To be perfectly honest, 99% of the time, tender, juicy turkey leftovers in our home get stuffed in between fluffy leftover rolls, doused in mustard and devoured. Just like that. It is the sole reason I look forward to slaving over a turkey.
When we are finally sick of the aforementioned preference, I normally throw the leftover turkey into this cheesy broccoli and rice casserole or make these spiffy, quick quesadillas. Not only are they simple and fast, but the barbecue sauce and green chiles pair beautifully with the creamy, melted cheese and tender turkey. These beauties sneak their way into our home all throughout the year since chicken makes a perfect substitute for the turkey.
Have fun with your own turkey leftovers. And in my honor, eat at least one turkey-roll-mustard sandwich. Ok? Thanks.
To take a look at all of the Thanksgiving recipes from last year and this year, click here. (Also check out the Recipe Index for other pies, sweets, and side dishes that might tickle your fancy.)
I’ll see you next week with a simple, comforting slow cooker dinner and the kickoff of the 2nd Annual Sugar Rush. Get ready for some extreme calorie loading. All in the name of holiday baking. Amen.
One Year Ago: Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Stacks
Two Years Ago: Cornbread Muffins
BBQ Turkey Quesadillas
Printable Version with Picture
Printable Version
*Makes 4-5 large quesadillas
INGREDIENTS:
8 large burrito-size flour tortillas
2 cups shredded leftover cooked turkey
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, store-bought or this homemade version
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 (3.5 ounce) can green chiles, drained
2 cups shredded cheese, my favorite combo is monterey jack and sharp cheddar
Sour cream, salsa, avocados for serving
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat a griddle or skillet on the stovetop to medium heat. In a medium bowl, toss together the turkey, barbecue sauce and green chiles. Spread an equal amount of this mixture on four of the tortillas (or five if you are spreading it thinner and making more quesadillas). Sprinkle the green onions over the top of the mixture and then top with the shredded cheese. Top with a tortilla and place the quesadillas on the griddle or stovetop, cooking for about 2-3 minutes each side until the tortillas are golden brown and crisp and the filling is hot and cheese is melted.
Recipe Source: My Kitchen Cafe
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Perfect for Turkey Day leftovers! We always make quesadillas with our turkey too!
what a great idea for leftovers! i generally use the turkey for regular sandwiches or to top salads
Looks delicious…it has to be good when it involves chilies.
We favor making a slew of sandwiches. So tasty.
There is so many tasty variations you can make with quesadillas, I’ll be sure to try this one!
What a fabulous way to use up leftover turkey, Melanie! Although, I must admit, your turkey rolls sound amazing, too! Thanks for all of the “must make” recipes! Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!
My mother and I always agreed that the turkey sandwich was far superior to the turkey meal itself. White bread, lettuce, mayo, breast meat. Woo, woo.
Mmm sounds delish! I will have to give these a try with the leftovers.
Mmm.. Great idea for leftovers!!
These look fantastic. I love the idea of the green chilies. We do something similar with a smear of cream cheese that is so creamy-good. I agree that the leftovers made with the bird are better than the (still wonderful) feast.
Great recipe for leftovers!
oh these will SO be making an appearance after t-day!
Where oh where is the link for you peanut butter chocolate heaven cookies?
I’m lost without it…
Hayley – here’s the link:
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/01/peanut-butter-chocolate-heaven-cookies.html
The recent PB cookie post is a new and improved version: http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/10/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies.html
These look great. Even though I’m not making the turkey I’m hoping to steal some leftovers and get creative with them this weekend!
These look great! We usually end up using our turkey, gravy, veggies, and potatoes in a post-Thanksgiving shepard’s pie, but I think I’m going to have to save some turkey this year for these!
yummo
I love the turkey sandwiches with mayo rather than mustard but the quesadillas sound wonderful. I might try those this year. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family
i don’t know that i’ll be able to wait until friday to eat something that sounds this good. do you think my family would frown upon eschewing the traditional whole bird and having quesadillas instead?
what a great blog! here is so many inspirations!
have a nice time,
Paula
This sounds so yummy! Will be trying them out for sure.
hmmm melted cheese and turkey…!! yum! too bad we don’t celebrate thanksgiving over here = no left over turkey
Super idea for leftovers! Usually I just pile everything in a casserole with some rice and bake it! This will be a nice change for my family!
Happy Thanksiving to you!
Stopping by to wish you and your turkeys a Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey Mel! I just wanted to drop you a line letting you know that I still faithfully read your blog everyday! I haven’t been trying new recipes lately because the store here literally has not had anything, for over a month! Not even chicken, unless you count chicken feet! ha! So if it every gets restocked I will be back to trying your fabulous recipes. Thanks so much for such an awesome site and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Hi Kensi – thanks for checking in! I’ve missed hearing from you but understand your reasons…I’m sorry you haven’t been able to find ingredients you want or need. Hopefully your stores will be stocked soon!
This was a hit at our house tonight. My boys thought the filling plus very thinly sliced red onion and more cheese would make an awesome topping for BBQ chicken pizza.
Made these tonight for dinner along with your mango and black bean quinoa salad – yum to both! I made my bbq chicken in the slow cooker using the amazing Shredded BBQ Chicken in the Slow Cooker Revolution cookbook from the great folks at America’s Test Kitchen – if you haven’t checked out that book, go get it now. It will change your life. Added to some fresh shredded cheese and grilled on a tortilla, I’m in heaven.