If you're like most people, Thanksgiving leftovers are a big part of the holiday experience. While turkey sandwiches and casseroles are always a go-to, one dish that often gets overlooked is macaroni and cheese. This creamy and comforting dish is the perfect way to use up those leftover Thanksgiving ingredients and create a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. In this article, we'll share with you a mouth-watering macaroni and cheese recipe that incorporates Thanksgiving leftovers for a unique and tasty twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftover Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese Base:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup leftover turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup leftover ham, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Thanksgiving Leftovers:
- 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Creating the Macaroni and Cheese Base
In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Add in the flour and whisk until well combined. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
Next, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to whisk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Dish
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded turkey, diced ham, and Thanksgiving leftovers (mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce). Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
This Thanksgiving leftover macaroni and cheese is the perfect way to use up those extra ingredients and create a delicious and unique meal. The combination of creamy macaroni and cheese with the savory and sweet flavors of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're wondering what to do with all those leftovers, give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and comforting meal that celebrates the flavors of the holiday season.
HTML Code:
<h2>Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftover Macaroni and Cheese</h2>
<h3>Macaroni and Cheese Base:</h3>
<ul>
<li>1 pound elbow macaroni</li>
<li><b>1/2 cup leftover turkey, shredded</b></li>
<li><b>1/2 cup leftover ham, diced</b></li>
<li>1/4 cup butter</li>
<li>1/4 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li>2 cups milk</li>
<li>2 cups shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>1/2 cup breadcrumbs</li>
<li>1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese</li>
</ul>
<h3>Thanksgiving Leftovers:</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>1 cup leftover mashed potatoes</b></li>
<li><b>1 cup leftover stuffing</b></li>
<li><b>1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce</b></li>
</ul>
<p>Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish.</p>
<h3>Creating the Macaroni and Cheese Base</h3>
<p>In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Add in the flour and whisk until well combined. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.</p>
<p>Next, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to whisk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.</p>
<h3>Assembling the Dish</h3>
<p>In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded turkey, diced ham, and Thanksgiving leftovers (mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce). Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.</p>
<p>Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.</p>
<p>Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.</p>
<p>This Thanksgiving leftover macaroni and cheese is the perfect way to use up those extra ingredients and create a delicious and unique meal. The combination of creamy macaroni and cheese with the savory and sweet flavors of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're wondering what to do with all those leftovers, give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and comforting meal that celebrates the flavors of the holiday season.</p>