Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover cooked stuffing or dressing
• 1/3 cup turkey gravy
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, sage, or thyme)
• 2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs, or more as needed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 brioche hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided
• 3/4 lb leftover roasted turkey breast, sliced
• 1 large green apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 slices (1/4 - 1/2 inch thick) jellied canned cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions, such as Frenchs crispy fried onions

Directions

1. Step 1: Crumble the leftover stuffing into a large bowl. Add the turkey gravy, beaten egg, and chopped fresh herbs. Mix well to combine.
2. Step 2: Add seasoned breadcrumbs to the mixture and stir thoroughly. If the mixture feels too moist, add up to 2 additional tablespoons of breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
3. Step 3: Form the stuffing mixture into 4 evenly sized patties, pressing down firmly to ensure they hold their shape.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the bottom.
5. Step 5: Flip the patties and cook for another 3-5 minutes, flipping as necessary, until they are golden and crispy on all sides and heated through.
6. Step 6: While the patties are cooking, combine the softened butter with the fresh or dried sage. Spread the sage butter evenly over both sides of each brioche bun.
7. Step 7: In a separate skillet, heat over medium heat and place the buttered buns, cut side down. Toast for about 1 minute until the buns are golden brown and crispy.
8. Step 8: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the toasted sides of each bun.
9. Step 9: Place a stuffing patty on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with slices of green apple, turkey breast, and cranberry sauce.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the sandwich, then top with the remaining bun halves.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 1892
• Total Fat: 145g (186% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 27g (137% DV)
• Cholesterol: 224mg (75% DV)
• Sodium: 2933mg (128% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 108g (39% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (16% DV)
• Total Sugars: 59g
• Protein: 40g (79% DV)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 192mg (15% DV)
• Iron: 5mg (27% DV)
• Potassium: 613mg (13% DV)

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

This "Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger" takes advantage of all the beloved flavors from the holiday feast. Made with leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more, this creative burger offers a unique and satisfying way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers. Here's the story behind this culinary innovation, along with some regional nuances and interesting facts to appreciate its charm.

History of the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger

While the exact origins of the Thanksgiving leftovers burger are unclear, the idea of using leftover turkey and stuffing in sandwiches or burgers has been a long-standing tradition in American kitchens. After a large holiday meal, many Americans are left with excess food, and creatively turning it into new dishes became the norm. This burger, however, elevates that tradition by combining the essential flavors of Thanksgiving into a handheld meal, merging classic ingredients like turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing with the modern appeal of a burger. It's a fun, delicious way to continue the holiday spirit with minimal waste.

Regional Variations

Though Thanksgiving is celebrated throughout the United States, the way people use leftovers can vary greatly depending on the region. In New England, for example, cranberry sauce and stuffing might be served as side dishes in sandwiches, while in the Midwest, turkey and mashed potatoes could be the main leftovers incorporated into meals. The "Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger" transcends these regional differences by using universally loved ingredients, but it still reflects the local spirit of utilizing what you have to create something special. Some regions might even swap out the brioche bun for a local favorite, like a pretzel bun or a roll from a local bakery.

How It's Different from Similar Dishes

Many leftover recipes incorporate turkey and stuffing into soups, casseroles, or simple sandwiches, but the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger stands out in a few key ways. First, it combines stuffing as a patty, which is not typically seen in other dishes. This gives the burger a satisfying texture and makes it easy to handle. Second, the burger features a balance of savory and sweet, with crispy onions and fresh apple slices, giving it a unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving flavors. The mayo spread and cranberry sauce elevate the flavors and make it more decadent than a simple turkey sandwich.

Where Its Usually Served

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger is perfect for home kitchens during the days following Thanksgiving. Its commonly enjoyed as a creative lunch or dinner option, particularly for those looking to refresh their leftovers without getting bored. However, some restaurants that focus on comfort food or seasonal menus might also offer this as a special, especially in the days after Thanksgiving. Its popularity tends to rise in regions known for their festive spirit, where people embrace leftover-centric dishes after the big holiday feast.

Interesting Facts About the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger

• The burgers stuffing patties provide a unique twist compared to a regular beef patty, making it more of a comfort food experience than a traditional burger.
• Many variations of this burger exist across the U.S., with some adding mashed potatoes or swapping the turkey for ham.
• In some parts of the U.S., this burger is served as part of the "second feast" after Thanksgiving, where the holiday is revisited with new flavors from the leftovers.
• Pairing the burger with a cold, crisp apple slice adds an unexpected but delicious contrast to the savory flavors, a nod to the use of apples in fall cuisine.
• Using crispy fried onions as a topping isn't just for flavor; it also gives the burger a satisfying crunch, balancing the softness of the stuffing patty and the creamy mayo.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Burger is a fun, inventive way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. Its unique combination of ingredients transforms traditional holiday foods into something fresh and exciting. Whether served at home or in a trendy restaurant, this burger is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness that come with celebrating the Thanksgiving season.

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