If you have a stash of leftover holiday turkey and you’re craving something cozy yet exciting, this Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brilliantly transforms everyday ingredients into a cheesy, savory bake that feels indulgent without being complicated. Imagine tender turkey mingling with roasted veggies and creamy cheeses all wrapped inside a golden, flaky crust—this recipe is comfort food at its finest with a twist that makes every bite worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role, from adding creaminess and flavor to bringing color and texture. The magic of this Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of flavors.
- 2 cups chopped leftover turkey or chicken: The hearty protein base that makes this dish satisfying and perfect for using up leftovers.
- Green onions, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, mild bite to contrast the richness of the cheese and dressing.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess that binds everything together deliciously.
- 2 cups grated mozzarella: Melts beautifully to give gooey, stringy texture every bite will crave.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty edge that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped leftover roasted vegetables (broccoli or Brussels sprouts): Adds earthy flavor and a pop of color to keep things vibrant and nutritious.
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: For just the right touch of mild heat and complexity.
- ½ cup Caesar dressing, store-bought or homemade: Infuses the dish with tangy, savory notes that elevate the overall taste.
- 1 ½ pounds pizza dough: The golden, chewy crust that encases the filling and brings it all together.
- Flour, for sprinkling: Keeps the dough from sticking while rolling out, ensuring a smooth assembly process.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Used to brush the crust, giving it a beautiful, shiny finish once baked.
How to Make Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing the chopped leftover turkey or chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, roasted vegetables, black pepper, and Caesar dressing in a large bowl. This mixture should be smooth and creamy while still showcasing little bursts of texture from the veggies and cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick. This will become the base and top of your bake, so get it nice and even to ensure even cooking and structure. Leaving a bit of extra dough on the edges helps when sealing the bake.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Carefully transfer half of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the turkey and vegetable filling evenly over the dough, spreading it out but leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Then lay the remaining dough over the top and press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside, preventing any leaks during baking.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Brush the top of your assembled bake with the beaten egg. This simple step ensures your crust becomes golden and shiny—a total crowd pleaser. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully browned and cooked through. The kitchen will smell incredible by the time it’s done!
How to Serve Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some freshly chopped parsley on top adds a gorgeous finishing touch. You can also add a few dashes of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing for an extra burst of flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
This bake shines on its own but pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables. Something fresh and light balances the richness wonderfully, making your meal feel complete without overwhelming the delightful flavors of the bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this comforting dish into a party star by cutting it into squares and serving it with toothpicks for easy sharing. Or, slice it alongside a charcuterie board for a fun and unexpected twist to your appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making each bite more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the bake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the dough from getting soggy and the cheese perfectly melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic in this recipe, feel free to experiment with cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère to customize the flavor to your liking.
What if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can substitute with puff pastry or even biscuit dough in a pinch, though the texture will vary slightly. The pizza dough’s chewy, crispy finish is what makes this bake special.
Is Caesar dressing essential?
Caesar dressing adds a tangy depth that complements the turkey and cheese perfectly, but if you prefer, a ranch or even a garlic mayo can work as flavorful alternatives.
Can I add other leftover vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is designed to be flexible, so roasted carrots, peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms will all add wonderful flavor and texture.
How big of a pan or baking sheet should I use?
A standard half-sheet pan or a large rimmed baking sheet works best. It gives enough room to spread the dough evenly and allows even baking for that perfect golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe brings together comfort, creativity, and clever leftover use in one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for holiday meals or any time you want to turn simple ingredients into something extra special. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how this bake becomes a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
PrintCostco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake Recipe
This Costco-Style Leftover Turkey Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that transforms your leftover turkey or chicken into a cheesy, savory bake perfect for repurposing roasted vegetables and pizza dough. With a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing, this meal offers a rich flavor profile enhanced by the freshness of green onions and black pepper. It’s an excellent way to use up leftovers in a crowd-pleasing casserole-like pizza bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped leftover turkey or chicken
- Green onions, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped leftover roasted vegetables (such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Dough and Topping
- 1 ½ pounds pizza dough
- Flour, for sprinkling
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the turkey bake.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped leftover turkey or chicken, finely chopped green onions, softened cream cheese, grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped roasted vegetables, freshly cracked black pepper, and Caesar dressing. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle or circle approximately 12-14 inches in diameter or to fit your baking dish. Transfer the dough carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Assemble Turkey Bake: Spread the creamy turkey and vegetable filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to seal the bake.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a sealed crust edge, and press gently to adhere. Brush the top and edges of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet or stone into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy leftover turkey bake.
Notes
- Use any leftover roasted vegetables you prefer; broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even roasted carrots work well.
- If you don’t have Caesar dressing, ranch or a creamy Italian dressing can be a suitable substitute.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it for convenience before assembly.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a pizza stone or perforated pizza pan if available.
