Name: Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 heaping cups Cooked turkey (shredded); 1 can Whole cranberry sauce (16oz divided); ½ cup Chunky salsa; 1½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, divided); ¼ cup Green onions (sliced, plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoon Chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish); ½ teaspoon Cumin; ½ teaspoon Chili powder; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon Black pepper; 1 15-oz can Red enchilada sauce; 8 Flour tortillas (Soft Taco sized); 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas are a delightful fusion of flavors that combine the savory goodness of turkey with the sweet tanginess of cranberry sauce. This dish is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey, especially after Thanksgiving. The combination of melted cheese, savory spices, and a smoky-sweet cranberry sauce creates a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that takes just an hour from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas

This Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a variety of benefits. First, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, making it a practical choice for post-holiday meals. Additionally, the dish is packed with flavor thanks to the combination of cranberry sauce and spices, ensuring every bite is a burst of deliciousness. It’s also a great option for those looking for healthy cranberry turkey enchiladas ideas since it’s low in fat yet satisfying. Plus, the recipe can easily be modified to include different ingredients, such as cranberry turkey roll-ups for a fun twist. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas

Gather these items:

2 heaping cups Cooked turkey (shredded)
1 can Whole cranberry sauce (16oz divided)
½ cup Chunky salsa
1½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, divided)
¼ cup Green onions (sliced, plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoon Chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
½ teaspoon Cumin
½ teaspoon Chili powder
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon Black pepper
1 15-oz can Red enchilada sauce
8 Flour tortillas (Soft Taco sized)
1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9”x13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl mix together the shredded turkey, ½ of the cranberry sauce, salsa, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Lay the flour tortillas on a work surface. Place about ½ cup of the filling into each tortilla. Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla over the filling and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In a small bowl mix the remaining ½ can of cranberry sauce with the enchilada sauce. Pour the sauce evenly over the filled tortillas.
Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and top with the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and begins to lightly brown. Serve garnished with sour cream, green onion, sliced jalapeno, and cilantro if desired.

Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy - Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas

Keep these in mind:

Use cooked turkey that is well-seasoned for the best flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for more variety.
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Consider making cranberry chipotle turkey enchiladas for a smoky twist.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas

These enchiladas are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving them with:

Fresh avocado slices for creaminess.
A side of black beans or a fresh salad.
Turkey enchiladas with cranberry topping for extra flavor and texture.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This makes them perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and allowing the enchiladas to bake covered initially. This ensures the filling remains moist while the cheese melts perfectly, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

Can I make Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas and store them unbaked in the fridge for up to a day. Just cover them tightly with foil to keep them fresh until you’re ready to bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your tortillas are soft and pliable before filling. If they’re too stiff, they may crack when rolled. Additionally, don’t skimp on the sauce; a good coating helps keep the enchiladas moist.

Variations of Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas You Can Try

For those looking to switch things up, consider these variations:

Cranberry turkey casserole enchiladas: Layer ingredients in a baking dish instead of rolling them in tortillas for a casserole-style dish.
Spicy cranberry turkey enchiladas: Add diced jalapenos or chipotle peppers to the filling for a heat boost.
Cranberry turkey enchiladas with cream cheese: Mix cream cheese into the filling for a richer texture.

These variations cater to different preferences and can make your meal even more exciting!

Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy - Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our small batch apple pumpkin muffins or creamy garlic crab stuffed mushrooms.