Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine: The Irresistible Fusion of Holiday Favorites & Classic Comfort

Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine is a holiday twist on one of my favorite snacks! All you need are your Thanksgiving leftovers, some cheese curds, and your favorite fries to make this easy recipe. This delightful dish serves 4 and promises to be your new go-to post-feast tradition.

The culinary adventure doesn’t end when the Thanksgiving feast wraps up. In fact, for many, the days following the big meal are just as exciting, offering a chance to get creative with the bounty of leftovers. While a classic turkey sandwich is always a comforting choice, this year, we’re taking things up a notch with a truly inspired creation: Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine.

You’ve likely tried my Southwestern Ham Hash for using up holiday ham, but for that quintessential Thanksgiving leftover combo – the turkey, the stuffing, the gravy, and that sweet-tart cranberry sauce – we need something truly special. And this year, that something is a warm, savory, and utterly satisfying poutine.

Why Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another leftover recipe; it’s a game-changer. Imagine crispy, golden fries piled high with all your favorite Thanksgiving elements, bathed in rich gravy, and studded with melty cheese curds. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated with the nostalgic flavors of the holiday season.

A Creative Twist on a Classic

Poutine, a beloved Canadian classic, typically features fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Our Thanksgiving rendition takes this delicious concept and infuses it with the unique essence of your holiday meal. It’s an unexpected but incredibly harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will surprise and delight everyone.

Effortless Post-Holiday Meal

Let’s be honest, after cooking a huge Thanksgiving dinner, the last thing you want is another complicated recipe. This poutine is designed for ease. With most ingredients already cooked and ready, assembly is quick, making it the perfect solution for those post-holiday hunger pangs without the added kitchen stress.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, savory flavors, and this poutine delivers on all fronts. From the hearty turkey to the flavorful stuffing and the rich, velvety gravy, each component contributes to a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate – perfect for a cozy evening in.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Fusion

This recipe was an idea I’ve been dreaming about for a while, and I’m so glad it finally came to life. After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving day, it’s the perfect, indulgent treat. Whether you’re recovering from an epic cooking marathon or just unwinding after a joyful gathering, this poutine hits all the right notes. Crispy fries, savory meats and sides, rich gravy, and creamy cheese – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures.

The combination of these elements creates a truly unique dish. The crispy golden fries act as the ideal foundation, soaking up all the deliciousness that follows. The warm, succulent turkey and the herbaceous stuffing add a depth of flavor that’s distinctly Thanksgiving. Then comes the glorious pour of gravy, followed by those squeaky cheese curds that soften and melt into gooey perfection. And for that final touch, a scattering of cranberry sauce provides bright, tart pops that cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

It’s also incredibly forgiving – fantastic for those moments when you might have enjoyed a little too much festive cheer the night before. This dish is designed to be both delicious and incredibly easy to assemble, proving that post-holiday meals can be just as exciting as the main event.

Crispy Golden Fries: The Perfect Base

The foundation of any great poutine is, of course, the fries. Whether you prefer thick-cut steak fries, classic shoestring, or even a healthier oven-baked option, ensure they are cooked to golden perfection and wonderfully crisp. This crispness is crucial, as it provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, savory toppings and prevents the dish from becoming soggy too quickly.

Savory Turkey

Shredded or diced leftover turkey is the star protein here. Its tender texture and rich, roasted flavor are quintessential Thanksgiving. White meat or dark meat, it all works beautifully, soaking up the gravy and mingling with the other ingredients.

Flavorful Stuffing

That delicious, herbaceous stuffing (or dressing, depending on your region!) adds another layer of complexity. Its savory, aromatic profile complements the turkey and gravy, bringing that truly authentic holiday taste to every forkful. Break it up slightly for easier distribution over the fries.

Rich Gravy

No poutine is complete without a generous pour of warm gravy. Your leftover turkey gravy is ideal – thick, savory, and packed with flavor. It acts as the luscious glue that binds all the components together, creating that signature gooey, delicious experience.

Tangy Cranberry Sauce

This is where the magic happens! Small dollops of cranberry sauce scattered over the poutine add a vibrant burst of sweet and tart flavor. It’s a surprising but essential element that brightens the entire dish and keeps it from being overly heavy. Don’t skip it!

Melty Cheese Curds

The final, iconic poutine ingredient. Fresh cheese curds, ideally squeaky and slightly firm, will soften and melt beautifully under the warm gravy and leftovers, adding a delightful creamy texture and mild, milky flavor. If you can’t find curds, some shredded mozzarella or even white cheddar can work in a pinch, though the curds offer the best experience.

More Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas

If you’re looking for even more creative ways to enjoy your holiday bounty, here are some other fantastic recipes that transform classic Thanksgiving dishes into exciting new meals:

• Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls: Crispy, golden egg rolls bursting with savory turkey, stuffing, and a hint of cranberry. A perfect appetizer or light meal.
• Leftover Thanksgiving Enchiladas: A Southwestern twist on your holiday meal! Tortillas filled with turkey, stuffing, and cheese, smothered in a creamy sauce and baked to perfection.
• Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich: Beyond the basic sandwich, this version fries up slices of turkey for extra crispiness, creating a truly decadent handheld meal.
• Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas: Crisp tostada shells topped with seasoned turkey, cranberry salsa, and all your favorite fixings for a light and flavorful reinterpretation.
• Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza: Use a pre-made crust and top with gravy as the “sauce,” shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese before baking.
• Thanksgiving Leftover Soup: Combine turkey broth with diced turkey, leftover vegetables, and a spoonful of stuffing for a hearty, warming soup.

