As the last remnants of Thanksgiving feast linger in the fridge, I often find myself pondering how to transform those beloved leftovers into something exciting. One particularly chilly evening, I decided to put a twist on classic poutine—because let’s be honest, everything tastes better smothered in gravy and cheese. Enter the Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine! This dish combines sweet potato fries, tender turkey, and a rich gravy topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce that adds just the right amount of zing.
With just a few simple ingredients, including leftover turkey and a handful of cheese curds, this delightful bowl is a wonderful way to clear out your fridge while savoring the flavors of the holiday season. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an indulgent snack, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice after all those turkey sandwiches. So, let’s dive in and make magic out of those leftovers!
Why choose Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine?
Delightful convenience: This recipe transforms your leftover turkey into a quick, delicious meal that requires minimal effort.
Crispy goodness: Sweet potato fries provide a satisfying crunch, balancing beautifully with creamy toppings.
Flavor explosion: The mix of rich gravy, savory turkey, and tart cranberry sauce creates a mouthwatering combination you won’t forget.
Comforting indulgence: Perfect for chilly evenings, this bowl offers a nostalgic twist on classic comfort food.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress family and friends with a fun and unique take on holiday leftovers that everyone will love.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine!
For the Base
- Sweet potato fries – a deliciously sweet twist that adds a fun crunch to your bowl.
- Leftover turkey – use up that turkey from your feast, all cut into bite-sized pieces for easy layering.
For the Toppings
- Gravy – warms everything up and brings a savory richness that ties all the flavors together.
- Cranberry sauce – adds a zesty finish that brightens the dish with its tart kick.
- Cheese curds – their creamy texture creates the perfect melt when combined with hot gravy.
- Fresh chives – a sprinkle of these gives a fresh and herbaceous note to balance out the richness.
Dive into those holiday flavors and transform your leftovers into a dish everyone will rave about!
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine
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Cook sweet potato fries according to package directions. Preheat your oven and let them roast until they’re golden and crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch.
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Prepare the remaining ingredients while your fries are cooking. Heat your gravy in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it’s warmed through and invitingly aromatic.
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Heat cranberry sauce in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This quick step softens it, making it easier to dollop over your warm poutine.
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Assemble the dish! Once fries are done, divide them evenly among two plates, creating a sturdy base for all the delicious toppings.
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Layer turkey pieces and cheese curds over the fries. Then, spoon hot gravy generously over everything, creating that signature poutine allure.
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Dollop cranberry sauce on top, spreading it among the plates, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives for that lovely pop of color and flavor. Enjoy while hot and savor every bite!
Optional: Drizzle with a little extra gravy for added indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy week! You can prep the sweet potato fries up to 24 hours in advance by cooking them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can cut the turkey and store it in a separate container, allowing for easy assembly later. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the fries in the oven for that crispy texture, warm the turkey and gravy, and assemble your delicious bowl. By prepping ahead, you ensure that this comforting dish is just as satisfying with minimal effort, ready to delight your taste buds at a moment’s notice!
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine?
The perfect way to elevate your family-inspired feast with flavors that harmonize and delight!
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted to perfection, these add a crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the richness of the poutine.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy slaw brings brightness to the dish, cutting through the savory elements and balancing the indulgence.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread offers a comforting side that’s perfect for scooping up every last bite of gravy.
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Savory Pumpkin Soup: This velvety soup adds an autumnal twist that matches the sweet potato base while providing a warm, cozy touch.
Pair your Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine with a side of cranberry juice cocktail to enhance the dish’s tart notes. It’s refreshing and perfectly ties those holiday flavors together.
- Apple Crisp: Finish on a sweet note with this warm dessert. Its spices and syrupy sweetness provide a lovely contrast to the savory bowl.
How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine
Fridge: Keep any leftover Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the components separately (sweet potato fries, turkey, gravy) for up to 2 months. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat fries in the oven for crispiness. Warm the gravy and turkey in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling.
Storage Tip: Avoid freezing assembled poutine, as the fries can become soggy. Store ingredients separately for the best texture when reheating.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine
• Crispy Fries: Ensure your sweet potato fries are fully cooked and crispy before layering. They serve as the foundation for your poutine and maintain texture under the toppings.
• Gravy Consistency: Avoid clumpy gravy by stirring continuously while warming it. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
• Turkey Temperature: Using cold leftover turkey? Microwave it for a few seconds before adding on top of the fries; this ensures your poutine is hot throughout.
• Sauce Balance: When adding cranberry sauce, less is more. Start with a small dollop—its tartness can overpower if too much is used!
• Chive Garnish: Fresh chives not only add flavor but also brighten the dish visually. Chop them fine and sprinkle right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Mix and Match: Feel free to customize with other leftovers like stuffing or roasted vegetables to make your Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine uniquely yours!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine Variations
Embrace your creativity and give this dish a personal touch that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a flavor blast that warms you up.
- Cheese Lovers: Swap out cheese curds for your favorite melty cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for an extra cheesy indulgence.
- Herbed Gravy: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into your gravy for a fragrant, earthy flavor that elevates every bite.
- Vegetarian Comfort: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a hearty, vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
- Sweet Twist: Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an unexpected sweet note that complements the savory flavors.
- Crispy Onions: Add crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy texture that brings more depth to your poutine experience.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked turkey or pancetta for a hint of smokiness that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the fries.
- Packed Veggies: Toss in some leftover roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach to add greens and a pop of color to your dish.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine Recipe FAQs
What kind of sweet potato fries should I use?
You can use frozen sweet potato fries for this recipe, which are convenient and easy to prepare. Look for ones that are crispy and have a good balance of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own by cutting fresh sweet potatoes into fries, tossing them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking them until they are golden and crispy!
How do I store any leftover Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine?
Absolutely! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just ensure that it’s sealed well to preserve the flavors. When reheating, I recommend warming the fries in the oven to maintain their crispness, while you can heat the turkey and gravy in the microwave.
Can I freeze the Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the components separately for optimal texture. You can freeze the sweet potato fries, turkey, and gravy individually for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat each component separately.
How can I fix soggy fries after reheating?
If your sweet potato fries turn out soggy after reheating, don’t fret! Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help crisp them up again. Another tip is to ensure they are fully cooked the first time—to achieve that perfect crunch!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Very! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the turkey and replacing it with your favorite meat substitute or more flavorful veggies like roasted mushrooms. For a vegan take, ensure that your gravy and cheese curds are plant-based options. It’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of this dish while catering to dietary preferences.
What do I do if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or allergies, feel free to substitute ingredients! Use gluten-free sweet potato fries, and check labels for the gravy and cheese curds. There are many dairy-free cheese options available that melt well under hot gravy. It’s all about creating a bowl that suits your needs while still being delicious!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine That Rocks Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven and cook the sweet potato fries according to package directions until golden and crispy.
- While the fries are cooking, heat the gravy in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Warm the cranberry sauce in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Once fries are done, divide them evenly among two plates.
- Layer turkey pieces and cheese curds over the fries, then spoon hot gravy generously over everything.
- Dollop cranberry sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh chives. Enjoy while hot!