Thanksgiving Casserole is the easiest way to enjoy all your holiday favorites in one comforting dish. With tender turkey, golden-crisp bread cubes, and a rich blend of savory herbs and vegetables, it delivers all the cozy vibes of a Thanksgiving meal without the fuss. Whether you’re working with leftovers or starting from scratch, it’s a recipe that saves time while still impressing your family and friends.
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I love how versatile this Thanksgiving Casserole is. Whether I’m using it to breathe new life into leftovers or serving it fresh as an easy main dish for Thanksgiving Day, it never disappoints. It’s packed with all the comforting flavors you associate with the holiday, and the fact that it’s so simple to prepare makes it a go-to in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Thanksgiving Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This all-in-one Thanksgiving savory casserole combines all the holiday favorites into one hearty dish, and it’s also a great way to use up all those leftovers after the big day.
Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200ºC). Spread the cubed sandwich bread and French bread on a baking tray.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Bake for about 12 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced red onion, and minced garlic.
Stir and cook for about 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.
Mix in the Turkey
Add the shredded cooked turkey to the skillet and stir it into the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the turkey and vegetable mixture. Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, thyme, and fresh parsley. Stir until everything is evenly combined and the bread begins to soak up the liquid.
Bake Your Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the top is golden and crunchy.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven; finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a festive touch before serving.
Enjoy your bread and turkey casserole
Easy Thanksgiving Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 2 cups sandwich bread slices cubed
- 2 cups French bread cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup butter
- 5 celery stalks chopped
- ½ red onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound cooked turkey shredded
- ½ cup white wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200ºC). Spread the cubed sandwich and French bread on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden and crispy.2 cups sandwich bread slices, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper, 2 cups French bread
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.½ cup butter, 5 celery stalks, ½ red onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the shredded cooked turkey to the skillet and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.1 pound cooked turkey
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the turkey and vegetable mixture. Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, thyme, and fresh parsley. Stir gently but thoroughly, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.3 cups chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ cup white wine
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Video
Notes
- Perfect Bread Choice: Use day-old bread for better texture and flavor absorption. Fresh bread tends to get soggy.
- Leftover-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, like turkey, stuffing, or even leftover rolls. You can also add bits of roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra flavor and to reduce waste.
- Add Cranberries: For a sweet-tart flavor, toss in some dried cranberries when mixing the ingredients.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work in a pinch, using fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage elevates the dish, giving it that unmistakable holiday aroma and taste.
- Crunchy Topping: Reserve a handful of toasted bread cubes or sprinkle crushed crackers on top for an extra crispy layer.
- Broth Warm-Up: Slightly warm your chicken broth before mixing—it helps the bread absorb the liquid evenly.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the turkey for roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To make your Thanksgiving casserole truly unforgettable, here are some insider tips:
- Perfect Bread Choice: Use day-old bread for better texture and flavor absorption. Fresh bread tends to get soggy.
- Leftover-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, like turkey, stuffing, or even leftover rolls. You can also add bits of roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra flavor and to reduce waste.
- Add Cranberries: For a sweet-tart flavor, toss in some dried cranberries when mixing the ingredients.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work in a pinch, using fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage elevates the dish, giving it that unmistakable holiday aroma and taste.
- Crunchy Topping: Reserve a handful of toasted bread cubes or sprinkle crushed crackers on top for an extra crispy layer.
- Broth Warm-Up: Slightly warm your chicken broth before mixing—it helps the bread absorb the liquid evenly.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the turkey for roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
How to Store Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Storing leftovers is a breeze, and this casserole is just as delicious the next day—if not better!
For short-term storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175ºC) until warmed through and the top is crispy again. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture of the crispy top might soften slightly.
If you’d like to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe dish or divide it into smaller portions for easy reheating. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 375°F (190ºC) to restore its crispy, golden top.
Whether you’re storing leftovers from the table or planning ahead by making it in advance, this casserole holds up beautifully and tastes just as comforting the second time around.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Casserole
Thanksgiving Casserole is a complete meal in itself, combining turkey, stuffing, and all those holiday flavors we love. However, pairing it with a few thoughtful sides can make it feel like a full Thanksgiving feast.
Cranberry sauce is a perfect companion, adding a sweet-tart contrast to the casserole’s savory richness. Whether you use homemade cranberry sauce or leftover canned cranberry jelly, it brings a vibrant, fruity note that complements the herbs and turkey beautifully.
For a creative twist, serve the casserole with a side of mashed potatoes. You can even layer the mashed potatoes on top of the casserole before baking for a shepherd’s pie-inspired meal.
To add some freshness and balance, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great choice. It lightens up the plate and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans are another excellent addition. Their caramelized flavors and bright colors make the meal feel festive and complete.
More Easy Casserole Recipes You Will Love
I’ve got plenty of other comforting casserole recipes that I think you’ll love.
