Leftover turkey mac and cheese is a baked casserole, not just a reheated side with meat dropped on top. Use leftover turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days, or that was frozen and thawed in the refrigerator. How long leftovers last explains that window. The turkey in the finished dish should reach 165°F, per USDA leftover reheating guidance. It is also not a rewrite of how to make macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving, which is the holiday side dish. Here, leftover turkey is the reason for the pan.
Cook the pasta and sauce
Heat the oven to 375°F. Boil about a pound of short pasta until it is just shy of tender, then drain it. In a saucepan, make a simple cheese sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, then whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Take it off the heat and stir in shredded cheese until it melts. Season with salt, pepper, and a little mustard powder if you like. Taste the sauce before you add leftover turkey, which may already be salted.
Fold in the turkey and bake
Stir the pasta and 2 to 3 cups of chopped leftover turkey into the sauce. Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch dish. You can top it with a little more cheese or buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the casserole is bubbling and a thermometer in the center reads 165°F, often 20 to 30 minutes if the turkey and sauce started warm, longer if the dish was assembled cold. Let it stand for a few minutes so servings hold together.
Storage
Cool leftovers in the pan or in shallow containers and refrigerate them within 2 hours. Reheat extra servings to 165°F. If you already have leftover mac and cheese from Thanksgiving and are stirring turkey into that, the same temperature rule applies; loosen it with a little milk if it is thick, and heat it thoroughly. More leftover casseroles and skillet meals are in the leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A 9×13 glass dish is the standard pan for a baked leftover turkey mac and cheese.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk — A whisk keeps the cheese sauce smooth before the pasta and turkey go in.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Check the center of the casserole so the leftover turkey reaches 165°F.
- HVH 9×13 Ceramic Baking Dish Set — A ceramic 9×13 is an alternative if you prefer it to glass.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving mac and cheese plus leftover turkey?
Yes. Combine them in a baking dish, add a little milk if the pasta looks dry, and bake until the center reaches 165°F.
Should I cover the dish?
Cover it if the top is browning before the center is hot, then uncover at the end if you want a toasted top.
Can I freeze leftover turkey mac and cheese?
You can, though the sauce may separate a little when it thaws. Reheat it to 165°F and stir in a splash of milk if needed.