A Delicious Twist on Leftovers: Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas

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ByHeather Schiefelbein

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Thanksgiving is known for its abundance of delicious dishes, but one of the biggest challenges after the holiday is figuring out what to do with all those leftovers. Rather than settling for the usual turkey sandwich, why not try something a little different? Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas are the perfect way to transform your leftover turkey into a quick and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

This recipe combines savory shredded turkey with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a crispy, cheesy tortilla. It’s a delightful fusion of traditional Thanksgiving flavors with a modern twist. The quesadillas are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, like green onions or fresh cilantro, for a burst of freshness.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a simple dinner, or even a snack to enjoy while watching holiday movies, these Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas are sure to hit the spot. They’re a creative and tasty way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers, and they might just become a new post-holiday tradition in your home.

So next time you’re staring at a fridge full of leftover turkey, remember this recipe. In just a few minutes, you can turn those leftovers into a dish that’s not only delicious but also a little unexpected. Happy cooking!

Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas

These Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. The savory turkey pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a crispy, cheesy tortilla.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
  • Optional: Sour cream or salsa for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Shred the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces.
    • If desired, chop green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas:
    • Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface.
    • Spread 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce on half of each tortilla.
    • Evenly distribute the shredded turkey over the cranberry sauce.
    • Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the turkey. If using green onions or cilantro, add them on top of the cheese.
    • Fold the other half of each tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
  3. Cook the Quesadillas:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Place one or two quesadillas in the skillet (depending on the size of your skillet) and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
    • Repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter or oil to the skillet if necessary.
  4. Serve:
    • Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot. They pair well with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or extra cranberry sauce on the side.

yield 4 servings

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 28g

Key Nutrients:

  • Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 2% of the DV
  • Calcium: 20% of the DV
  • Iron: 15% of the DV

Assumptions:

  • The quesadillas are made with flour tortillas.
  • The cheese used is a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
  • The cranberry sauce contains added sugars.
  • The turkey is roasted and shredded.

Please note that these values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes.

Tips:

  • For a Crispier Quesadilla: Cook on medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the tortilla.
  • Adding a Crunch: You can add a handful of baby spinach or some thinly sliced apples for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Enjoy these Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas as a delicious way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers!

As an author for CyrusRamsey.com, I specialize in interviewing restaurant owners to uncover the unique stories behind their culinary creations. Through these in-depth conversations, I dive into diverse culinary cultures and traditions, bringing fresh insights to my readers. I am dedicated to researching the most accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring my articles are rich, authentic, and informative for both modern food lovers and those who appreciate the classic, old-fashioned ways of cooking. I strive to create content that offers a little something for everyone, from seasoned foodies to kids who love joining us in the kitchen. Blending current trends with timeless techniques, I aim to make my writing relatable and engaging, whether I’m exploring a trendy eatery or revisiting beloved recipes. My goal is to provide an inclusive, enjoyable reading experience that leaves readers inspired to try something new.

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