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**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with melted butter. A 9×9-inch dish works perfectly, but you can also use any other oven-safe dish depending on the amount of leftovers you have.
**Step 2: Layer the Base**
Begin by layering the bottom of your baking dish with the leftover mashed potatoes. Spread them evenly across the base of the dish. This forms the creamy, comforting layer of your casserole.
**Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce**
Spoon a few dollops of leftover cranberry sauce on top of the stuffing. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce perfectly balances the savory layers beneath, adding a little zing that makes this dish so special.
**Step 5: Add the Cream or Gravy**
Pour the cream or gravy over the entire casserole. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping everything moist as it bakes. If you don’t have enough leftover gravy, feel free to substitute with cream, broth, or a little milk.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you want a golden, crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
#### Why You’ll Love This Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
– **No Waste, No Worries**: By using up all those leftover Thanksgiving dishes, you reduce food waste while creating a dish that feels like a new celebration. It’s an easy way to keep the holiday spirit alive long after the turkey has been carved.
– **Customizable**: This casserole is highly adaptable. You can add or omit ingredients based on what you have left over—whether it’s mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even a dollop of pumpkin pie filling. The recipe works with almost any traditional Thanksgiving side dish, making it a go-to for holiday leftovers.
#### Conclusion
**Thanksgiving isn’t over in our house yet!** This **Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole** is proof that the flavors of the holiday can stretch far beyond the feast itself. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy every last bit of Thanksgiving leftovers while still feeling like you’re indulging in something fresh and exciting.