Thanksgiving Casserole brings all the best parts of the holiday together in one easy, comforting dish. With tender turkey, crispy bread cubes, and a rich mix of savory herbs, it’s packed with the flavors you love without any of the stress. Whether I’m turning leftovers into something exciting or making it fresh for an effortless Thanksgiving dinner, it’s always a hit. It’s simple, satisfying, and the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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
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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.