Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potato & Gravy Breakfast Casserole
55 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 35 min | 55 min |
Introduction
This leftover turkey, mashed potato, and gravy breakfast casserole turns holiday scraps into a cozy, bake-and-serve morning feast.
It’s packed with tender turkey, creamy potatoes, melted cheddar, and veggies, so every bite tastes like a mini Thanksgiving plate.
Perfect for the morning after a big celebration, it’s a hearty, family-friendly breakfast that clears out the fridge in one go.
Ingredients (8 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potato & Gravy Breakfast Casserole
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Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Create the mashed potato base
Spread 2 cups of the leftover mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Whisk the egg and gravy mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, turkey gravy, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add turkey, vegetables, and some cheese
Stir in the shredded turkey, frozen mixed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Layer the filling over the potatoes
Pour this mixture over the mashed potato base, spreading it into an even layer.
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Top with remaining mashed potatoes
Dollop the remaining 2 cups mashed potatoes over the filling, then gently spread to mostly cover the surface.
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Brush with butter and add cheese
Drizzle the melted butter over the top potatoes, then sprinkle on the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake the casserole
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is puffed, the cheese is melted, and the center looks set.
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Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing, so the layers firm up and serving is easier.
Substitutions
- Leftover turkey -> Cooked chicken or ham
- Cooked shredded chicken or diced ham both stand in easily for turkey and keep the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Cheddar cheese -> Pepper jack or mozzarella
- Pepper jack adds a gentle kick and extra flavor, while mozzarella melts very stretchy and gives a milder, kid-friendly taste.
- Frozen mixed vegetables -> Cooked broccoli, spinach, or roasted vegetables
- Chopped cooked broccoli, wilted spinach, or leftover roasted vegetables all work well and bring different textures and flavors.
Tips
- Warm the mashed potatoes slightly
- Cold mashed potatoes are hard to spread, so warm them gently in the microwave until just soft and pliable.
- Use room-temperature eggs
- Room-temperature eggs blend more smoothly with the gravy and milk, which helps the custard bake evenly and set nicely.
- Check seasoning before baking
- Gravy and mashed potatoes can be salty, so taste the egg mixture and adjust salt or pepper before baking.
- Make it the night before
- Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight if you like an easy morning. Add 5 to 10 extra minutes of baking time since it starts cold from the fridge.
- Let it rest before cutting
- Resting time lets the eggs finish setting, so your slices cut cleanly and do not slump apart.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 352 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 23 | g |
| Total Fat | 17 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding about 10 minutes so the center cooks through safely.
- Why is my casserole watery or loose?
- This can happen if the mashed potatoes or vegetables release extra moisture, or if the eggs are underbaked. Bake until the center looks set and barely jiggles, then let it rest before slicing.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well in individual portions wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until hot in the center, about 25 minutes or longer.
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
- Yes, you can use small-diced fresh vegetables like carrots, bell pepper, or broccoli florets instead. Lightly steam or sauté firm vegetables first so they become tender by the time the eggs set.
- How do I know when the eggs are fully cooked?
- The casserole is done when the center no longer looks wet and a knife comes out mostly clean. For extra accuracy, check that the middle reads at least 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy casserole makes an easy weekend brunch with a simple green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit.
For a fun twist, add crispy bacon on top after baking or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Reviews
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taylor__, Pittsburgh: Turned out fantastic and such a smart way to use up leftovers, I added a little hot sauce at serving and it was perfect for brunch.
: Love hearing it worked out for brunch! Hot sauce on top is a great finishing touch for this turkey, mashed potato, and gravy casserole.
Made this recipe? How did it go?
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