Thanksgiving Quesadillas

Thanksgiving Quesadillas are a delightful way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. These cheesy, crispy quesadillas are stuffed with tender turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce, all enhanced by fresh sage. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or a quick weeknight meal, these quesadillas bring festive flavors to the table in a fun and easy-to-eat format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Option: Use any leftover meat you have on hand – chicken or lamb works great too.
• Family-Friendly: These quesadillas are sure to please everyone in the family, even the picky eaters!
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans required, cleanup is just as simple as cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Thanksgiving Quesadillas, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Essential for achieving that golden-brown crispiness on the quesadillas.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing the cheese and mayonnaise without making a mess.
• Spatula: Helps in flipping the quesadillas easily without breaking them apart.

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Ingredients

Thanksgiving Quesadillas are grilled flour tortillas piled high with slices of leftover turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce plus fresh sage, mayonnaise and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with a delicious creamy dipping sauce.

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 8-ounce package Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped small (or half that of dried sage)

For the Quesadilla Filling

• 4 10-inch flour tortillas
• 1 pound leftover turkey (white or dark or both)
• 12 ounces leftover stuffing
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

For the Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped small (or half that of dried sage)

How to Make Thanksgiving Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped sage until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

Divide the cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. On one half of each tortilla, pile on slices of turkey, stuffing, and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Fold the other side over to enclose the filling.

Step 3: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine whole berry cranberry sauce with mayonnaise and chopped sage. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place two folded quesadillas in the skillet at a time. Cook for about one to two minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Repeat this step for the remaining quesadillas.

Step 5: Serve

Cut each quesadilla in half before serving. Enjoy them warm alongside your creamy dipping sauce!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Quesadillas

Thanksgiving Quesadillas are versatile and can be served in various ways to elevate your meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this festive dish.

With Fresh Salsa

• Chunky Tomato Salsa: A fresh blend of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a zesty kick.
• Pineapple Salsa: Sweet and tangy pineapple mixed with jalapeños for a tropical twist.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Creamy Avocado Dip: Smooth avocado blended with lime juice for a rich, flavorful dip.
• Spicy Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for dipping.

Topped with Extra Fixings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream enhances the flavors and adds creaminess.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions sprinkled on top give a burst of color and flavor.

How to Perfect Thanksgiving Quesadillas

To ensure your Thanksgiving Quesadillas turn out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overstuff: Keep the filling moderate to prevent spills during cooking.
• Preheat Your Pan: A hot pan ensures crispy tortillas and perfectly melted cheese.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try blending different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Let Them Rest: Allow cooked quesadillas to sit for a minute before cutting. This helps them hold together better.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Quesadillas

Pair your Thanksgiving Quesadillas with these delicious side dishes that will enhance your meal experience.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, lime, and cotija cheese that complements the quesadillas well.
2. Spicy Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad featuring black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado mashed with tomatoes and spices is always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add flavor and texture alongside the quesadillas.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime makes for a tasty side that balances the richness.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with assorted greens and vinaigrette offers freshness to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thanksgiving Quesadillas can be a delightful way to use up leftovers. However, some common mistakes can impact your dish’s taste and texture.

• Skipping the Cheese Mixture: Not mixing the cheese with mayonnaise and sage can lead to uneven flavor. Make sure to blend these ingredients well for a creamy filling.
• Overstuffing the Quesadillas: Adding too much turkey or stuffing can make it hard to fold and cook properly. Stick to a moderate amount so they cook evenly.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold turkey or stuffing can result in uneven heating. Allow your leftovers to come to room temperature before assembling.
• Not Preheating the Pan: Cooking on an unheated pan may cause soggy quesadillas. Always preheat your pan for that perfect golden-brown finish.
• Neglecting the Dipping Sauce: A missing sauce can dull flavors. Make the creamy dip as instructed; it complements the quesadillas beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Thanksgiving Quesadillas in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Thanksgiving Quesadillas

• Wrap quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Thanksgiving Quesadillas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as this may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thanksgiving Quesadillas.

How do I customize Thanksgiving Quesadillas?

Feel free to add different ingredients such as vegetables or other cheeses for added flavor and texture.

Can I use other meats besides turkey?

Yes, you can substitute chicken, beef, or lamb if you have those leftovers instead of turkey.

What should I serve with Thanksgiving Quesadillas?

Serve them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal alongside your quesadillas.

How do I make the dipping sauce?

To make the creamy dipping sauce, simply mix mayonnaise with additional herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I prepare Thanksgiving Quesadillas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them beforehand and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Quesadillas are not only delicious but also versatile. They offer a creative way to enjoy holiday leftovers while allowing room for customization based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a new favorite!