Cheesy Turkey and Stuffing Potato Skins with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Delicious and hearty Potato Skins made using baked potatoes and a medley of comforting leftovers including mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Perfect as a warming appetizer or a creative way to repurpose Thanksgiving or holiday dinner remnants into a savory, cheesy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 potato skins (serves about 6 as appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potato Skins Base
- 6 baking potatoes, baked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- 1 ½ cups mashed potatoes (leftovers or from the baked potatoes)
- 1 ½ cups turkey, chopped (leftovers)
- 1 ½ cups stuffing (leftovers)
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Skins: Once the baking potatoes are fully cooked and cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh from the center of each half, leaving a sturdy shell about ¼ inch thick. Season the skins with salt and pepper.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped turkey, stuffing, and half of the shredded white cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to create an evenly incorporated filling.
- Fill Potato Skins: Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each potato skin shell, pressing gently to fill them well.
- Top and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Add Cranberry and Garnish: Remove the potato skins from the oven and let cool slightly. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped scallions for a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish, perfect for holiday leftovers or a cozy snack.
Notes
- You can substitute white cheddar with any sharp cheese like aged cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and stuffing or replace stuffing with sautéed mushrooms and herbs.
- The cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart dimension that balances the savory filling.
- Leftover mashed potatoes should be well-seasoned to avoid bland filling.
- Make sure not to scoop out too much flesh from the potato skins to avoid breakage during baking.
