Reinventing Thanksgiving: Easy & Delicious Leftovers Tostadas Recipe
Forget boring reheated plates! These Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas are your new favorite way to enjoy all the holiday magic long after the feast is over. Imagine crispy fried tortillas piled high with savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, succulent turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy – pure bliss in every single bite!
Every year, as the last of the pumpkin pie disappears and the stretchy pants come out, I find myself eagerly anticipating the culinary creativity that follows Thanksgiving. While the main holiday meal is undoubtedly a spectacular event, there’s a unique joy that comes with transforming those delicious remnants into entirely new, equally exciting dishes. I’ve ventured into crafting gourmet sandwiches and even savory egg rolls from my holiday bounty, proving that the magic of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end on Thursday. Is it too much to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, I look forward to the innovative leftover creations even more than the initial feast?
The Irresistible Allure of Post-Thanksgiving Day
The day after Thanksgiving often holds its own special charm. For many, it’s a bustling Black Friday filled with early morning shopping sprints. But for me, it’s a sacred tradition of pure, unadulterated relaxation. You know the drill: I intentionally avoid all the shopping frenzy. Instead, my ideal Friday involves being curled up on the couch or cozied in bed, embracing peak laziness. It’s a day dedicated to indulging in feel-good movies, perhaps a captivating book, and, most importantly, savoring those glorious Thanksgiving leftovers.
This commitment to a perfectly lazy Friday means I’m always on the hunt for novel ways to reinvent my holiday favorites. Reheating them straight from the fridge is fine, but truly transforming them into something fresh and exciting elevates the entire experience. This is where the magic of Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas comes into play, offering a culinary twist that makes the day-after indulgence feel like a brand new celebration.
Why Tostadas Are The Ultimate Leftover Reinvention
Imagine this: a perfectly golden, extra-crispy fried corn tortilla serving as the canvas for a masterpiece of Thanksgiving flavors. Layered meticulously on top are all your beloved holiday elements – the savory, herb-infused stuffing; the tender, juicy turkey; the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes; the vibrant, tart cranberry sauce; and a generous drizzle of rich, luscious gravy. The crunchiness of that fried tortilla introduces a dynamic texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, comforting fillings, making the entire dish feel both familiar and utterly new. This isn’t just reheating; it’s a culinary evolution, turning your leftovers into something that tastes *even better* than you remember.
Serious Flavor, Serious Satisfaction
No seriously. It does. The addition of that perfectly crisp tortilla brings an unexpected, delightful dimension to what might otherwise be a repeat performance. It’s a simple trick that elevates the entire leftover experience, ensuring that every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes.
This year, Thanksgiving almost snuck up on me! I found it hard to believe the holiday was already here. Perhaps it’s because this is the first time in a while that I’m not doing all the intense cooking and prep myself. Initially, I thought I’d be thankful for the break, for the chance to kick back and simply enjoy the holiday without the stress of hosting. Yet, a part of me felt oddly anxious, a little off-kilter. It’s ridiculous, I know! I had to remind myself to just cool it and remember that these amazing tostadas – my ultimate leftover creation – would soon be back in my life, offering a delicious antidote to any holiday stress.
Beyond the Plate: My Favorite Thanksgiving Fixings
And we all know, for a food lover like me, food is the absolute best distraction. So tell me, what are you looking forward to cooking (or eating!) most on Thanksgiving? It’s a fun question, and hearing others’ traditions always brings a smile to my face.
I know it might sound a little unusual, but one of the things I anticipate with the most excitement each year is my homemade cranberry sauce. Made with fresh, plump cranberries, a hint of bright orange zest, and a splash of Grand Marnier, it’s truly divine. This tart, complex sauce provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors of turkey and stuffing. It’s that unexpected pop of brightness that truly completes the Thanksgiving plate and, as you’ll discover, is absolutely essential for these tostadas.
