Leftover Turkey Nachos

Why You're Going To Love It

• Leftover Turkey Nachos are pretty much effortless. You've already cooked up a Thanksgiving feast. Who needs to keep slaving in the kitchen?
• Whip these up in no time. This recipe is just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Nachos are a casual, fresh way to use up the leftover turkey.
• Besides turkey, you can use any toppings you like. We're keeping it pretty simple, with just turkey, cheese and beans. These nachos become loaded turkey nachos when you set out extra toppings for serving.
• Nachos are a fun and relaxing meal! Everyone can grab a plate and dig in.
• These turkey nachos are gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.

What You'll Need

• Tortilla Chips. We like restaurant style 100% corn stone ground tortilla chips. They taste so much better and are more authentic than Dorito style chips. And they're gluten-free. I like the combo of blue and yellow corn tortilla chips.
• Leftover Turkey. White or dark meat or a combo are both good. Just don't use any fat or gristle-y parts (because that would be yucky). Shred the turkey into bite size pieces.
• Black Beans. Canned beans work great and you can use red beans instead if that's what you have.
• Cheese. Our favourite cheese for nachos is Monterey jack or sharp cheddar, and mozzarella always works, too.
• Salsa. Use your favourite jarred salsa. You will be tossing the turkey in the salsa, so save any fresh Pico de Gallo for serving.
• Jalapeno Peppers. These are optional. You can slice fresh jalapenos and add them before baking the nachos, or you can use pickled jalapenos. We prefer to serve them as a topping since not everyone likes the spice. (What? I know.)

Let's Build Our Nachos

1. Toss together the turkey and salsa.

2. Add a layer of chips to the pan
3. Sprinkle with cheese

4. Add a layer of turkey
5. Sprinkle with black beans

6. Another layer of cheese
7. Another layer of chips

8. Top with remaining turkey and beans
9. And the final layer of cheese.

10. Bake until heated through and all the cheese is melty.

11. Serve as is, or with lots of toppings.

Some Nacho Topping Ideas

You can enjoy these turkey nachos as is, just let everyone scoop them onto plates. However, it's fun to have toppings if you are feeling more ambitious. Some nacho topping ideas:

• lime wedges
• hot sauce
• fresh salsa
• avocado slices
• grape tomatoes
• sliced fresh or pickled jalapenos or banana peppers
• chopped peppers
• sliced olives
• guacamole
• sour cream
• sliced scallions

Recipe Tips

• Layers or not? We like to use layers in a cast iron skillet and make a mountain of nachos, kind of like a nacho lasagna! (And it's fun to serve them in these cute little cast iron mini skillets) However, you can also bake them in one layer on a sheet pan.
• Make them ahead. Assemble the whole dish ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
• Make them later. Shred your leftover turkey and freeze it for nachos later. You can even mix the turkey and salsa before freezing.
• Use chicken or beef. These nachos are also great for using leftover chicken or beef.
• Reheat. Nobody wants leftovers of leftovers, but it does happen, so you can reheat these, in a 400° oven for 10 minutes, or on the stove top over medium high for 10 minutes.

Need More Leftover Turkey Ideas?

Of course, turkey soup is always a comforting and familiar use of Thanksgiving leftovers. We love this one: Buckwheat Soup with Turkey. You can also make a casserole like Sweet Potato Apple Turkey Bake, or some tacos like these Turkey Tacos with Mango Salsa. Leftover turkey appetizers are great too, try Turkey & Feta Mini Quiche. I also love using turkey in salads. One of our favourites is Turkey, Pomegranate & Bacon Salad.