As the last remnants of Thanksgiving dinner sit in the fridge, I find myself searching for that magical way to breathe new life into those leftovers. Enter Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! Imagine the sweet aroma of roasted sweet potatoes mingling with creamy cheese, tender turkey, and a hint of tart cranberry sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also transforms your holiday remnants into a rejuvenating feast in under an hour. These stuffed sweet potatoes are not just a meal; they’re a warm embrace on a chilly evening, reminding us that the best part of the holidays is often the creative ways we enjoy our family meals. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to please everyone at your dinner table—because who doesn’t love a delicious second act?
Why are Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes a must-try?
Deliciously Creative: This recipe elevates your Thanksgiving leftovers into something completely new and exciting.
Comfort Food Delight: Packed with creamy cheese, tender turkey, and zesty cranberries, each bite is a hug for your taste buds.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Flexible Ingredients: Swap out cheeses, proteins, or nuts based on what’s in your pantry for a personal touch.
Healthy Twist: Nutrient-rich sweet potatoes are not only satisfying but are also a great source of vitamins A and C.
These Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are sure to impress! For more great uses of holiday ingredients, check out my tips on using up leftovers creatively.
Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
Transform your holiday remnants into a heartwarming dish with these delightful ingredients!
For the Sweet Potatoes
- Large Whole Baked Sweet Potatoes – These provide the perfect sweet and sturdy vessel for your flavorful filling.
For the Filling
- Shredded Leftover Cooked Turkey – This main protein should be well-seasoned to keep your dish flavorful and satisfying.
- Crumbled or Shredded Cheese (e.g., Brie, Greek Feta, Goat Cheese, Gouda) – These cheeses add creamy goodness; feta offers a fun twist while brie brings richness.
- Leftover Stuffing – Use any stuffing you have on hand for added texture; it helps bind everything beautifully.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – This adds essential moisture; for a vegetarian option, feel free to replace it with vegetable broth.
For the Topping
- Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce – This brings a sweet and tart note, perfect for rounding out the flavors; heat it for a cozy touch or use it cold.
- Coarsely Chopped Roasted Pecans – Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; easily omit if you wish for a nut-free dish.
For Seasoning
- Kosher Salt – A must for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste, starting with ½ tsp as suggested.
Enjoy creating these Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes that make the most of your festive ingredients while igniting the essence of comfort food on a chilly evening!
How to Make Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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Prep Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Ensure your large baked sweet potatoes are cooled, then carefully scoop out some flesh to create space for the delicious filling.
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Mix Fillings: In a bowl, add the shredded turkey, cheese, leftover stuffing, chicken broth, and half of the cranberry sauce. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
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Stuff Potatoes: Generously spoon the turkey mixture back into each hollowed sweet potato. Press down gently to ensure each potato is filled to the brim with that comforting filling.
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Top & Heat: Drizzle the remaining cranberry sauce on top of each stuffed potato and sprinkle the chopped pecans over. Place them in the oven and heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
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Serve: Carefully plate your stuffed sweet potatoes and enjoy them warm, allowing the layers of flavor to captivate every taste bud at your table!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
Imagine a table filled with comforting flavors and inviting aromas, perfectly crafted to complement your stuffed sweet potatoes.
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Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing side that brings crunch to your meal, pairing well with the creamy goodness of the sweet potatoes. Crisp greens and a light vinaigrette create a delightful balance.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread adds a comforting crunch and is perfect for scooping up any leftover filling. The rich flavors harmonize beautifully with the sweet and savory stuffing.
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Sautéed Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the potatoes, making every bite an adventure. The earthiness of Brussels sprouts rounds out the dish perfectly.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds a delightful crunch and helps cut through the richness of the stuffed potatoes, enhancing every mouthful with color and texture.
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Savory Gravy: An optional drizzle of homemade or store-bought gravy can elevate the overall dish, creating a cozy and indulgent experience. Each spoonful brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.
