and cranberries into a bright, satisfying meal option.
Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Flatbreads
If your refrigerator is packed with leftover Thanksgiving turkey and cranberries, it’s time to turn those ingredients into something exciting. Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Flatbreads offer a vibrant and flavorful twist, combining shredded turkey, tangy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a refreshing brussels sprout slaw on a base of soft naan flatbread. This recipe is an ingenious way to celebrate holiday abundance and minimize food waste, while treating your taste buds to something new after the big feast.
Why This Recipe Is a Post-Holiday Favorite
- Quick and easy: Uses simple steps and common leftover ingredients.
- Creative reinvention: Turns basic turkey and cranberries into a colorful, satisfying meal.
- Perfect for gatherings: Make several flatbreads for a crowd, or scale down for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable: Substitute with other leftovers like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or different cheeses.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pecans (roughly chopped) | 1/2 cup | For crunch and flavor |
| Naan | 6 pieces | Flatbread base; substitute pita or other flatbreads |
| Honey mustard | 1/2 cup + 1 tsp | Main sauce, plus for dressing |
| Leftover roasted turkey (shredded) | 1 1/2 lb | Main topping |
| Goat cheese (crumbled) | 8 oz | For tang and creaminess |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp + more to taste | Seasoning |
| Black pepper | to taste | Seasoning |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tbsp | For dressing |
| Olive oil | 6 tbsp | For salad dressing |
| Brussels sprouts (shredded) | 5 cups (about 10 oz) | Crunchy salad topper |
| Dried cranberries | 3/4 cup | Sweet-tart flavor |
| Fresh chives (chopped) | 2 tbsp | For bright, oniony finish |
| Sweet potato chips | to serve | Optional side |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Toast the pecans: Spread chopped pecans on one baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Remove pecans to a bowl and let cool.
- Arrange the naan: Lay naan flatbreads on the second baking sheet (use both sheets if needed so they fit in a single layer). Spread each piece with nearly all the honey mustard (reserving 1 teaspoon for dressing).
- Top with turkey and cheese: Scatter shredded leftover turkey evenly over the mustard-covered naan. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese across each flatbread, then season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the naan edges are lightly golden, the turkey is warmed through, and the goat cheese starts to soften and melt.
- Prepare brussels sprout slaw: While flatbreads bake, whisk apple cider vinegar and the reserved teaspoon of honey mustard in a large bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few twists of pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil to make a tangy vinaigrette.
- Mix the slaw: Add shredded brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and chopped chives to the dressing. Toss until well coated.
- Finish and serve: Top each hot flatbread with a small mound of the brussels sprout slaw. Serve immediately, optionally alongside sweet potato chips for crunch.
Tips for Perfect Flatbreads
- Don’t skip toasting nuts: Toasting pecans intensifies their flavor and adds irresistible crunch.
- Customize cheeses: Try swapping goat cheese for feta, blue cheese, or creamy ricotta. Each imparts a different flavor profile.
- Layer leftovers: Add spoonfuls of leftover stuffing or even mashed potatoes as extra toppings for a heartier meal.
- Crispier naan: Bake directly on the oven rack for extra crunch along the edges.
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Alternative Options |
|---|---|
| Naan | Pita, lavash, tortilla, flatbreads |
| Honey mustard | Dijon, whole grain mustard, regular mustard with honey |
| Turkey | Chicken, ham, or meatless (extra roasted veggies) |
| Goat Cheese | Feta, blue cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or vegan cheese |
| Dried cranberries | Raisins, chopped dried apricots, cherries |
| Pecans | Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds for crunch |
| Brussels Sprouts | Shredded cabbage, kale, spinach |
Why Use Leftovers?
Holiday cooking can leave you with a refrigerator packed full of turkey, sides, sauces, and miscellaneous ingredients. Leveraging these leftovers isn’t just smart, it’s also a fun way to enjoy fresh, inventive meals without extra fuss or waste. Flatbreads like these:
- Reduce food waste while keeping meals interesting.
