Creamy Turkey Casserole

There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm, one-dish casserole that brings together all the best parts of a holiday plate. Creamy Turkey Casserole is that hug-in-a-baking-dish recipe — rich mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, tender turkey, a tangy ribbon of cranberry and mayonnaise, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s ideal for using leftover roast turkey after a big family meal, or simply for making a season-friendly comfort dinner any chilly night. If you love easy crowd-pleasers and hearty comfort food dishes, this casserole deserves a place in your recipe rotation; it’s quick to assemble, forgiving to improvise with, and perfect for feeding a crowd (or enjoying leftovers the next day). For more casserole inspiration try this 4-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole for another weeknight-friendly idea.

Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients

• 4 cups prepared Stuffing, divided
• 1 lb. coarsely chopped cooked Turkey (about 4 cups)
• ¾ cup Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise, divided
• ¼ cup fresh whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 cups Mashed Potatoes
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella
• Fresh dried cranberries for garnish (optional)

Notes on ingredients

• Stuffing: Use packaged prepared stuffing or homemade stuffing — both work. Seasoning level will influence final flavor, so taste first if using homemade.
• Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey breast or dark meat both work. Coarsely chop or shred to your preference.
• Mayonnaise: Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise is listed for creaminess and flavor, but you can use a high-quality mayo or a light version if desired (see substitutions in FAQ).
• Cranberry sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds sweetness and texture; if you prefer a smoother layer, pulse slightly with a fork.
• Mashed potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect here. If you’re making them fresh, make them slightly stiffer than you’d normally serve so they hold up in the bake.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts smoothly and gives a gooey finish; you can swap for cheddar for a sharper flavor.

Helpful equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or metal) — recipe size is built for this pan
• Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)
• Large mixing bowl for combining potatoes, mayo, and cheese
• Spoon or offset spatula to spread layers evenly
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts and a wire rack for cooling
• Optional: blender or food processor if you want ultra-smooth mashed potatoes or to pulse cranberry sauce

Kitchen tools tip: A rubber spatula or offset spatula makes layering smooth and even. A thermometer isn’t necessary for this recipe since everything is pre-cooked; bake until hot and bubbling in the center.

For a different kind of cozy, check out this creamy soup that channels similar comfort: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)

Follow these steps for a reliable, delicious Creamy Turkey Casserole. Read through the full directions before you begin so the assembly flows smoothly.

1. Preheat and prepare dish

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures easy serving and cleanup.

1. Layer stuffing and turkey

• Spoon in half of the prepared stuffing (about 2 cups) and spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Top the stuffing with the coarsely chopped cooked turkey, spreading it into an even layer.

1. Tip: Press the stuffing down gently so it forms a base that will absorb juices and hold the layers together. If your stuffing is very dry, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of warm broth over it before adding the turkey.
2. Make the cranberry-mayo layer

• In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce with ¼ cup of the Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise. Stir until well mixed and spread this cranberry-mayo mixture evenly over the turkey layer.

1. Flavor suggestion: The sweet-tart cranberry with the creamy mayo is the “holiday” note in this casserole. If you like more tang, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture.
2. Mash mayo, potatoes, and cheese together

• In a large bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise with 2 cups mashed potatoes and 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, spreadable mashed potato-cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

1. Tip: If your mashed potatoes are stiff, add a splash of warm milk to loosen them slightly. For extra richness, fold in a tablespoon of butter.
2. Complete the assembly

• Spread the mashed potato and cheese mixture evenly over the cranberry-mayo and turkey layers. Top with the remaining 2 cups of prepared stuffing, spreading it into an even final layer.

1. Tip: For a crunchy top, toss the top layer of stuffing with a tablespoon of melted butter before adding it.
2. Bake and rest

• Bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 40 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbling in the center and the top is lightly golden. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving; this allows the layers to set for easier slicing.

1. Tip: If the top is browning too quickly while the center needs more time, tent loosely with foil for the remainder of the bake.

Variations and swaps

• Vegetarian option: Swap turkey for a mixture of hearty roasted vegetables (butternut squash, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts) or a can of drained cannellini beans.
• Cheese swap: Use sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a smoked mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Lighter option: Use plain Greek yogurt (use with caution — reduces shelf life) mixed with mashed potatoes for reduced fat.
• Crunchy topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a crisp finish.

If you enjoy casserole comfort, you might also like this broccoli-forward option: Broccoli Cheese Casserole.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through (about 20–30 minutes for a full casserole).
• Portioning advice: Divide the casserole into smaller, shallow airtight containers for faster cooling and easier reheating. Single-serving portions reheat more evenly.

Freezing

• To freeze: Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• To bake from frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results, then bake at 375°F for 40–50 minutes covered, removing the cover for the last 10–15 minutes to brown the top. If baking from fully frozen, increase baking time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning; check for hot, bubbling center.

Make-ahead strategies

• Assemble the day before and refrigerate, covered. Bake just before serving and allow the 10-minute rest for best slicing.
• If you want to pre-cook turkey or mash potatoes in advance, both components store well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Mix the potato-mayo-cheese right before baking for a fresher texture.

