If you love the flavors of fall and want to enjoy a creative twist on your holiday feast, these Thanksgiving Enchiladas are an absolute game-changer. Combining tender turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and warm gravy wrapped in a soft tortilla, this dish brings the best of Thanksgiving into a fun, comforting meal that your whole family will adore. It’s a perfect way to reinvent leftovers with a burst of cozy flavors and cheesy goodness.

Thanksgiving Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to capture the true spirit of Thanksgiving within an enchilada. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the savory turkey, the aromatic sage, or the luscious gravy that ties everything together in a harmonious bite.

6 10-inch flour tortillas: Soft and flexible shells perfect for rolling up all your flavorful fillings without tearing.
3 cups leftover heated turkey gravy, divided: Adds moisture and rich flavor both inside and atop the enchiladas for that classic Thanksgiving taste.
1 ½ pounds leftover cooked turkey (white or dark or both): The star protein that gives you hearty bites filled with familiar roasted flavors.
1 pound leftover stuffing: Adds a lovely texture and seasoning that complements the turkey perfectly.
6 tablespoons whole berry cranberry sauce, plus more for serving: Provides a sweet, tart contrast that brightens up the dish beautifully.
¼ cup fresh sage chopped small (or half that of dried): Introduces an earthy herbaceous note that’s classic for Thanksgiving dishes.
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top for gooey, golden perfection, bringing everything together.

How to Make Thanksgiving Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures it’s ready to transform your enchiladas into a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish or pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Add the Base Gravy

Ladle one cup of the warm turkey gravy onto the bottom of your prepared dish. This acts as a flavorful base that keeps the enchiladas moist while baking, infusing every layer with that comforting taste we’ve all come to love.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Lay out all six tortillas flat. Divide the cooked turkey evenly among them, followed by the stuffing and a generous spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce. Arrange these ingredients in a neat line down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle the chopped sage over the top. The sage adds an aromatic punch that makes these enchiladas sing with holiday spirit.

Step 4: Roll and Arrange in Pan

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, folding over the ends to seal in the filling. Place them seam side down in your prepared pan, creating a neat and cozy lineup ready for baking. This step keeps all your glorious Thanksgiving flavors securely wrapped for the oven’s magic.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining two cups of turkey gravy evenly over the rolled enchiladas, generously coating them in richness. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring that golden, melty finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully.

Step 6: Broil for the Finishing Touch

Once baked, switch your oven to broil and place the enchiladas underneath for a few minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye here—it happens quickly! Serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side for additional bursts of sweetness and tartness.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Enchiladas

Garnishes

To elevate your Thanksgiving Enchiladas even further, consider topping them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra chopped sage for vibrant color and a hint of freshness. A drizzle of sour cream or a spoonful of extra cranberry sauce also makes a delightful balance to the rich, savory layers.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas shine as the centerpiece, but pairing them with classic sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad offers wonderful contrast in textures and flavors, rounding out your meal with seasonal brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting holiday presentation, line your serving dish with fresh sage leaves or cranberries to echo the flavors inside. Serving individual portions with small ramekins of cranberry sauce and gravy on the side can make your feast feel interactive and elegant, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Thanksgiving Enchiladas reheat beautifully and keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, and you’ll have a ready-to-go second helping of comfort food.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the enchiladas before baking. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Removing the foil for the last few minutes restores that lovely melted cheese texture. Microwave workarounds are quick but may result in slightly softer tortillas.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas will bring a slightly different texture and flavor that complements the filling well, though they tend to be more delicate, so handle them gently when rolling.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey?

No worries! You can substitute cooked chicken or even turkey breast from the store. The key is to have a flavorful protein to carry those classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable gravy to keep all the comforting flavors intact.

Is it okay to use dried sage instead of fresh?

Definitely. Just remember to use half the amount of dried sage, as it has a more concentrated flavor, and sprinkle it evenly to avoid overpowering the dish.

How spicy are these Thanksgiving Enchiladas?

These enchiladas focus on savory and sweet Thanksgiving flavors rather than heat, so they are mild and family-friendly. You can always add a pinch of chili powder or jalapeño if you like a little kick.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Enchiladas are a wonderful way to transform holiday leftovers into a dish that’s fresh, exciting, and truly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe invites you to savor every bite and celebrate those classic flavors in a whole new way. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!