Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe
Introduction
Thanksgiving Nachos are a creative and delicious way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. Combining turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the seasonal flavors on a crispy bed of chips, this dish is perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting snack.

Ingredients
- 8 ounces tortilla chips (or thick-cut kettle chips)
- Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon sage)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked shredded turkey (or chicken)
- ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables
- 1½ cups prepared stuffing (divided, or half of a boxed mix prepared according to directions)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup gravy (heated)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 2: Place the tortilla chips on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper over the chips, then toss well to coat evenly. Bake for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly top the chips with the shredded turkey.
- Step 4: Chop the leftover roasted vegetables and sprinkle them over the turkey. Then crumble 1 cup of the prepared stuffing over the nachos.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything, and then top with the remaining ½ cup of crumbled stuffing. Dollop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce across the top.
- Step 6: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake the nachos for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm with heated gravy for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Swap turkey with leftover chicken or even vegetarian protein for a different twist.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños before baking.
- Use flavored or multigrain tortilla chips to add extra depth of flavor.
- For a creamier texture, drizzle a little warm cheese sauce over the nachos before adding the toppings.
Storage
Store any leftover Thanksgiving Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the nachos on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving to keep the chips from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Thanksgiving Nachos ahead of time?
You can assemble the nachos up to the baking step and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a couple minutes extra if needed.
What can I serve with these nachos besides gravy?
These nachos pair well with a simple green salad, a tangy coleslaw, or even a bowl of warm soup for a complete meal.
PrintThanksgiving Nachos Recipe
Thanksgiving Nachos combine classic holiday flavors with a fun and casual twist. Layers of crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned with savory poultry spices, are topped with shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, mozzarella cheese, and cranberry sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, these nachos are perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers and serving as a festive appetizer or meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces Tortilla chips (or thick-cut kettle chips)
- Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon sage)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked shredded turkey (or chicken)
- ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables (chopped)
- 1½ cups prepared stuffing (divided, or half of a boxed mix prepared according to directions)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- 1 cup gravy (heated)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the nachos.
- Prepare the chip base: Arrange the tortilla chips on a large rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper over the chips. Toss gently to coat the chips evenly with spices. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp and infuse flavors.
- Add turkey topping: Remove the chips from the oven and evenly distribute the cooked shredded turkey over the chips.
- Layer vegetables and stuffing: Chop the leftover roasted vegetables if not already done, then sprinkle them over the turkey layer. Crumble 1 cup of the prepared stuffing on top of the vegetables.
- Add cheese and cranberry sauce: Sprinkle 2½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the assembled ingredients. Then crumble the remaining ½ cup of stuffing on top of the cheese. Dollop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce evenly across the nachos.
- Bake until bubbly: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with heated gravy on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded chicken for turkey if preferred.
- Use thick-cut kettle chips if you want sturdier nachos that hold up to heavy toppings.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more or less poultry seasoning and herbs.
- Leftover roasted vegetables can include carrots, Brussels sprouts, or any root vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and replace with extra roasted vegetables.
- Serve the gravy warm for dipping to add moist richness that complements the crispy nachos.
Keywords: Thanksgiving nachos, turkey nachos, leftover holiday recipe, festive appetizer, holiday snacks

