Leftover Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas

Thanksgiving leftovers turkey quesadillas transform your extra turkey and cranberry sauce into a quick, comforting meal that balances sweet and savory in a crispy, cheesy wrap. These quesadillas are perfect for using what you have on hand without extra effort, making post-holiday meals exciting and stress-free.

This recipe has become a go-to for me whenever Thanksgiving passes by because it brings the flavor of the holiday back without the long hours of cooking. One year I made it with rotisserie chicken instead of turkey, and my family couldn’t tell the difference they wanted it on repeat.

Ingredients

• Large tortillas: choose whole wheat, regular, or spinach depending on your preference for texture and flavor
• Turkey meat: leftover roasted turkey is ideal shredded breast or dark meat works great, even a mix
• Mozzarella and Swiss cheeses: these melt beautifully and create a creamy, gooey texture but feel free to swap in cheddar or brie for variety
• Cranberry sauce: canned jelly cranberry sauce stays bright and festive after cooking but homemade adds a more rustic flavor
• Fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary leaves: fresh herbs add an aromatic layer select vibrant green leaves without browning for the best impact

Instructions

Sauté the Base:

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat so the tortilla cooks evenly without burning. This gentle heat helps melt the cheese properly.

Layer the Cheese:

Place one tortilla in the skillet. Evenly scatter Swiss and mozzarella cheese over the whole tortilla to create a gooey base layer that will help seal the quesadilla.

Add the Filling:

On one half of the tortilla, pile a generous amount of chopped or shredded turkey. Spoon a few tablespoons of cranberry sauce over the turkey to balance savory with a hint of sweetness. Sprinkle your chosen herbs finely chopped to add freshness.

Melt and Fold:

Let the cheeses melt slightly so it starts to bind everything together but don’t rush. Once the edges of the tortilla begin to crisp, fold the tortilla over.

Grill to Crisp:

Press down gently and grill each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This step adds texture and seals the quesadilla so nothing spills out.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from heat and cut into thirds or quarters. Serve immediately for the best melty cheesiness.

My favorite part is the cranberry sauce which adds that unexpected sweet zing in every bite. It reminds me of the quiet moments after Thanksgiving when the family gathers for an easy snack to wind down. These quesadillas always bring that comfort and togetherness back.

Storage tips

Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or in a toaster oven to retain crispiness rather than microwaving which can make them soggy.

Ingredient substitutions

Switch out turkey for rotisserie chicken or even leftover ham if you want a different twist. Use creamy cheeses like brie or tangy sharp cheddar depending on your mood. If cranberry sauce is missing a splash of fig jam or apple butter works surprisingly well.

Serving suggestions

Pair these quesadillas with a fresh green salad or simple coleslaw for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.

These quesadillas are a fast, tasty way to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers. Serve hot for the best contrast of crispy tortilla and melty cheese.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can different cheeses be used?

Yes, feel free to substitute with cheddar, brie, or any other cheeses you prefer for varied flavors and textures.

→ Should the cheese be shredded or sliced?

Both shredded and sliced cheese work well; choose based on your preference or what you have leftover.

→ Is it better to use dark or white meat?

Either works; dark meat offers more moisture and flavor while white meat provides a leaner option. Mixing both is also delicious.

→ What herbs can be used in this dish?

Sage pairs beautifully, but thyme or rosemary can also add aromatic notes to complement the turkey and cranberry.

→ Can different tortillas be used?

Yes, large flour tortillas, whole wheat, or even spinach tortillas are suitable choices depending on your taste.