Of course, a close second in my heart is a truly spectacular gravy. Specifically, a good bacon gravy. Oh, that savory goodness! It’s fantastic on absolutely everything, and I’m pretty sure everyone I serve it to secretly wishes they could bottle it up and keep it in their fridge for all eternity (LOL!). For these Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas, a really good, flavorful gravy is non-negotiable. It acts as the glorious binder, bringing all those disparate holiday components together into one harmonious, mouth-watering experience. Trust me, it totally makes the dish!
Essential Tools for Your Tostada Creation
To whip up these amazing Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas, you don’t need a pantry full of specialized gadgets, but a few key kitchen tools will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. These are my absolute must-haves for preparing this dish:
A Reliable Chef’s Knife
First and foremost, you’ll need a good quality chef’s knife. This isn’t just for cutting up the leftover turkey into perfectly sized pieces for your tostadas, but for nearly every culinary task you undertake. A sharp, well-balanced knife makes meal prep not only easier but also safer. It’s an investment that pays dividends in every dish you create, ensuring your turkey is beautifully sliced or shredded for ideal layering.
The Versatility of a Cast Iron Skillet
For achieving that perfectly crispy corn tortilla base, a sturdy skillet is essential, and my go-to is always a cast iron skillet. Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat beautifully, which is crucial for frying tortillas to a consistent golden brown. Whether you have a vintage family heirloom or a brand-new pan, its heavy-duty construction makes it ideal for handling the oil and giving your tostadas that satisfying crunch without scorching. I like to fill mine with about an inch of frying oil and let it come to a shimmering heat before adding the tortillas.
Trusty Kitchen Tongs (Clongs!)
Speaking of frying, you’ll definitely want a pair of reliable kitchen tongs – or as I affectionately call them, “clongs!” These are indispensable for safely flipping your tortillas in the hot oil. They offer a secure grip, preventing splashes and ensuring you can easily turn the tortillas until they’re beautifully golden and crisp on both sides. Unlike some other kitchen utensils, good quality tongs are designed to withstand high heat and won’t melt or warp, making them perfect for this task. They allow you to work efficiently and safely, ensuring each tortilla gets the perfect fry.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas
equipment
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9-Inch Tongs
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Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 9-Inch
ingredients
- 4 corn tortillas
- Frying oil
- Salt
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 8-10 oz sliced turkey cut into small pieces, any size is good
- 1 cup stuffing
- 1/3 cup gravy
instructions
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In a small skillet, add canola oil until about 1 inch deep. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, fry corn tortillas one at a time, until golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate to drain and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
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Reheat the mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey and gravy in the microwave or oven.
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To build your tostadas, slather the crispy corn tortilla with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. Then top with cranberry sauce, sliced turkey, stuffing and drizzle over the gravy. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Leftover Tostadas
Making these tostadas is wonderfully straightforward, but a few tips can elevate them from great to absolutely unforgettable:
- Don’t Skimp on the Crisp: The crispy tortilla is the backbone of this dish. Ensure your oil is hot enough and fry until truly golden brown. A soggy tostada just won’t do!
- Reheat Smartly: While you can microwave your leftovers, consider reheating stuffing and turkey gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or gravy to retain moisture and flavor. Mashed potatoes also benefit from stovetop reheating with a touch of milk or cream to bring back their creamy texture.
- Layering is Key: Start with a thick layer of mashed potatoes – it acts as a delicious glue. Then add your cranberry sauce, followed by turkey and stuffing. A final generous drizzle of warm gravy pulls everything together.
- Personalize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream or a creamy avocado slice, a few pickled jalapeños for a kick, or some fresh chopped cilantro can all add delightful new dimensions.
A New Holiday Tradition in the Making
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience. They embody the comfort of holiday food while offering an exciting, vibrant twist that prevents “leftover fatigue.” They fit perfectly into that lazy, indulgent Friday after Thanksgiving, making it a truly delicious and relaxing day. It’s a testament to the versatility of our favorite holiday dishes and a wonderful way to extend the celebratory spirit.
So, as you wrap up your Thanksgiving feast this year, don’t just put those leftovers away – plan for this delicious encore! You’ll be amazed at how a simple crispy tortilla can transform your holiday favorites into something truly special. Here’s to good food, good company, and delightfully reimagined leftovers. Happy feasting!