Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Thanksgiving Nachos are a fun and creative way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. Combining turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the classic flavors on a bed of crispy chips, this dish is perfect for a cozy snack or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces tortilla chips (or thick-cut kettle chips)
• Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon sage)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked shredded turkey (or chicken)
• ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables
• 1½ cups prepared stuffing (divided, or half of a boxed mix prepared according to directions)
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup gravy (heated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Step 2: Arrange the tortilla chips on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper over the chips, then toss gently to coat evenly. Bake for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the chips from the oven and evenly top them with the shredded turkey.
4. Step 4: Chop the leftover roasted vegetables and sprinkle them over the turkey. Crumble 1 cup of the prepared stuffing on top of the nachos.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the layers, then add the remaining ½ cup of crumbled stuffing. Dollop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce evenly across the nachos.
6. Step 6: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake the assembled nachos for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with heated gravy on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese mixed with the mozzarella.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken if turkey is not available.
• Mix in some cooked corn or black beans with the roasted vegetables for added texture.
• Serve with a side of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.

Storage

Store leftover Thanksgiving Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes to restore crispness and warm the toppings. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble and bake the nachos just before serving for the crispiest chips and freshest flavors. However, you can prepare the topping ingredients in advance.

What can I use instead of turkey?

Cooked chicken makes a great substitute, and you can also try shredded pork or even a vegetarian option like seasoned tofu or beans.

Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe

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4.6 from 58 reviews

Thanksgiving Nachos combine classic holiday flavors into a fun, shareable appetizer or snack. Layered with tortilla chips, seasoned turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, mozzarella cheese, and bursts of tart cranberry sauce, these nachos are baked to bubbly perfection and served with savory gravy for dipping.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 8 ounces tortilla chips (or thick-cut kettle chips)
• Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon sage)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fillings and Toppings

• 1 cup cooked shredded turkey (or chicken)
• ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables, chopped
• 1½ cups prepared stuffing (divided, or half of a boxed mix prepared according to directions)
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup gravy (heated)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the chips and initial toppings.
2. Prepare Chips: Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray the chips with olive oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper evenly over the chips and toss gently to coat. Bake for 5 minutes to crisp and infuse the seasoning.
3. Add Turkey: Remove the chips from the oven and evenly distribute the cooked shredded turkey over the chips.
4. Add Vegetables and Stuffing: Chop leftover roasted vegetables and sprinkle them evenly over the turkey. Crumble 1 cup of prepared stuffing and sprinkle it over the vegetables for texture and flavor.
5. Add Cheese and Cranberry Sauce: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire tray, then crumble the remaining ½ cup of stuffing on top. Dollop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese and stuffing.
6. Bake to Melt: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Place the nachos back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted fully and is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the nachos for a fresh color and flavor. Serve immediately with warm gravy on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute turkey with cooked chicken if desired.
• Use any leftover roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture.
• If you don’t have stuffing prepared, use half a boxed stuffing mix prepared according to package instructions.
• For a crispier chip base, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
• Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart contrast, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
• Leftover gravy for dipping enhances the traditional Thanksgiving flavor profile.

Keywords: Thanksgiving nachos, holiday appetizer, turkey nachos, festive snack, stuffing nachos, cranberry sauce, comfort food