Transforming your Thanksgiving feast into a new culinary adventure has never been easier or more delicious! Forget boring turkey sandwiches and uninspired leftovers; these incredible Leftover Turkey Nachos are the ultimate solution for utilizing your holiday turkey in a way that will excite everyone. Bursting with flavor and endlessly customizable, this recipe is designed to be both simple to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun dish for entertaining, these turkey nachos offer a savory, cheesy, and satisfying experience that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about repurposing holiday food.
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Thanksgiving turkey, while undeniably delicious, often leaves us with a conundrum: what to do with the generous amount of leftover meat? The thought of eating plain turkey day after day can be less than thrilling. That’s where these phenomenal Leftover Turkey Nachos come to the rescue! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create something truly epic and versatile. While perfect for turkey, the concept is so flexible you can easily adapt it for leftover beef, chicken, or even plant-based protein, making it a year-round favorite. Imagine transforming that succulent turkey into a vibrant, cheesy, and utterly satisfying platter of nachos – it’s a culinary upgrade that’s both smart and scrumptious.
If you were savvy enough to use a flavor-packed recipe for your original turkey, such as my acclaimed Cajun Turkey recipe, then you’re already one step ahead! Starting with turkey that’s already infused with aromatic spices and a hint of heat elevates these nachos to an entirely new level. The depth of flavor from a well-seasoned bird provides the perfect foundation, ensuring every bite of your nachos is rich and memorable.
Table of Contents
The Foundation: Choosing the Best Tortilla Chips
The success of any nacho platter hinges on its foundation: the tortilla chips. While often overlooked, the right chip can make all the difference, providing the ideal crunch and sturdy base to hold all those delicious toppings. Feel free to use your absolute favorite store-bought tortilla chips; sturdy, restaurant-style chips often work best as they are less likely to get soggy under the weight of the ingredients.
For an extra special touch, I highly recommend making your own using my renowned Air Fryer Tortilla Chips recipe. It’s a game-changer! I start with uncooked tortillas, which are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. By following the simple cook time outlined in my recipe, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chips with a fresh-baked flavor that simply can’t be beaten.
One of the biggest advantages of making your own chips is the freedom to season them exactly to your liking. This opens up a world of possibilities for flavor customization. For these turkey nachos, I adore seasoning my homemade chips with unique blends like Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning or their Everything but the Elote Seasoning. These provide an incredible tangy, savory, and slightly spicy kick that perfectly complements the rich turkey and cheese. Experiment with your favorite spices to create a truly personalized nacho experience!
Crafting Your Turkey Nachos: A Simple Guide
Creating a mouth-watering platter of turkey nachos is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The key lies in layering the ingredients strategically to ensure every chip gets its fair share of deliciousness. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Preheat your oven to a low broil setting. This ensures the cheese melts beautifully without burning the chips.
- Arrange a generous layer of tortilla chips across the bottom of a sturdy sheet pan. Make sure they are spread in a single, even layer to prevent overcrowding and allow for even heating.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked turkey, diced tomatoes and chilies (like Rotel for an extra kick), finely chopped onions, sliced black olives, and your chosen taco seasoning. Stir everything together until the turkey and vegetables are well coated with the spices.
- Evenly spread this flavorful turkey mixture over the prepared tortilla chips, ensuring good coverage.
- Generously sprinkle your shredded cheese blend over the entire nacho platter.
- Broil the nachos for 4-6 minutes, keeping a close eye on them, until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and perfectly melted.
This straightforward approach ensures a perfectly cooked and incredibly satisfying dish every time. The combination of savory turkey, zesty diced tomatoes, and melty cheese creates an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures.
The Cheesy Factor: Selecting the Perfect Blend
When it comes to nachos, cheese is king! The type of cheese you choose can significantly impact the flavor profile and texture of your finished dish. The short answer is to use whatever cheese you love most. However, for truly epic nachos, a thoughtful blend can offer the best of all worlds – rich flavor, creamy melt, and that irresistible cheese pull. I typically opt for a combination that delivers both sharp taste and excellent melting qualities.
My go-to cheese blend usually includes:
- Cheddar: A classic choice for nachos, cheddar brings a sharp, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the turkey and spices. Opt for a medium or sharp cheddar for more pronounced taste.
- Pepper Jack: For those who appreciate a little heat, pepper jack is an excellent addition. Its creamy texture and mild spice add an exciting dimension to the nachos without being overwhelming.
- Mozzarella: While not traditionally associated with nachos, mozzarella is a secret weapon for achieving that glorious, stringy, gooey cheese pull. Its mild flavor allows the other cheeses and toppings to shine, while its superior melting properties ensure every chip is coated in luscious cheese.
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija for a salty, crumbly finish after baking. The key is to use freshly shredded cheese if possible, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a smooth melt.
