One of my favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers is in this hearty turkey poutine. Combining crispy sweet potato fries, shredded leftover turkey, extra gravy, and dotted with cranberry sauce sprinkled with cheese curds it's an effortless and crowd-pleasing meal any time after the big day.
I start my Thanksgiving prep making a batch of Thanksgiving turkey brine mix, Cranberry Apple Chutney, review how to carve a turkey breast and new this year making a Sous Vide Turkey Breast or a turkey roulade. If you want to make a juicy turkey in less time, a spatchcock turkey is for you!
Ingredients needed:
- sweet potato fries
- leftover Thanksgiving turkey (smoked turkey would be delicious!)
- leftover turkey gravy
- leftover cranberry sauce
- cheese curds
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Instructions:
- Cook the sweet potato fries according the to package directions.
- While the sweet potato fries are cooking, warm the turkey and the gravy.
- Once the sweet potato fries are crips, place ½ of them in a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle ½ the turkey, ½ the gravy and ½ the cheese curds over the hot fries.
- Add the other half of the hot sweet potato fries.
- Add the rest of the turkey, gravy, cheese curds and dot the top of the poutine with cranberry sauce.
- Serve!
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FAQ's and Tips
While I try to share all the information you need to make this recipe in your home with restaurant-quality results, there still may be a question or two. Or these are questions I have received from the community about this recipe. I do my best to answer them as clearly as I can. I hope this helps.
How long can you keep Thanksgiving leftovers?
Thanksgiving leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after the Thanksgiving meal. Be sure to chill the leftovers within 2 hours after the meal. Be sure to break the turkey down into smaller pieces and not store as a whole turkey. Store the thanksgiving leftovers in small containers or zip top bags so they chill quickly. If a dish is still warm when placed into the refrigerator, vent the container to allow the heat to escape.
Does turkey gravy work for poutine?
It does, and it is honestly my favorite part of this version, (in addition to the cheese curds!). Traditional poutine uses a light brown gravy, but leftover turkey gravy has more body and richer flavor from the drippings, so it holds up well over the fries and cheese curds. If you are reheating gravy from the fridge, bring it back to a full simmer (165F) on the stovetop before you pour it; that is your food safety checkpoint, not just a texture one.
What is usually served with poutine?
Classic Quebec poutine is just three things: crispy fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy. My Thanksgiving version keeps that same structure and swaps in what is already sitting in your fridge after the holiday; shredded turkey, that gravy I just mentioned, and cheese curds if you can find them, mozzarella pearls if you cannot.
Freezing Thanksgiving leftovers is a great way to keep the holiday flavors you love beyond just Thanksgiving. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Do not freeze leftovers that have not cooled completely. It is not good food safety practice. Store Thanksgiving leftovers for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Thanksgiving poutine is the most delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. More than gravy and fries, Thanksgiving poutine is the best that your Thanksgiving meal has to offer all on one plate.
Poutine is a French Canadian dish consisting of french fries, gravy and cheese curds. There are many variations of poutine and they are all delicious.
Ingredients
- 20 Ounce bag sweet potato fries
- ¾ Cup leftover Thanksgiving turkey
- 1 Cup leftover turkey gravy
- ¼ Cup leftover cranberry sauce
- ⅓ Cup cheese curds
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potato fries according to the package directions.20 Ounce bag sweet potato fries
- While the sweet potato fries are cooking, warm the turkey and the gravy.¾ Cup leftover Thanksgiving turkey, 1 Cup leftover turkey gravy
- Once the sweet potato fries are crisp, place ½ of them in a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle ½ the turkey, ½ the gravy and ½ the cheese curds over the hot fries.
- Add the other half of the hot sweet potato fries.
- Add the rest of the turkey, gravy, cheese curds and dot the top of the poutine with cranberry sauce.⅓ Cup cheese curds, ¼ Cup leftover cranberry sauce
- Serve!
Nutrition
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 17 years, Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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published november 12 2018
Jenni says
Oh my gosh, I am totally making this the day after Thanksgiving! What an amazing and fun recipe!
Sarah says
I am so glad you like it! We are ready for the day after Thanksgiving already.
Joanie says
I absolutely love poutine and this Thanksgiving recipe is brilliant. Now I can't wait for leftovers!
Wilhelmina Wessel says
I don't think I can wait until Thanksgiving leftovers to try this poutine! This is happening now!
Sarah says
That is awesome Wilhelmina! I couldn't agree more. Bring on the poutine!!
Lisa says
I'm loving this recipe to repurpose my Thanksgiving dinner leftovers! Can't wait to make it.
Sarah says
Lisa, I can't wait for Thanksgiving to get here so I can make this again!