Pilgrim casserole is the dish I reach for when the fridge is packed with Thanksgiving leftovers and nobody wants to eat them cold again. It layers stuffing, turkey, cranberry, and mashed potatoes into one cozy bake that tastes brand new. Even picky eaters tend to come back for seconds.
Why This Pilgrim Casserole Works
- Turns four kinds of leftovers into one hearty meal
- Layers build a sweet, savory, and creamy bite in every forkful
- Comes together in one baking dish with almost no prep
- Bakes in about 40 minutes, so dinner is on the table fast
If you have ever stared at containers of turkey and stuffing wondering what to do, this is your answer. It reads like a holiday plate stacked into a single dish.
Spread each layer to the edges so every scoop has a little of everything.
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Why You’ll Love This Pilgrim Casserole
- The cranberry mayo layer keeps the turkey juicy and adds a bright, tangy note.
- Asiago and fontina melt into the mashed potato topping for a savory, cheesy crust.
- This leftover turkey casserole tastes like the whole holiday spread in one warm bite.
Ingredient Notes
These are just shopping notes to help you pick the right items; the exact measurements in the recipe card below tell you how much of each to use. Most of this is leftovers, so you may already have everything on hand.
- Leftover stuffing forms the base, so use whatever kind you made for the holiday.
- Cubed turkey should be fully cooked; dark or white meat both work.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce gives little bursts of sweetness throughout.
- Asiago and fontina cheese bring a nutty, melty richness to the topping.
You only need an 8 inch baking dish and a couple of mixing bowls. A rubber spatula helps you spread each layer smooth.
How to Make Pilgrim Casserole
This pilgrim casserole goes together in layers, almost like building a lasagna out of Thanksgiving. Each step adds a new texture, and the oven does the rest.
- Grease an 8 inch dish and spread the stuffing across the bottom, then scatter the turkey on top.
- Stir the cranberry sauce with half the mayonnaise and spread it over the turkey.
- Mix the mashed potatoes with the rest of the mayo and both cheeses, then pour over the cranberry layer.
- Top with chopped rosemary and bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.
This recipe makes 6 servings. To feed a crowd, double everything into a 9 by 13 dish and add about 10 minutes to the bake. You can assemble it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Storage Options
This holiday casserole keeps well, which makes it handy for those few days after a big meal. Cool it fully before you wrap it up.
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered dish for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Variations & Substitutions
The beauty of this leftover bake is how forgiving it is. Swap in whatever you have to make it your own.
- Use leftover ham or rotisserie chicken in place of turkey.
- Try gruyere or sharp cheddar instead of the asiago and fontina.
- Stir leftover green beans or roasted veggies into the stuffing layer for extra color.
What to Serve with Pilgrim Casserole
Since this pilgrim casserole is rich and filling, a few simple sides round it out nicely. Keep them light to balance the cheesy topping.
- A crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette.
- Warm creamy parmesan polenta with tomatoes and prosciutto for a cozy starter.
- A batch of festive peppermint crunch treats to finish the meal on a sweet note.
Here are a few common questions that come up when folks make this dish for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pilgrim casserole without leftovers?
Yes. Use store bought stuffing mix, cooked turkey or chicken, instant mashed potatoes, and canned cranberry sauce to build it any time of year.
Do I have to use mayonnaise?
The mayo keeps the layers moist and adds richness, but you can swap in plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer.
Why is my topping dry?
The mashed potatoes may have been too thick. Loosen them with a little milk before spreading so they bake up creamy.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Build the casserole a day early, cover it, and refrigerate, then bake when you are ready.
Once you see how easily leftovers turn into something this comforting, you may start hoping for extra turkey on purpose. Keep this one in your back pocket for the days after every holiday meal.
Pilgrim Casserole
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Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover stuffing
- 4 cups cubed leftover turkey fully cooked
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup Hellman’s Real Mayonaisse divided
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- ½ cup asiago cheese shredded
- ½ cup fontina cheese shredded
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º. Grease an 8″ baker and spread the stuffing on the bottom. Sprinkle turkey overtop.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and half of the mayonnaise. Spread the cranberry mixture over the turkey layer.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, the rest of the mayonnaise and cheeses. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a bit of milk to loosen it up. Pour the potato mixture over the cranberry sauce layer. Top with rosemary and bake for forty minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I keep hearing about this BJ’s Wholesale Club, but unfortunately there are none in my area. I do love the sound of this casserole, though – so much goodness in there!
Oh yum! This looks so good, I’m tempted to cook up another Thanksgiving dinner just to have the leftovers to make this delicious casserole! Love the change-up you made with the cheeses… Pinned!
What a great way to serve up leftovers! I’m going to have to try this after Christmas, always looking for a new way to use up all the goodies!
Well this is a new one for me. I have never heard of a Pilgrim Casserole, but… I love making casseroles. What can be easier than making the whole meal in one dish. All I need to add is a salad.
Good morning Melanie. This is a perfect way to use the holiday leftovers and create a another satisfying and tasty meal. Your pix of your recipe are divine! I love the first changes you made, especially the color and (I’m assuming until I can taste it!) the flavor of adding rosemary. It looks like the finished casserole came out perfect. I love the name too!
I’ve never heard of this recipe before…I love how you used all the leftovers
I love this idea for using the holiday leftovers! I’m into pot pies and casseroles…so nice to put together and no-fuss on the presentation!
What a fantastic recipe for leftovers! Pinning!
Thanksgiving in a sandwich…without the bread…that totally made me laugh. I bet it’s well-loved though, and your pilgrim casserole looks great.
Beautiful recipe for all those leftovers. I’m in fact a sucker for any recipe named “pilgrim” or “village” or “rustic” or “shepherd”… I could go ON! haha
All of Thanksgiving in one bite? Count me in! This sounds so good!
I have never heard of the Pilgrim Casserole. I love casseroles and this would be a good one to make for my family.
YUM!! I hardly ever transform my leftovers like this. I normally just make myself a “leftover” plate until they run out but this looks amazing!
This looks so good!
We don’t have a BJ’s near us, but I am a big fan of the big box retailers…and I’m definitely a fan of this casserole. Love the name!
You can’t beat a good casserole to hit the spot!
BJ’s Wholesale Club and their cooking club both sounds like great options. What a wonderful way to use leftovers from Thanksgiving. Looks delicious and I always think of John Wayne when I hear the word pilgrim. Hey, I love old movies.
Sounds great! Love Sam’s Club!
What a great way to use up leftovers! You did a nice job with your tweaks.
We love BJs! And I love the look of this casserole! Sounds amazing!
I was surprised at the short list of ingredients! What a tasty looking casserole — I’ll be sure to make this next time I have left over turkey.
What a great way to use up leftovers. I am with you, it is so hard to come up with ways to use leftovers that the entire family will enjoy – this casserole so sounds fantastic.
Oh I’ve never heard of pilgrim casserole before, but I’m from the Southwest. It looks great!
This sounds great! I love trying new dishes!
This looks so good, what a great way to use up all those leftovers!
This is such a way to whip up after leftovers. I need to try this!
Sadly we don’t have a BJ’s Wholesale club in our area. However, your casserole would sure be a hit at our house.
LOVE the flavors in this casserole. It’s like Christmas in a dish
I can’t wait to try this! I bet those cheeses make it taste amazing! Thanks!
Everything in there sounds delicious except the mayo. Do you know what I might be able to use as a substitute? Sour cream maybe?
You can just omit the mayo altogether if that’s not your thing.
I totally love what you did with it. This looks just so delicious and feel good!
Love this! There’s a similar sandwich around here called the Gobbler and I always get it when it is around. So happy to see this in casserole form!
What a great way to use up those leftovers! And such a great call on adding in rosemary! Delish!