Every year, the same question comes up the day after Thanksgiving: what do you do with all that leftover turkey? Turkey sandwiches are a classic, but there’s a more exciting option that has become a favourite on social media: Thanksgiving nachos. This fun, shareable dish piles crispy tortilla chips high with shredded turkey, melted cheese, crumbled stuffing and a zingy cranberry salsa. It’s quick, easy and the perfect way to turn holiday leftovers into something new.

Why Thanksgiving Nachos Are So Popular

Thanksgiving nachos solve the biggest problem with leftover turkey: by day two, nobody wants the same plate again. By combining your favourite holiday flavours with crunchy chips and gooey cheese, you get a completely different meal that feels like a treat. They’re also endlessly customisable, so you can use whatever leftovers you have on hand, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. Best of all, they’re ready in about 20 minutes and work just as well as a family dinner, game day snack or casual get-together with friends.

Ingredients

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Serves: 4 to 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

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For the nachos:

• 1 large bag (about 300 g) sturdy tortilla chips
• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheese, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup leftover stuffing, crumbled
• ½ cup leftover roasted Brussels sprouts or corn (optional)
• ½ cup warm turkey gravy, for drizzling (optional)

For the cranberry salsa:

• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of salt

For topping:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced spring onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Diced avocado or guacamole

How to Make Thanksgiving Nachos

1. Make the cranberry salsa. In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, red onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime juice and salt. Set it aside so the flavours can blend.
2. Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
3. Layer the nachos. Spread half the tortilla chips over the tray. Top with half the turkey, black beans, stuffing, vegetables and cheese. Repeat with a second layer so every chip gets plenty of toppings.
4. Bake. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the turkey is heated through.
5. Add the toppings. Drizzle with warm gravy if using, then spoon over the cranberry salsa. Finish with sour cream, spring onions, pickled jalapeños and avocado.
6. Serve. Bring the tray straight to the table and enjoy while hot.