Essential Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftover Poutine

One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity and reliance on ingredients you already have on hand. Beyond your Thanksgiving leftovers, you’ll only need a few key items to bring this masterpiece to life. A good half-sheet baking pan is handy for cooking fries if you’re making them fresh or baking frozen ones. If you’re going for deep-fried, a Dutch oven will be your best friend.

The beauty of this dish is that your main ingredients are already cooked! This cuts down significantly on prep and cook time, making it an ideal choice when you want something satisfying without much effort. The focus shifts from cooking to simply warming and assembling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Poutine

Creating this Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine is incredibly straightforward. With your leftovers at the ready, you’re just minutes away from an unforgettable meal. Here’s how to assemble your ultimate comfort food:

Step 1: Prepare Your Fries

The quality of your fries significantly impacts the overall poutine experience. Whether you prefer the convenience of frozen fries, the indulgence of homemade, or supporting a local eatery by picking up a fresh batch, make sure they are perfectly cooked and crispy. For frozen fries, bake them according to package directions in your oven or air fryer until golden and crunchy. If you’re frying them fresh, ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) for a crisp exterior and fluffy interior.

Step 2: Warm Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

While your fries are cooking, it’s time to gently warm your remaining Thanksgiving elements. Place your shredded turkey, stuffing, and gravy in separate microwave-safe bowls. Heat them until they are steaming hot throughout. For the gravy, ensure it’s fluid enough to drizzle easily; if it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it down. Setting them aside warmed ensures that the cheese curds will melt properly when assembled.

Step 3: Assemble Your Poutine Masterpiece

This is where the magic happens! Choose a large serving platter or individual bowls for your poutine. Begin by spreading half of your cooked fries evenly across the bottom. Next, layer half of the warmed turkey, followed by half of the stuffing, and then sprinkle half of the cheese curds over the top. Drizzle generously with half of your hot gravy. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining ingredients. Finally, dot the cranberry sauce all over the top. The warmth of the ingredients will naturally soften and begin to melt the cheese curds, creating that desirable gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions & Garnish

Serve your Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine immediately to enjoy the fries at their crispiest and the cheese curds at their meltiest. For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, I love to garnish the poutine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The green adds a lovely contrast and a hint of herbaceous flavor. You could also add a touch of fresh thyme or chives if you have them.

Need some more inspiration for snacks? Check out my snack recipes page!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use sweet potato fries or other varieties?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. While traditional poutine uses regular potato fries, sweet potato fries would offer a delightful sweet and savory contrast. Waffle fries, curly fries, or even tater tots could also make excellent bases, providing different textures and flavors. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type of golden fried potato – the goal is deliciousness, so let your creativity shine!

What if I don’t have cheese curds?

While authentic poutine relies on fresh cheese curds for their unique “squeak” and melt, you can certainly substitute them if they’re unavailable. Good alternatives include shredded low-moisture mozzarella or even small cubes of mild white cheddar. The texture won’t be identical, but you’ll still achieve a wonderfully cheesy and comforting dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Poutine is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to preserve the crispness of the fries and the gooey texture of the melted cheese curds. However, you can certainly prep the components in advance. Cook your fries and have your leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy warmed and ready. Then, simply assemble and serve when you’re ready to eat.

How do I store leftovers of the poutine?

Due to the nature of fries and gravy, leftover poutine doesn’t store particularly well as the fries tend to become soggy. It’s truly a dish best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheating will likely result in softer fries, but the flavors will still be delicious.

What other Thanksgiving leftovers can I add?

This poutine is highly customizable! Consider adding a layer of mashed potatoes for an extra creamy element, or some roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green bean casserole for added texture and nutrients. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon could also elevate the savory profile. The possibilities are endless!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine

Transform your holiday bounty! All your Thanksgiving favorites – succulent turkey, savory stuffing, and rich gravy – piled high on crispy golden fries with melty cheese curds and bright cranberry sauce.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

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Equipment

• Shun Chef’s Knife
• Silicone Baking Mat Sheets
• Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

• 2 lb of your favorite fries any kind works! frozen, homemade, from a restaurant, etc
• 1 cup leftover Thanksgiving turkey shredded
• 1 cup leftover stuffing or dressing
• 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey gravy
• 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 1 cup cheese curds

Instructions

• Prepare Fries: Cook your chosen fries according to your preferred method (frying, air fryer, or oven) until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Warm Leftovers: While the fries are cooking, gently warm the leftover shredded turkey, stuffing, and gravy in separate microwave-safe bowls until heated through. Ensure gravy is a good drizzling consistency.
• Assemble Layers: On a large serving platter, spread half of the cooked fries. Evenly layer with half of the warm turkey, half of the stuffing, and half of the cheese curds. Drizzle generously with half of the hot gravy. Repeat these layers with the remaining fries, turkey, stuffing, cheese curds, and gravy.
• Finishing Touch: Dot the cranberry sauce all over the top of the assembled poutine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cuisine: Thanksgiving

A New Thanksgiving Tradition Awaits!

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the versatility of holiday leftovers and a delightful way to extend the festive spirit. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with the familiar flavors of Thanksgiving, it’s sure to become a cherished post-holiday tradition in your home. So, gather your leftovers, fire up those fries, and get ready to indulge in this irresistible comfort food creation!

Don’t let those delicious holiday remnants go to waste. Reinvent them into something extraordinary and treat yourself to the ultimate Thanksgiving poutine. Happy indulging!