If you’re gearing up for fall festivities and want a fun, cozy dish that’ll wow your crew, I can’t recommend this Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe enough. It’s like Thanksgiving comfort food mashed into one tray of cheesy, crispy, loaded goodness — plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re using up leftovers or starting fresh, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have your friends asking for the secret. Stay with me — I’ll walk you through every step, and you’ll see how easy it is to nail.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion: It combines all the best parts of Thanksgiving into crunchy, melty nachos — you get turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more in every bite.
- Transforms Leftovers Magic: This recipe breathes new life into your holiday leftovers so they don’t end up forgotten in the fridge.
- Super Easy to Customize: You can swap in your favorite cheeses, proteins, or toppings to fit your vibe or what’s on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing for Big Groups: It’s designed to feed a bunch of hungry friends, making it a perfect dish for any Friendsgiving or casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe is it leans heavily on familiar flavors and some leftovers you probably already have in your fridge. Each ingredient works together to give that classic Thanksgiving vibe with a twist — and it’s very forgiving if you want to swap things around.
- Tortilla Chips: Use sturdy chips that can hold all the toppings without getting soggy too fast—thicker, restaurant-style chips are my favorite.
- Mashed Potatoes: Whether leftover or store-bought, creamy mashed potatoes create a surprisingly perfect base layer; warmed slightly to spread easily.
- Turkey or Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded and pre-cooked meat delivers savory protein — turkey keeps it traditional, but chicken is a great shortcut.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds the classic sharpness and gooey melt that binds all the flavors together.
- Fontina, White Cheddar, or Gouda: These cheeses add creaminess and a hint of sweetness—fontina melts beautifully.
- Stuffing: Leftover stuffing or boxed stuffing (prepared) brings herbs and a cozy, herby crunch that makes these nachos special.
- Brussels Sprouts: Shredded finely, they add a slightly bitter, fresh crunch that balances the richness.
- Whole Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tart, it offers a fresh pop that cuts through the richness and ties the dish to classic Thanksgiving flavors.
- Fresh Jalapeño: Thinly sliced for just a bit of spicy kick without overpowering the other elements.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled for an unexpected herbaceous freshness that brightens the plate.
- Gravy: A drizzle of warm gravy adds umami and moisture, sealing the whole dish’s identity.
- Scallion: Thin slices provide a subtle oniony crunch and color contrast.
- Pickled Jalapeños: If you want some tang and a little extra heat, these are my go-to bold garnish.
Variations
I love making this Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe my own depending on who’s coming over or what I have leftover. This recipe is honestly a jumping-off point — feel free to swap ingredients to fit your tastes or dietary needs, and it’ll still turn out amazing.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and double up on stuffing and Brussels sprouts, or swap in seasoned mushrooms for a meaty texture—my vegetarian friends always rave about this twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add more fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to the cranberry sauce mix—I discovered this when a friend asked for more heat, and it turned out to be addictive.
- Cheese Swap: Try smoky gouda or add pepper jack for a different cheese vibe — cheese is where you can get really creative.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip gravy or use a mushroom gravy to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Base with Chips and Mashed Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Get a large baking sheet and spread your tortilla chips out in an even layer. Then, dollop small spoonfuls of warmed mashed potatoes over the chips — spread these out with the back of the spoon or your fingers to cover as evenly as you can. This step surprised me the first time I made it: mashed potatoes act as a starchy glue, helping all your toppings stick to each chip and creating that satisfying bite.
Step 2: Add Turkey, Cheese, Stuffing, and Brussels Sprouts
Now sprinkle shredded turkey evenly across the potatoes, followed by your mix of sharp cheddar and fontina cheese. Next, sprinkle chunks or spoonfuls of stuffing wherever you like — trust me, don’t be shy! Finally, add the shredded Brussels sprouts on top. This little green addition brightens everything up, and I love how it balances the richness of the cheese and stuffing.
Step 3: Bake Until Melty and Toasted
Pop the whole tray into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until you see the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of your chips start to turn golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure nothing burns — ovens can vary, so setting a timer is a good idea if you’re juggling other dishes.
Step 4: Mix the Cranberry, Jalapeño, and Cilantro Sauce
While your nachos are baking, mix together the whole cranberry sauce with the thinly sliced fresh jalapeño and chopped cilantro in a bowl. This tangy-spicy-herb mix adds a fresh counterpoint that takes these nachos from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, drizzle the warm nachos with leftover gravy for that rich, savory touch. Spoon some of the cranberry-jalapeño-cilantro mixture across the top, then scatter sliced scallions and pickled jalapeños over everything for some crunch and tang. Serve the rest of the cranberry sauce mixture in a bowl on the side so everyone can add more if they want. You’ll find this combo irresistible, and it’s the perfect thing to share around a table of friends.
