For many people, the best part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and more. But you can only assemble so many plates and make so many Thanksgiving sandwiches before you’re ready for something different. We have the perfect solution: the Thanksgiving Nacho.
Nachos are a crowd-pleasing snack that are easy to eat and easy to make. When you have a smattering of leftovers that already go well together, why not spread them over some chips and turn them into nachos?
Start a new holiday tradition with the Thanksgiving Nacho. Here’s how to turn yesterday’s feast into today’s favorite snack.
Start with the Base
To support all your toppings, you’ll want something thicker than your standard tortilla chips. If you can’t find heavier tortilla chips, try swapping them out for pita chips or sweet potato chips. The trick is to have a solid foundation for your nachos. Choose your chips and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Layer on the Leftovers
Now you’re ready for the serious nacho prep. Shred some leftover turkey and spread it evenly over your chips. Sprinkle some stuffing across the turkey, and then more-or-less evenly space some scoops of mashed potatoes. Chop up any roasted veggies and toss them on there. Finish off with a drizzle of gravy.
Don’t Forget the Cheese
While cheese is more of an add-on than a Thanksgiving staple, it’s a nacho must-have. Some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack will help hold all your layers together, and cheese tastes great with other savory flavors like turkey and gravy.
Bake and Enjoy
Pop your nachos into a 400°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy. When they come out of the oven, drizzle some cranberry sauce over the top for a little sweet kick. Serve your nachos hot with some extra gravy or sour cream mixed with herbs.
Nacho Average Thanksgiving Leftovers!
We apologize for the pun, but we couldn’t resist. Just like our customers can’t resist the delicious nachos we serve at El Tapatio! If you don’t feel like cooking (or you’ve run out of Thanksgiving leftovers), visit our restaurant for traditional Mexican dishes with a unique twist. We’re located at 707 Milford Road in Merrimack, or you can give us a call at (603) 626-5801.