Thanksgiving dinner is one of my favorite meals of the year, and what follows is typically a mix of reheating leftovers or making turkey sandwiches. However, it doesn’t have to be like this.
When I was recently asked in an interview what people should do with their Thanksgiving leftovers, it got me thinking. How could we turn that leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy into something fresh and exciting? After brainstorming with the Plate Above team and digging through my recipe archives, I created a dish that hits all the right notes: a Thanksgiving Strata.
What is a Strata?
A strata is a layered casserole traditionally made with bread, eggs and cheese—think of it as a savory bread pudding. It’s perfect for using up odds and ends from the fridge, which makes it an ideal dish for post-Thanksgiving cooking. This version combines Thanksgiving classics like turkey, stuffing, and gravy with creamy eggs, rich cheese, and just enough cranberry sauce to keep things interesting.
The Recipe: Thanksgiving Strata
Ingredients
- ½ onion, small diced
- 10 eggs
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup leftover gravy
- 1 pound turkey, cut up or shredded
- 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
- 1 cup leftover roasted potatoes or veggies
- (No stuffing or gravy left? No problem. Add 2 Tbsp minced fresh sage, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and ½ cup diced celery.)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 6 cups stuffing, dinner rolls, or bread torn into small pieces
- Cranberry chutney or jellied cranberry sauce
Steps
- Grease a 9×13 deep baking dish.
- In a skillet, lightly sweat the diced onions and celery (if using).
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and gravy. Stir in the onions, celery, turkey, cheese, and roasted veggies or potatoes. Add herbs if you’re skipping the gravy.
- Fold in the torn bread or stuffing. Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it rest for 5 minutes—it’ll deflate a bit, but that’s part of its charm.
- Scoop out portions with a spoon, top with cranberry sauce, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver. By combining your leftovers into a single pan, you’ll spend less time prepping meals and more time relaxing with family. The best part? It’s forgiving. Whether out of gravy or short on stuffing, you can adjust the ingredients to suit what you have on hand. The strata works as a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner—it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste and give your holiday meal a second act. So, skip the sandwich next time you stare at a fridge full of leftovers. Whip up this Thanksgiving Strata instead and turn your post-holiday meals into something special.