Pro Tips for Making Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe
- Even Topping Distribution: Spread toppings out evenly to make sure every chip gets some love — this avoids soggy spots or dry chips.
- Use Sturdy Chips: I learned the hard way that thin chips can get overwhelmed and soggy; thicker ones hold up best for nachos loaded with mashed potatoes.
- Warm Mashed Potatoes Slightly: It helps them spread over chips easily without clumping — makes for perfect layering.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Since everything melts quickly, make sure to watch the last few minutes to get a perfect, bubbly finish without burning.
How to Serve Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with scallions and pickled jalapeños because I love that pop of color and that zingy heat. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on last just brightens the whole dish and keeps it feeling fresh instead of heavy. If you like things spicy, don’t hold back on adding extra jalapeños!
Side Dishes
These nachos really are a meal on their own, but I sometimes pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted autumn veggies to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds just the right peppery bite alongside the cheesy, starchy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these in big cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards to keep that warm, homey vibe going. And layering the toppings in smaller batches makes it easier for guests to serve themselves without a big mess. You could also create individual nacho cups for an interactive party snack—my guests loved that!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’m usually happy when there are leftovers, and these nachos reheat pretty well. Store them in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just know that the chips will soften a bit overnight, so they’re best enjoyed either fresh or round two within a day or two.
Freezing
I haven’t had the best luck freezing this dish because the chips tend to get soggy when thawed. If you want to freeze parts, consider freezing the leftover mashed potatoes or stuffing separately for future use, but I recommend enjoying the assembled nachos fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the nachos in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up and melt the cheese again. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that nice texture. If the nachos seem dry, drizzle a little gravy or cranberry sauce over before heating.
FAQs
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Can I make this Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the turkey and add extra veggies like roasted mushrooms, or increase the amount of stuffing and Brussels sprouts for heartiness. Using vegetarian gravy will keep things flavorful and satisfying.
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What’s the best way to keep the chips from getting soggy?
Use sturdy, thick tortilla chips, and be mindful not to layer too thickly or overly saturate the chips. Adding mashed potatoes warmed but not watery helps create a barrier that keeps chips crispy longer.
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Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep toppings like shredded turkey, chopped Brussels sprouts, and the cranberry-jalapeño-cilantro sauce ahead. Store each separately until ready to assemble and bake.
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Is it okay to use store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy?
Definitely! Store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy save time and work well here. Just warm the mashed potatoes before layering to make spreading easier and for best texture.
Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest—when I first threw together this Friendsgiving Nachos Recipe, I wasn’t sure if mashups of Thanksgiving staples like this could really work as “nachos.” But it blew me away how those familiar flavors came together in this fresh, fun way. My friends absolutely go crazy for it every year now, and I’m betting your crew will, too. It’s cozy, indulgent, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. So next time you’re planning a Friendsgiving or just craving a hearty snack, please give this a whirl—you might just start a new holiday tradition.
PrintFriendsgiving Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Friendsgiving Nachos are a festive and comforting twist on classic nachos, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Loaded with layers of tortilla chips, creamy mashed potatoes, shredded turkey, melty cheeses, flavorful stuffing, and shredded Brussels sprouts, then baked to perfection and topped with tangy cranberry sauce, fresh jalapeños, cilantro, gravy, scallions, and pickled jalapeños for a deliciously satisfying crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 2 1/2 cups leftover or store-bought mashed potatoes, warmed
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded fontina, white cheddar, or gouda
- 1 1/2 cups leftover stuffing or 1/2 (6-oz.) box stuffing, prepared according to package directions
- 3 oz. Brussels sprouts, shredded with a knife (about 1 cup)
- 1 (14-oz.) can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 fresh jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup leftover or store-bought gravy
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat and arrange: Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet to ensure even baking and a crispy base.
- Add toppings: Dollop small spoonfuls of warmed mashed potatoes evenly over the chips, then spread them gently to create a smooth layer. Sprinkle shredded turkey, sharp cheddar, fontina (or your choice of white cheddar or gouda), stuffing, and shredded Brussels sprouts evenly across the chips and potatoes.
- Bake nachos: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the chips are toasted and the cheese has melted beautifully over the toppings.
- Prepare cranberry topping: While the nachos bake, mix the whole cranberry sauce with the thinly sliced fresh jalapeño and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl to create a fresh, zesty cranberry topping.
- Finish and serve: After baking, drizzle the nachos with gravy and some of the cranberry sauce mixture. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve immediately, with the remaining cranberry sauce mixture on the side for guests to add as desired.
Notes
- You can use any leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes or stuffing, store-bought alternatives work well.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and pickled jalapeños to your preferred spice level.
- Shredded Brussels sprouts add a nice texture contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
- These nachos are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg