Leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Apple

This leftover turkey sweet potato and apple casserole transforms postholiday remnants into a comforting, creamy dish full of warm autumn flavors. Combining tender shredded turkey with the natural sweetness of Gala apples and sweet potatoes, the casserole offers a harmonious blend that feels both familiar and refreshed. The infusion of sage, thyme, and a touch of maple syrup brings out the best parts of the season in every bite, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal.

I first made this casserole one chilly autumn evening using Thanksgiving leftovers and it quickly became a tradition. Now it is my go to way to reinvent turkey leftovers and my family looks forward to its cozy flavors every time.

Ingredients

• Three cups shredded leftover cooked turkey: for protein and heartiness best if moist and tender
• Two medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed: for natural sweetness and vibrant color choose firm and smoothskinned potatoes
• Two Gala apples peeled and diced: to add a pleasant tart sweetness and to balance the richness
• One small onion diced finely: to build a savory flavor base opt for yellow or sweet onions
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter: for sautéing and richness use fresh quality butter
• Two tablespoons allpurpose flour: to thicken the creamy sauce measure carefully for optimal texture
• One tablespoon chicken bouillon powder: to boost savory depth look for low sodium if possible
• One and a half cups chicken broth: as the main liquid component homemade broth adds extra flavor
• Half a cup heavy cream: for creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel
• One tablespoon pure maple syrup: to complement the apples and sweet potatoes with subtle sweetness
• Half a teaspoon rubbed sage: for earthy herbal notes use fresh if available for brightness
• Half a teaspoon dried thyme: for aromatic undertones
• Half a teaspoon salt: to balance flavors
• Quarter teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: for mild heat
• One cup shredded Gruyère cheese: to provide a nutty creamy topping that melts beautifully

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetable and Fruit Base:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a large casserole dish. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into uniform halfinch pieces so they cook evenly. Peel and dice the Gala apples into similar sized pieces to ensure uniform tenderness. Dice the onion finely so it softens completely during cooking. In a large skillet over medium heat melt the unsalted butter then add the diced onions and cook for about three to four minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the sweet potato cubes and sauté for six to eight minutes stirring occasionally until the edges begin to soften but the centers remain firm.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture of onion and sweet potatoes in the pan and stir briskly for one to two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Dissolve the chicken bouillon powder in a small amount of chicken broth then gradually pour in the rest of the broth stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then add the heavy cream maple syrup rubbed sage dried thyme salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue to cook the sauce for three to four minutes until it thickens to a velvety consistency then fold in the diced apples gently.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the shredded turkey evenly across the base of the prepared casserole dish. Pour the sweet potato apple and sauce mixture over the turkey layer distributing it evenly so that each serving includes a good balance of all the components. Use a spatula to gently level the surface without compacting the layers preserving texture.

Top and Bake:

Evenly sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the surface covering from edge to edge for a golden bubbly topping. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for thirty to thirtyfive minutes until the cheese turns golden and begins to bubble while the sweet potatoes become fork tender. If the cheese browns too quickly loosely tent the casserole with foil during the last ten minutes of baking to prevent burning. When finished allow the casserole to rest for at least ten minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken further and the slices hold their shape when cut.

One year my family gathered around the table and agreed this casserole captured the spirit of the season better than the turkey alone making it a new holiday favorite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the casserole's texture. It also freezes beautifully wrap individual portions tightly before freezing and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the flavors and prevent sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping Gruyère with sharp white cheddar for a familiar melt and tangy flavor. Replace heavy cream with fullfat Greek yogurt to cut richness slightly while still achieving creaminess. Butternut squash is a great alternative to sweet potatoes providing similar sweetness and texture and adding a vibrant color to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top for crunch or a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten presentation. Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with cider vinaigrette or with cranberry relish to echo classic holiday flavors. Leftover casserole also works well wrapped in a warm tortilla for a convenient sandwich style meal.

Let the casserole rest after baking so the sauce sets and the slices hold together. It reheats well making it a great make ahead meal for busy days.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I keep sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

Sauté sweet potato cubes until just tender before baking. This helps them hold shape and prevents overcooking in the oven.

→ Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish without baking and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add extra baking time if starting cold.

→ What can be used instead of chicken bouillon?

Vegetable bouillon or additional chicken broth plus a pinch of salt work well as substitutes for comparable flavor depth.

→ Should apples be peeled before adding?

Peeling apples ensures even softening and prevents skin separation during baking, but unpeeled apples add extra color and fiber.

→ How to prevent a watery casserole after baking?

Ensure the sauce thickens properly before assembling and allow the casserole to rest before serving so it sets well.

→ What cheese can be substituted for Gruyère?

Sharp white cheddar is a good alternative, offering a robust melt and flavor that complements the sweetness of potatoes and apples.