Safety tip: Because this casserole contains mayonnaise and cooked turkey, follow standard leftover rules — refrigerate promptly and don’t keep refrigerated leftovers more than 3–4 days.

How to Use / Serve This Dish

Serving ideas

• Holiday side or main: Serve as a centerpiece for a small holiday meal when oven space is limited — it has stuffing, turkey, potatoes, and cranberries all in one.
• Weeknight family meal: Pair with a simple green salad and steamed green beans for a balanced dinner.
• Potluck star: Bring it to gatherings in the same baking dish; it travels well if warmed and kept covered.

Creative pairings

• Bright, acidic salads: A citrus-arugula salad or a simple apple-fennel slaw cuts through the richness.
• Roasted vegetables: Honey-roasted carrots, brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, or roasted beets are cozy complements.
• Sauces: Add a drizzle of warm pan gravy or a light turkey jus alongside for those who love extra savory moisture.

Make it a game-day friendly platter by serving casserole squares with crunchy crudités and warm rolls — think of it as a warm, creamy dip-turned-main. If you want a spicy crowd-pleaser to contrast the mellow flavors, try pairing bites of this casserole with the zippy flavor of this Buffalo Chicken Dip for game-night variety.

Presentation tip: Garnish individual servings with a few dried cranberries and a sprig of fresh parsley for a festive finish.

FAQ

Q: Can I use homemade mayonnaise or a different brand?

A: Yes — any high-quality mayonnaise will work. The mayo adds creaminess and helps bind the mashed potato layer. If you’re using homemade mayonnaise, be aware of its shorter shelf life; plan to serve and consume within a couple days. For a lighter option, use a tangy Greek yogurt or light mayo blend, but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.

Q: How long will leftovers last?

A: Refrigerated leftovers will keep for about 3–4 days. Reheat only the portion you’ll eat to preserve texture. If you’ve included homemade mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, err on the side of 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions (up to 2–3 months).

Q: What can I substitute for mashed potatoes?

A: If you prefer, use a creamy cauliflower mash for a lower-carb version, or thinly sliced boiled potatoes layered in a gratin style. Keep in mind moisture levels — cauliflower mash can be wetter and might need extra binding (an extra tablespoon of mayo or cheese).

Q: My stuffing got soggy — how can I keep it crisp?

A: To maintain a crisp top, toss the top layer of stuffing with a tablespoon of melted butter and breadcrumbs before baking, or spray lightly with oil. For an extra-crisp finish, bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes, or broil for a minute or two while watching closely.

Conclusion

Creamy Turkey Casserole is the kind of feel-good recipe that turns leftovers into something new and celebratory — the comforting trifecta of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey all layered together with a sweet-tangy cranberry lift. Whether you’re using up holiday roast or creating a seasonally cozy dinner, this casserole is easy to adapt, forgiving, and endlessly shareable. If you want more inspiration for turning leftovers into new favorites, take a look at this handy take on a similar theme at Creamy Turkey Casserole (Budget-Friendly!) – Spend With Pennies. Curious about secret tweaks that make leftover turkey casseroles sing? Check out this idea on adding surprising ingredients at Secret Ingredient makes Leftover Turkey Casserole a Hit. For more variations and cozy casserole ideas, explore this lovely leftover recipe at Leftover Turkey Casserole – Supergolden Bakes.

Now it’s your turn — dust off those leftovers, preheat the oven, and give this Creamy Turkey Casserole a try. Share a photo and tell me how you customized it; I love hearing about new twists on a classic comfort dish.

Creamy Turkey Casserole

A comforting one-dish casserole featuring layered mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, cranberry, and mayonnaise, baked until golden and bubbly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Casserole Layers

• 4 cups prepared Stuffing Use packaged prepared stuffing or homemade stuffing.
• 1 lb. coarsely chopped cooked Turkey (about 4 cups) Leftover roasted turkey breast or dark meat both work.
• ¾ cup Hellmann's® Real Mayonnaise Can use a high-quality mayo or light version if desired.
• ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce Pulse slightly with a fork for a smoother layer if preferred.
• 2 cups Mashed Potatoes Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect; make them slightly stiffer if fresh.
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella Can swap for cheddar for sharper flavor.
• Fresh dried cranberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Spoon in half of the prepared stuffing (about 2 cups) and spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
• Top the stuffing with the coarsely chopped cooked turkey, spreading it into an even layer.

Cranberry-Mayo Layer

• In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce with ¼ cup of the Hellmann's® Real Mayonnaise. Stir until well mixed and spread this mixture evenly over the turkey layer.

Mash Potato-Cheese Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup Hellmann's® Real Mayonnaise with 2 cups mashed potatoes and 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Assembly

• Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the cranberry-mayo and turkey layers.
• Top with the remaining 2 cups of prepared stuffing, spreading it into an even final layer.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until hot and bubbling in the center and the top is lightly golden.
• Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a different kind of cozy, try a vegetarian option using roasted vegetables or beans. You can also use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter variant. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Keyword Casserole Recipe, Comfort Food, CREAMY, Leftovers, Turkey Casserole