Elevate Your Nachos with Irresistible Topping Ideas
While the turkey and cheese form the heart of these nachos, the toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine and customize the dish to your family’s preferences. A generous array of fresh, vibrant toppings adds essential texture, acidity, and an extra layer of flavor that takes your nachos from great to absolutely unforgettable. Consider these popular and delicious ideas:
- Salsa: A classic nacho accompaniment, salsa adds a fresh, zesty, and often spicy kick. Choose your favorite variety, from mild pico de gallo to a fiery habanero salsa.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream or healthier Greek yogurt provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory nachos and helps to balance any spice.
- Guacamole: Rich, creamy, and flavorful, homemade guacamole is always a welcome addition. Its healthy fats and vibrant taste are perfect with turkey.
- Sliced Avocado: If you don’t have time for guacamole, simple slices of fresh avocado add a buttery texture and mild flavor.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh blend of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, pico de gallo offers a burst of freshness and a slight tang.
- Shredded Lettuce: For a refreshing crunch, sprinkle shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce over the hot nachos just before serving.
- Pickled Onions: These tangy, bright pink onions add a wonderful acidity and visual appeal that cuts through the richness of the cheese and turkey.
- Corn: Fresh, canned, or roasted corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying pop of texture.
- Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled jalapeños offer a customizable level of heat and a sharp, zesty flavor.
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a vibrant herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match! A combination of creamy, crunchy, fresh, and tangy toppings will create the most dynamic and delicious nacho experience. Encourage everyone to pile on their favorites!
The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Nachos Recipe
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Brandi Crawford
These Leftover Turkey Nachos are perfect if you have remaining food from Thanksgiving and you want to put it to use in a dish that isn’t boring! Mix and add all of your favorite nacho toppings.
5 out of 5 stars from 22 votes
Pin Recipe
Equipment Needed
- Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- Tortilla Chips I use 15-17 large chips, enough to fit a half-sheet pan.
- 2 cups cooked turkey Sliced into cubes or shredded
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes and chilies drained (such as Rotel)
- 15 oz canned black beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheese I used 1 cup cheddar and ¼ cup mozzarella for the perfect melt.
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack cheese Can substitute with your preferred spicy cheese.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika I highly recommend smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for a spicy kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
Optional Fresh Toppings
- Salsa
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Guacamole
- Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- Cilantro (freshly chopped)
- Pico de Gallo
- Shredded Lettuce
- Pickled Red Onions
- Corn
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a Low Broil setting. This is crucial for melting the cheese evenly without overcooking the chips.
- Arrange a single, even layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of a sheet pan. I typically use about 15-17 large chips for a standard half-sheet pan. Ensure there are no large gaps.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey (shredded or diced), drained black beans, drained diced tomatoes and chilies, chopped onions, sliced black olives, and the homemade taco seasoning. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Evenly spread this turkey mixture over the tortilla chips on the sheet pan.
- Generously sprinkle your chosen shredded cheese blend over the entire mixture, making sure it’s distributed evenly for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Place the sheet pan under the preheated broiler for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully, as broilers can vary and cheese can burn quickly!
Notes
Feel free to substitute or add any toppings you like. These are your nachos – make them exactly how you prefer!
If you’re using a store-bought taco seasoning packet, start with about half of the packet and adjust to taste. Some packets can be quite salty.
Any cut of turkey will work for this recipe. Whether you have leftover white meat from the breast or darker meat from the thighs, both will be delicious.
If your oven doesn’t have a specific “low broil” setting, set it to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and monitor closely, as the higher temperature will cook them faster.
Nutrition
More Innovative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Beyond these fantastic nachos, your Thanksgiving leftovers offer a wealth of possibilities. Don’t let those holiday flavors go to waste! Here are some other creative and delicious ways to repurpose your holiday feast:
- Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
- Turkey Bone Broth
- Leftover Turkey Chili
- Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini
- Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Explore More Delicious Turkey Dishes
If you’re a fan of turkey beyond the holidays, you’re in for a treat. Turkey is a versatile protein that can be prepared in countless delicious ways. Here are some of my favorite turkey recipes for any time of year:
- Smothered Turkey Wings
- Baked Turkey Wings
- Slow Cooker Turkey Wings
- Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Stuffed Turkey Legs
- Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
- Traeger Smoked Turkey
Savor More Taco-Style Inspirations
If you love the vibrant flavors and customizable nature of these turkey nachos, you’ll adore these other taco-style recipes. From hearty bowls to zesty sides, there’s something here to satisfy every craving:
- Leftover Taco Meat Bowls
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
- Pollo Asado Recipe
- Smoked Salsa Recipe
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Keto Taco Soup
- Taco Egg Rolls
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Roasted Creamy Poblano Soup
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
A Note on Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using reputable nutrition databases. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate it with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.