We can’t get enough of festive flavors when Thanksgiving rolls around. Our Thanksgiving Bowl is more than just a meal it’s a comforting medley of roasted turkey sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce layered in perfect harmony.
We love how each element complements the next turning simple ingredients into an unforgettable feast. We’ll walk you through the easy steps to build this bowl and transform your holiday spread into a savory and nourishing delight that tastes like home.
Thanksgiving Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded roasted turkey
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup prepared stuffing
- 1 cup warm gravy
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Reheating Guide
| Item | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Turkey | 350°F | 10 to 12 minutes |
| Mashed Sweet Potatoes | 350°F | 10 to 12 minutes |
Steps
- Preheat our oven to 350°F.
- Place the shredded turkey in a baking dish. Add a spoonful of gravy to keep it moist.
- Spread mashed sweet potatoes in another oven-safe dish.
- Warm both dishes in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Scoop the hot turkey and sweet potatoes into our serving bowl.
- Layer the stuffing on top and drizzle with the remaining gravy.
- Add cranberry sauce for a bright tang.
- Sprinkle chopped thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
We love how our Thanksgiving Bowl brings festive flavors to one comforting dish.
Ingredients
We use the following key items to build our Thanksgiving Bowl Recipe. We like to prep each component to save time when we assemble our bowl.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded roasted turkey | 2 cups | Warmed or leftover |
| Mashed sweet potatoes | 2 cups | Seasoned with salt and pepper |
| Stuffing | 1 cup | Any favorite holiday stuffing |
| Gravy | ¾ cup | Warmed |
| Cranberry sauce | ½ cup | Tangy addition to balance flavors |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon | Leaves only |
We gather the shredded roasted turkey first. Then we prepare our mashed sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. We set aside the stuffing to add texture to the bowl. We heat our gravy in a small saucepan so that it stays warm. We take out our cranberry sauce to add a sweet and tart note. Finally we sprinkle fresh thyme leaves to give an herbaceous finish.
Directions
We begin by gathering our ingredients for this Thanksgiving Bowl. We ensure each component is at the proper temperature and ready to bring classic holiday flavors together in one dish.
Prep
- Cut any large pieces of shredded roasted turkey into bite-size portions.
- Scoop our seasoned mashed sweet potatoes into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Portion out our favorite holiday stuffing in a small ovenproof dish.
- Arrange cranberry sauce in a small serving bowl.
- Set aside fresh thyme leaves for garnish.
Cook
- Warm turkey and mashed sweet potatoes in the microwave or stovetop until they are heated through.
- Place stuffing in a preheated 350°F oven until lightly crisp on top.
- Heat our gravy in a saucepan. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
| Component | Method | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| “Shredded Turkey” | Microwave on High | 2 to 3 minutes |
| “Mashed Sweet Potatoes” | Stovetop (Low Heat) | 5 to 7 minutes |
| “Holiday Stuffing” | Oven at 350°F | 8 to 10 minutes |
| “Gravy” | Stovetop (Low Heat) | 3 to 5 minutes |
| “Cranberry Sauce” | Serve Chilled | N/A |
Assemble The Thanksgiving Bowl
- Fill the bottom of a wide bowl with mashed sweet potatoes to form a soft base.
- Add a generous scoop of warmed turkey at the center.
- Spoon stuffing around the turkey to create layers of texture.
- Drizzle our hot gravy on top of everything for a comforting finish.
- Add a dollop of cranberry sauce along the side.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves at the end for color and aromatic flair.
Tools And Equipment
- Cutting board. We place our roasted turkey on a sturdy surface for shredding. We also slice our fresh thyme here.
- Chef’s knife. We rely on a sharp blade to handle any extra trimming or chopping. A smooth cut helps us maintain neat portions in our Thanksgiving Bowl.
- Two forks. We use forks to shred the roasted turkey into bite-size strips. This gives us consistent pieces that blend well with the stuffing and gravy.
