Leftover Turkey Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 2 tablespoons butter
• cup sliced shallots
• 10 slices jarred jalapeno peppers, chopped (or more to taste)
• cup cranberry jelly
• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
• cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 48 scoop-style tortilla chips (such as Tostitos Scoops)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir shallots in the hot butter until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the jalapeno peppers to the shallots and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cranberry jelly with the shallots and peppers, and cook until the jelly has melted completely.
5. In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey with the jalapeno-cranberry jelly mixture until thoroughly combined.
6. Arrange the tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet. Fill each chip with 1 tablespoon of the turkey mixture.
7. Top each chip with teaspoon of shredded white Cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are golden.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	3g Fat	5g Carbs	4g Protein
64	3g	5g	4g

Servings Per Recipe: 24

Percent Daily Value*

Amount	% Daily Value
Total Fat	3g (4%)
Saturated Fat	1g (7%)
Cholesterol	14mg (5%)
Sodium	67mg (3%)
Total Carbohydrate	5g (2%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (0%)
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	4g (9%)
Vitamin C	0mg (0%)
Calcium	25mg (2%)
Iron	0mg (2%)
Potassium	52mg (1%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Leftover Turkey Thanksgiving Nachos are a creative and delicious way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers. Combining tender turkey, spicy jalapeos, and sweet cranberry jelly on crispy tortilla chips, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional nachos. Whether you're looking for a snack or a festive appetizer, these nachos are sure to impress your guests!

Origin of Leftover Turkey Nachos

The idea of using Thanksgiving leftovers in creative ways dates back to the early 2000s, when people started to look for practical yet tasty solutions to the food waste that often follows the holiday. While nachos have their roots in Mexico, the combination of turkey and cranberry jelly as toppings is an American twist that reflects the flavors of the traditional Thanksgiving feast. This dish cleverly repurposes turkey, which is commonly leftover after the holiday, into a fun and flavorful treat.

Regional Variations

Though this recipe originated as a way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, nachos themselves are a beloved snack throughout the United States, particularly in southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine. In some regions, you might find nachos made with chili, pulled pork, or even seafood. The addition of turkey and cranberry jelly in this version, however, is specifically tied to Thanksgiving, offering a delightful fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors unique to the season. In certain areas of the U.S., especially in the Midwest, the use of cranberry sauce or jelly as a topping on savory dishes is a common tradition, making this dish a local favorite after Thanksgiving meals.

How These Nachos Differ from Traditional Nachos

Traditional nachos are typically made with melted cheese, jalapeos, and sometimes ground beef or chicken, often served as an appetizer or snack. The key difference in this Thanksgiving version lies in the use of turkey as the primary protein, alongside the unexpected yet delicious pairing of cranberry jelly. This gives the nachos a distinctive sweet-and-salty flavor profile, which contrasts with the more classic cheesy, spicy nachos. Additionally, the shallots and jalapeos used in this recipe add depth and a touch of heat, further enhancing the dish's complexity.

Where are Leftover Turkey Nachos Typically Served?

Leftover Turkey Thanksgiving Nachos are often served as a fun appetizer or snack after Thanksgiving dinner, either at home or at gatherings. They are particularly popular at casual family get-togethers, holiday parties, and football watch parties, where guests can enjoy a bite-sized, easy-to-eat dish. In some regions, this nacho variation might even be served at bars and restaurants as a special during the post-Thanksgiving period. The dish is also great for anyone looking for a creative way to use up turkey leftovers in the days following Thanksgiving.

Interesting Facts about Thanksgiving Nachos

• The idea of nachos originated in the 1940s, in the border town of Piedras Negras, Mexico, where a man named Ignacio Nacho Anaya created the first version of the dish for a group of American military wives.
• The addition of cranberry jelly to savory dishes like these nachos is a nod to the tradition of cranberry sauce as a Thanksgiving staple. In fact, cranberry sauce is often considered the "secret ingredient" that makes Thanksgiving dishes extra special.
• In recent years, chefs have been reinventing classic nachos by using various proteins, cheeses, and even fruits. Turkey, especially leftover turkey, is a popular choice during the holiday season as it provides a lean and flavorful alternative to other meats.
• While nachos are traditionally associated with Mexican cuisine, their modern popularity as a snack or appetizer has made them a staple in American sports bars, movie nights, and casual dining establishments.

By making these leftover turkey nachos, you not only minimize food waste but also create a memorable snack that combines the flavors of Thanksgiving in a fun, unexpected way!

FAQ about Leftover Turkey Thanksgiving Nachos Recipe

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