Thanksgiving is a magical time of year when family gathers around the table, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. Imagine biting into an enchilada stuffed with all the flavors of Thanksgiving—sweet potatoes, turkey, and that heavenly cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving Enchiladas are like a warm hug on a plate, combining rich textures and vibrant colors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Every year, my family has a tradition of trying something new for Thanksgiving dinner. One year, I decided to take a culinary leap and whip up these Thanksgiving Enchiladas. The combination of leftovers wrapped in soft tortillas was met with curious glances but soon turned into gleeful cheers as everyone dug in. Now, they’ve become a staple at our holiday feast, proving that sometimes, innovation is just as important as tradition.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Thanksgiving Enchiladas are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules
- The flavor profile is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet elements that tantalize your taste buds
- Visually, they’re a feast for the eyes with vibrant colors and toppings that invite sharing
- Versatile enough to use any Thanksgiving leftovers or your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Enchiladas
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Tortillas: I prefer using large flour or corn tortillas; they hold more filling and add to the overall texture.
Cooked Turkey: Shredded turkey works best; feel free to use leftovers from your Thanksgiving feast.
Sweet Potatoes: Roast them until tender; their sweetness balances the savory flavors in this dish.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; it adds a burst of tartness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the top for that gooey goodness.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color to your enchiladas.
For the Sauce:
Sour Cream: This creamy component adds richness to the sauce; opt for full-fat for maximum flavor.
Enchilada Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; it ties all the flavors together wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Thanksgiving Enchiladas
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Mix well until everything is coated with that tangy sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about half a cup of filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some cheese on top before rolling them up tightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce
Spread half of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of your baking dish. Place rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions. Transfer to plates and serve hot—these enchiladas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
With every bite of these Thanksgiving Enchiladas, you’ll experience layers of flavor that honor traditional holiday dishes while adding a fun twist. Gather your friends and family around—this recipe is sure to make everyone smile!
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Enchiladas are a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare, combining the comforting flavors of turkey, cheese, and spices
- They are easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd
- Make your Thanksgiving memorable with this fun fusion dish that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your turkey or chicken with spices until golden brown. While that’s happening, warm up your tortillas and prepare your enchilada sauce. Assemble by layering ingredients in a baking dish for even cooking and maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Want to make it your own? Swap in leftover stuffing for an extra crunch or add black beans for a hearty twist. Try different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda to elevate the flavor profile!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, ensuring they remain deliciously cheesy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack that doesn’t compromise flavor
- Ensure your tortillas are warmed before rolling them to avoid tearing
- Drizzle extra sauce on top before baking for added moisture and taste
Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of our family Thanksgiving gatherings where laughter echoed as we dove into these mouthwatering Thanksgiving Enchiladas together.
FAQs:
What are Thanksgiving Enchiladas?
Thanksgiving Enchiladas are a unique twist on traditional enchiladas, combining classic Thanksgiving flavors with the beloved Mexican dish. These enchiladas typically feature turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, wrapped in tortillas and covered with a creamy sauce. This fusion dish is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey from your holiday feast, making it a delicious option that honors both cuisines.
How do I make the sauce for Thanksgiving Enchiladas?
The sauce for Thanksgiving Enchiladas can be made using a blend of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Simply mix these ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. For added flavor, consider seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This creamy sauce enhances the overall flavor profile of the enchiladas and ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Can I customize my Thanksgiving Enchiladas recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Thanksgiving Enchiladas is their versatility. You can add various ingredients such as black beans, corn, or even sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Additionally, you can swap out turkey for chicken or even make them vegetarian by using roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins. Tailoring your enchiladas to suit your taste ensures everyone will enjoy this delightful dish.
How can I store leftovers from Thanksgiving Enchiladas?
To store leftovers from your Thanksgiving Enchiladas, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. These enchiladas can be refrigerated for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion for Thanksgiving Enchiladas:
Thanksgiving Enchiladas offer a delicious way to celebrate holiday flavors while enjoying a classic Mexican dish. With simple ingredients like turkey and stuffing wrapped in tortillas and topped with a creamy sauce, they provide a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only allows you to use leftover turkey but also encourages creativity by customizing fillings and sauces to suit your preferences. Try making these flavorful enchiladas this holiday season for a delightful culinary experience that combines two beloved cuisines!
Thanksgiving Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Thanksgiving Enchiladas are a delicious fusion of traditional holiday flavors wrapped in soft tortillas. This comforting dish features tender turkey, sweet potatoes, and tangy cranberry sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for utilizing Thanksgiving leftovers, these enchiladas are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests at the holiday feast.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, mashed
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce until well mixed.
- Place each tortilla flat and add about half a cup of filling down the center. Sprinkle cheese on top and roll tightly.
- Spread half of the enchilada sauce in the baking dish. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down and pour remaining sauce over them. Top with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