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Apple Cider: A glass of this seasonal beverage complements the dish wonderfully, with its tart sweetness enhancing the flavors of both stuffing and cranberry sauce.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, a slice of traditional pumpkin pie brings a sweet finish to your meal, evoking cherished holiday memories wrapped in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the filling (shredded turkey, cheese, stuffing, and broth) up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, ensuring you cover it well to maintain freshness. You can also bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time and scoop out the flesh, keeping them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and stuff your sweet potatoes before drizzling with cranberry sauce and baking until heated through—ready to delight your family with restaurant-worthy comfort in no time!
Expert Tips for Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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Season Your Turkey: Make sure your shredded leftover turkey is well-seasoned. If it’s bland, add fresh herbs or garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
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Avoid Overstuffing: If your sweet potatoes are particularly large, consider slicing them in half for easier stuffing. This prevents spills and makes for a more manageable dish.
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Fresh is Best: It’s ideal to prepare the stuffed sweet potatoes fresh. Storing them can lead to a soggy texture, so assemble just before baking.
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Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varying flavor profiles. Each cheese adds its unique character to your leftover stuffed sweet potatoes.
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Nuts Optional: If you prefer a nut-free dish, feel free to omit the pecans. This doesn’t impact the overall flavor but maintains the dish’s comforting essence!
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Store any unbaked stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly to retain moisture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled stuffed sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Best Usage: These Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re making them ahead, remember to keep each component separate until ready to bake!
Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Variations
Feel free to explore different twists and substitutions for your delicious stuffed sweet potatoes!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Enjoy that creamy texture without any lactose!
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Vegetarian: Replace turkey with cooked lentils or quinoa for a hearty plant-based option. This twist still keeps the filling deliciously satisfying and nutritious!
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Cheese Swap: Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of the suggested cheeses for a bold flavor upgrade. These options can add a lovely kick to each bite!
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for a great crunch while keeping it nut-free. Sunflower seeds provide a delightful texture without allergens.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling for those who crave a little heat. A bit of spice elevates the comfort food vibe!
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Herbaceous Flavor: Toss in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the filling to enhance the flavors. A touch of fresh greenery brightens up each bite and adds wonderful aroma.
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Stuffing Alternatives: Instead of leftover stuffing, use cooked rice or couscous for a different texture. These grains help soak up all the delicious flavors while providing a satisfying bite.
Experiment with these variations to make your Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes a new and exciting adventure every time!
Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for firm, blemish-free large sweet potatoes. Ideally, they should have a smooth skin without dark spots or signs of sprouting. The fresher, the better, as this will enhance the overall sweetness and texture of the final dish.
How should I store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes?
Very! If you have unbaked stuffed sweet potatoes, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re covered tightly to keep in moisture. Baked stuffed potatoes, however, should be eaten fresh as the texture might change if stored.
Can I freeze my stuffed sweet potatoes?
Certainly! To freeze, individually wrap each assembled stuffed sweet potato in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
What should I do if my sweet potatoes are too large to stuff?
No worries! If your sweet potatoes seem too large, you can slice them in half lengthwise to create halves instead of whole stuffed potatoes. This way, filling is easier, and you’re less likely to overflow. It also facilitates even baking, ensuring every bite is delightful!
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For nut allergies, simply omit the pecans. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, substitute the turkey with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables. Be mindful to use low-sodium broth to keep it heart-friendly. Always check labels of store-bought ingredients like cheese and cranberry sauce to ensure they’re suitable for dietary needs.
How can I enhance the flavor of my turkey filling?
Absolutely! Make sure your turkey is well-seasoned. I often recommend adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, alongside garlic powder, to really elevate the flavor profile. If your turkey is bland or leftover from a previous dish, consider mixing in a little cooked onion or sautéed garlic for a savory kick.
Delicious Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Ensure your large baked sweet potatoes are cooled, then carefully scoop out some flesh to create space for the delicious filling.
- In a bowl, add the shredded turkey, cheese, leftover stuffing, chicken broth, and half of the cranberry sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Generously spoon the turkey mixture back into each hollowed sweet potato. Press down gently to ensure each potato is filled to the brim.
- Drizzle the remaining cranberry sauce on top of each stuffed potato and sprinkle the chopped pecans over. Place them in the oven and heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
- Carefully plate your stuffed sweet potatoes and enjoy them warm.