- Provide quick solutions when post-holiday cooking motivation is low.
- Let you mix and match multiple leftovers for creative new flavors.
Other Creative Leftover Turkey Recipes
If you have even more turkey to use, consider these delicious ideas from The Pioneer Woman kitchen:
- Leftover Turkey Pot Pie: Combine turkey with vegetables and gravy in a flaky crust for classic comfort food.
- Turkey Tetrazzini: Toss turkey and mushrooms in creamy pasta with a splash of white wine.
- Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini: Grill turkey, Swiss cheese, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy on sourdough for a decadent sandwich.
- Turkey Chili: Simmer turkey with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty bowl.
- Ham and Turkey Casserole: Mix leftover meats in a creamy, cheesy casserole topped with breadcrumbs.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions and Sides
- Offer flatbreads with a side of sweet potato chips, kettle-cooked chips, or homemade potato wedges.
- Pair with a simple green salad tossed in your leftover vinaigrette.
- Drizzle extra honey mustard or leftover cranberry sauce over the finished flatbreads for extra zip.
Comfort Food Inspiration for the Winter Season
Holiday and winter cooking is all about cozy, satisfying dishes. The Pioneer Woman’s kitchen is a go-to for seasonal warmth, whether you’re craving classic potato soup, decadent casseroles, or fun new spins on leftovers. Some favorites to try:
- Creamy Potato Soup: A warming bowl perfect for chilly evenings.
- Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole: Decadent and festive for brunch.
- Cowboy Butter: A versatile condiment to serve with any roasted or grilled dish.
- Prime Rib Sides: Hearty veggies, mashed potatoes, and flavorful sauces.
- Winter Soup Recipes: Hearty, vibrant, and comforting for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other flatbreads instead of naan?
A: Yes, pita, lavash, tortillas, or even thick sourdough slices work well. Adjust baking time as needed.
Q: What’s the best cheese for these flatbreads?
A: Goat cheese provides tangy creaminess, but you can use feta, mozzarella, ricotta, or your favorite cheese.
Q: How do I shred brussels sprouts?
A: Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor set with a shredding blade for fine, even strips.
Q: Can I make the brussels sprout slaw ahead?
A: Yes, toss the slaw with dressing and refrigerate for up to a day. Add nuts and chives just before serving for freshness.
Q: What’s an easy way to warm leftover turkey?
A: Baking on the flatbread warms turkey gently. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the meat.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
- Protein-rich: Lean turkey provides excellent protein.
- Fiber-filled: Brussels sprouts, nuts, and cranberries boost fiber.
- Vegetarian option: Omit turkey and use extra roasted veggies or beans.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Choose certified gluten-free flatbreads.
- Lower sodium tip: Adjust added salt to taste.
Making Flatbreads for a Crowd
Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Flatbreads are perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners. Easily scale up by doubling ingredients and using multiple sheet pans. Set up a DIY bar so guests can add their favorite toppings: cheeses, veggies, sauces, or nuts. It’s an engaging way to share a warm, festive meal without the stress of formal serving.
Pro Kitchen Tips
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Prep slaw first: Brussels sprouts benefit from sitting in the vinaigrette while flatbreads bake.
- Serve hot: These flatbreads taste best straight from the oven.
- Double the recipe: Freeze extra shredded turkey after the holidays for quick flatbreads later.
Conclusion: Holiday Leftovers Made Delicious
Transforming leftovers into delicious, crowd-pleasing meals is an art, and these Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Flatbreads highlight the best flavors of the holiday season. With minimal prep and just a few steps, you’ll have a colorful dish packed with protein, veggies, and irresistible textures. Get creative—swap in your favorite leftovers, play with cheeses and greens, and enjoy a uniquely satisfying meal that puts your Thanksgiving abundance to brilliant use.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvkOYli87_0
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34729421/leftover-turkey-cranberry-flatbreads/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/2857438/leftover-turkey-and-cranberry-flatbreads
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a11313/leftover-turkey-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41982505/best-leftover-turkey-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g37221681/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes/
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