This fun Thanksgiving Leftovers Monkey Bread is a tasty way to enjoy your holiday scraps! It’s made with biscuit dough, turkey, stuffing, and a drizzle of gravy, all baked together.
Honestly, who doesn’t love pulling apart warm, gooey pieces of goodness? It’s like a party in your fingers! 🎉 I love heating it up for a cozy lunch or snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The foundation of this monkey bread, I recommend using buttermilk biscuits for a nice buttery flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat biscuit dough or even homemade dough if you have the time.
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey is a must for this dish, but shredded rotisserie chicken also works well if turkey isn’t available. You can use any leftover poultry really.
Stuffing: Use your favorite stuffing, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. If you don’t have any, crumbled cornbread or even store-bought bread crumbs can be used for a similar effect.
Cranberry Sauce: Fresh cranberries can be used instead of sauce, or simply leave this out if you prefer a less fruit-forward flavor. Dried cranberries add a nice touch if you don’t have sauce available.
Turkey Gravy: If you don’t have turkey gravy, chicken gravy or even a homemade chicken or veggie broth will add flavor to drizzle over the bread.
How Can I Ensure My Monkey Bread is Perfectly Layered?
The key to great monkey bread is in the layering! When adding the biscuit pieces and other ingredients, take your time to create even layers. Here’s how:
- Start with a layer of biscuits, then sprinkle in turkey and stuffing in even amounts.
- Add cranberries next to ensure they distribute well. This way, every piece hits the flavor jackpot!
- Don’t forget to press gently after layering. This compacts everything and keeps it together during baking.
The result will be a beautiful bread that pulls apart easily and is full of flavor with every piece. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (e.g., buttermilk biscuits)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 2 cups stuffing (homemade or store-bought), crumbled
- 1 cup cooked cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup turkey gravy (for drizzling)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Thanksgiving Leftovers Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After that, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. In total, you’ll spend about an hour enjoying this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a Bundt pan (or a similar round cake pan) generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough, and cut each biscuit into quarters (you can use a knife or kitchen scissors). This helps the pieces cook evenly and makes them easier to pull apart once baked.
3. Mix the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture not only adds flavor but also makes sure the biscuit pieces get a nice buttery coating.
4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
Add the quartered biscuit pieces to the bowl and gently toss them in the butter mixture until they’re all coated. This helps infuse every bite with delicious flavor!
5. Layer the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to build your monkey bread! Begin layering the biscuit pieces in the prepared Bundt pan. Alternate layering the biscuit pieces, diced turkey, crumbled stuffing, and cranberry sauce (or dried cranberries) evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with all the festive flavors!
6. Compact the Layers:
Once you’ve layered everything, press down gently on the top to compact it slightly. This step helps the monkey bread hold its shape while baking.
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place your Bundt pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is fully cooked and turns golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Invert:
After baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps it set, making it easier to remove. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
9. Drizzle with Gravy:
Warm up the turkey gravy in a small saucepan or microwave and drizzle it generously over the top of the monkey bread. This adds extra moisture and flavor to each pull-apart piece.
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the monkey bread warm, allowing your guests to pull apart pieces and enjoy! It’s a festive and fun way to savor those Thanksgiving leftovers!
Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and watch it disappear in no time! Happy feasting!
Can I Use Other Leftover Meats?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey on hand, shredded chicken or even ham can make a delicious substitute. Just be sure to adjust the flavors accordingly if the meat has a stronger taste!
How do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Monkey Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before popping it in the oven!
What Can I Serve with Thanksgiving Leftovers Monkey Bread?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. You could also serve it with extra gravy or cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.