- Measuring cups. We measure our mashed sweet potatoes stuffing and gravy accurately. Precise quantities ensure a balanced flavor.
- Microwave-safe dish. We warm the turkey and the mashed sweet potatoes here. An even heat guarantees tender ingredients for our bowl.
- Oven-safe tray. We place the stuffing on a tray to bake until crisp. This adds a comforting texture to the final dish.
- Small saucepan. We heat our gravy gently. Even heat helps preserve the smooth consistency that we crave.
- Mixing spoon. We layer each item with ease and combine ingredients without losing their individual flavors.
- Large serving bowl. We assemble our Thanksgiving Bowl in a spacious dish to showcase the colors of the sweet potatoes cranberry sauce and gravy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We prepare our ingredients in advance so we can assemble our Thanksgiving Bowl quickly when it is time to serve:
- Shredded Turkey
We cook or reheat our turkey. We pull it apart using two forks and store the meat in a sealed container in the fridge. We keep it chilled for up to three days.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
We mash the sweet potatoes in advance. We transfer them to a microwave-safe container with a tight lid. We keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Stuffing
We bake our favorite holiday stuffing. We wrap it in foil and store it in the refrigerator. We reheat it in the oven when assembling the bowl.
- Gravy
We make a batch of gravy beforehand. We keep it in a small saucepan in the fridge. We gently warm it on the stovetop. We stir continuously to restore its smooth consistency.
- Cranberry Sauce
We prepare our sauce. We store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
Below is a quick overview of our recommended refrigeration tips:
| Component | Storage Method | Maximum Reach-In Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Turkey | Airtight container in fridge | 3 days |
| Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Microwave-safe container with lid | 3 days |
| Stuffing | Foil-wrapped tray in fridge | 2 days |
| Gravy | Sealed jar or saucepan in fridge | 2 days |
| Cranberry Sauce | Airtight container in fridge | 4 days |
We label our containers with the date so we know when to use them. We reheat everything just before plating to ensure our Thanksgiving Bowl remains comforting and fresh.
Conclusion
We love how this dish brings everyone together around the table with heartwarming flavors. It’s a simple way to celebrate the season and remind us that a homemade meal can be both comforting and convenient.
We hope it becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions. May every spoonful spark cozy memories and inspire new ones to share with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thanksgiving Bowl?
This hearty bowl brings together classic Thanksgiving flavors in one dish. It features shredded roasted turkey, seasoned mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce, creating a cozy, comforting meal. By layering these components, you’ll enjoy every bite with an authentic holiday taste.
How can I save time when preparing the ingredients?
Plan ahead by prepping each component before assembly. Shred the turkey, mash the sweet potatoes, and bake the stuffing in advance. Store them properly in labeled containers, so you only need to reheat and layer when it’s time to eat.
Can I use leftover turkey or side dishes?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for using leftover roasted turkey and classic side dishes. Whether you have extra mashed sweet potatoes, extra gravy, or cranberry sauce from previous meals, simply reheat them and layer everything in a single serving bowl.
How do I assemble the Thanksgiving Bowl?
Warm each component separately, then layer them in a large serving bowl. Start with the mashed sweet potatoes, add turkey, stuffing, and drizzle gravy on top. Finish with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a festive touch.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board, a chef’s knife, two forks for shredding the turkey, measuring cups, a microwave-safe dish, an oven-safe tray, a small saucepan, a mixing spoon, and a large serving bowl. Having these ready helps you prepare and serve the Thanksgiving Bowl with ease.
Can I make the Thanksgiving Bowl ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook and store each component—shredded turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce—in the refrigerator. Label containers with dates and keep them sealed. Reheat everything just before assembling to maintain a fresh, comforting taste.
How do I reheat the Thanksgiving Bowl without drying it out?
Reheat each component separately at gentle temperatures. Microwave the turkey and sweet potatoes with a splash of water or broth, and warm the gravy in a saucepan. By keeping the stuffing lightly covered in the oven, you can preserve moisture and ensure a flavorful bowl.