Hola, family! Gather around, because I have a special treat that will warm your hearts and fill your bellies. This year, let’s spice up our Thanksgiving table with something bold, comforting, and delicious Thanksgiving Enchiladas!
You know that feeling when your loved ones gather together, laughter fills the air, and the kitchen smells like love? That’s exactly what this recipe brings to life. These enchiladas combine the best flavors of Thanksgiving tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese all wrapped in soft corn tortillas. It’s a perfect fusion of tradition and fiesta, rolled into one beautiful dish.
Thanksgiving Enchiladas are more than food; they’re a celebration of gratitude, creativity, and family memories. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create a new holiday tradition that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Thanksgiving Enchiladas Brings Joy to the Table
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, laughter, and of course, good food. But who says we can’t give our leftovers a fun, flavorful twist? These Thanksgiving Enchiladas turn familiar ingredients into a brand-new dish that still tastes like home.
In my family, my Tía Luisa always said, “Cada bocado cuenta una historia” every bite tells a story. And this recipe tells one of love, creativity, and togetherness. It’s a dish that captures the joy of Thanksgiving while adding a touch of Mexican warmth and spice.
So whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, this recipe is a reminder that tradition can always evolve deliciously.
What You’ll Need
To create this cozy, flavor-packed dish, gather these simple ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Each ingredient adds its own touch of magic sweet, savory, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Thanksgiving Enchiladas
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring your Thanksgiving Enchiladas to life.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let it warm up while you prepare your filling.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, diced onions, bell peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so each bite is flavorful and festive.
3. Warm the Tortillas
To make the tortillas pliable and easy to roll, warm them slightly. You can heat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
4. Fill and Roll
Spoon a generous portion of the turkey mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5. Add the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with a few tablespoons of water to thin it slightly. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
6. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top don’t be shy! The melted cheese adds a rich, gooey finish that everyone will love.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
8. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
And just like that, your Thanksgiving leftovers have transformed into something extraordinary.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Enchiladas for Family & Friends
When it’s time to serve, make it festive! Place the enchiladas in the center of your table, family-style, and let everyone dig in.
They pair beautifully with:
- A side of Mexican rice or refried beans
- A crisp green salad with lime dressing
- A topping bar of avocado slices, sour cream, and extra cranberry sauce
Encourage everyone to personalize their plate that’s where the fun begins! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a friendsgiving gathering, these enchiladas bring everyone together with flavor and laughter.
How to Keep Thanksgiving Enchiladas Fresh for Later
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting amazing:
- Cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. They’ll taste just as comforting as day one.
Tía Maribel’s Flavor Secrets
Want to make your Thanksgiving Enchiladas truly unforgettable? Here are some flavor tips straight from my kitchen:
- Brighten the turkey: Add a squeeze of lime juice or a touch of hot sauce to your filling. It brings all the flavors to life.
- Sauté your vegetables: Lightly cook the onions and peppers before mixing them in. This caramelizes their natural sweetness.
- Add some spice: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder adds a gentle heat that balances the creamy sauce.
Cooking is all about making it your own don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
Make It Your Own – Fun Twists
Here are a few creative ways to customize your Thanksgiving Enchiladas:
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace turkey with black beans, lentils, or roasted vegetables for a hearty, meat-free version.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco for extra flavor.
- Saucy Twist: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try using green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, or even leftover gravy for a savory surprise.
Each version adds its own story to the table and that’s the beauty of cooking with heart.
Discover More Latin Flavors
Step into our Recipe Trends page and uncover bold tastes, family-loved classics, and dishes that bring pure joy to the table. With fresh recipes waiting for you each week, there’s always something new to explore so tie on your apron and enjoy the fun of cooking!
Thanksgiving Enchiladas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, diced onions, bell peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with the turkey mixture and roll them up tightly.
- Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with some water to thin it out, then pour it over the enchiladas.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Thanksgiving Enchiladas
1. Can I make Thanksgiving Enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas, cover with sauce, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven.
2. What can I use instead of turkey?
You can substitute chicken, pork, or even a plant-based protein. It’s all about using what you love.
3. Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes! Freeze them in portions for an easy reheat meal later. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
The Heart of the Dish
Thanksgiving Enchiladas are more than just a clever way to use leftovers they’re a symbol of how food brings people together. Each roll, each bite, and each laugh shared around the table is a reminder that the best recipes are made with love.
So this holiday season, embrace tradition, add a little spice, and create memories that will fill your hearts as much as your plates.
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