Leftover Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas

Given all the extra turkey and cranberry sauce after holiday feasts these quesadillas are my favorite quick fix that turns leftovers into something crave-worthy The tang of cranberry mingles with gooey cheese and roasted turkey all tucked into a crispy tortilla which hits all the comfort notes you want in a speedy lunch or weeknight dinner

The first time I tried these we had so much turkey we could hardly fit it in the fridge Now my kids look forward to the cranberry sauce almost more for these quesadillas than the Thanksgiving dinner itself

Ingredients

• Medium flour tortillas: Give a soft bite and plenty of surface for crisping Stick to fresh tortillas without preservatives if possible
• Cooked turkey: Either shredded or chopped works and dark meat adds more richness Look for moist leftover turkey not too dry
• Cranberry sauce: Adds a punch of tart sweetness Whole berry brings texture and jellied is great if you want a more uniform spread Pick a sauce with a short ingredient list for best flavor
• Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooeyness Monterey Jack has a milky flavor Try to get cheese freshly shredded from a block for best melt and flavor
• Red onion: Thin slices bring bite and crunch Choose smaller onions that feel heavy for their size for mildness
• Fresh cilantro: Bright herbal notes and color Use only if you love the flavor and go for leaves that look crisp and vivid green
• Butter or olive oil: Both crisp the tortillas and add a touch of richness Use real butter if you want classic flavor and watch out for oils with strong flavors

Instructions

Assemble the Quesadillas:

Lay out four tortillas on your counter or a large board Sprinkle shredded turkey evenly over each tortilla followed by dollops of cranberry sauce Make sure the sauce is fairly distributed for bursts of flavor Add a generous sprinkle of cheese top with thin red onion slices and scatter on cilantro if you like

Sandwich and Prep:

Place a second tortilla on top of each assembled base Press down gently to help everything stick together and make sure the edges line up for easier flipping

Toast the Quesadillas:

Melt half a tablespoon of butter or add a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat When the pan is hot but not smoking carefully slide in one quesadilla Cook for two to three minutes Press down occasionally with a spatula so the cheese melts and fillings meld together

Flip and Finish:

Flip the quesadilla carefully with a wide spatula Cook the second side for another two to three minutes until the outside is crisp and golden and cheese is melted Repeat for remaining quesadillas adding more butter or oil as needed

Rest and Slice:

Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board Let rest for one minute so the cheese sets Slightly cooling also helps keep the fillings from spilling out as you slice

Serve Up:

Cut into wedges with a sharp knife Serve warm Optionally offer extra cranberry sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side for dipping

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Turkey in these quesadillas always reminds me of cozy evenings after a big family feast when everyone wants something a little different but no one wants to cook again Cranberry sauce brings out the holiday cheer and makes every bite bright and memorable

Storage Tips

Store any leftover quesadilla wedges tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge They reheat well on a skillet over low heat to restore their crispiness Avoid microwaving as it makes the tortillas soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of turkey cooked chicken is an easy swap Apple slices or a small handful of baby spinach tucked in with the filling gives a burst of freshness Smoked gouda or creamy brie can replace the classic shredded cheese for a richer twist

Serving Suggestions

Quesadillas work well with a crisp salad or a warm cup of soup on the side I sometimes offer extra cranberry sauce as a dip or serve with salsa or a little sour cream for a new angle

Cultural and Holiday Inspiration

Combining turkey and cranberry is a nod to classic American holiday flavors By turning them into quesadillas you blend the soul of Thanksgiving with the comfort of cheesy Tex-Mex This dish is what I serve for casual visits during the holidays and it always gets people talking

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Try these with different cheeses and enjoy how the flavors play together in every bite They ll become your go-to for effortless leftovers

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, cooked chicken can substitute for turkey and will blend well with cranberry and cheese.

→ Is there a cheese that works best?

Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are mild and melty, but smoked gouda or brie add a rich depth.

→ Do I need to use fresh cranberry sauce?

Both jellied and whole berry cranberry sauce work. Choose your preferred style for tang and sweetness.

→ How do I keep quesadillas crispy?

Cooking in a hot skillet with butter or oil, and serving immediately, keeps them golden and crisp.

→ Can I add extra ingredients?

Sliced apples, baby spinach, or extra herbs can boost flavor and texture. Customize to taste.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, rather than microwaving to avoid sogginess.