Spicy Holiday Turkey Enchiladas
Transform your leftover holiday turkey into a mouthwatering Mexican delight! These Spicy Holiday Turkey Enchiladas are bursting with flavor and perfect for those looking to spice up their post-holiday meals. By layering shredded turkey with seasoned vegetables and creamy cheese in warm tortillas, then baking them in rich enchilada sauce, you can create a comforting dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Easily customizable with your choice of toppings, this enchilada recipe brings new life to your leftovers while satisfying your cravings for something exciting after the holiday feasts.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
leftover cooked dark turkey meat
3 cups (shredded)
onion
1/2 cup (finely diced)
garlic cloves
4-5 (fresh minced)
enchilada sauce
3 cups (divided)
chili powder
1 tablespoon
ground cumin
2 teaspoons
jalapeno peppers
2-3 (chopped fine (optional))
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced (optional))
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (any type will work)
flour tortillas
8-10 (warmed (smaller size 6-8 inch))
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained and diced)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded (more if desired))
olive oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Holiday Turkey Enchiladas?
They are a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish designed to repurpose leftover holiday turkey by combining it with seasoned vegetables, cream cheese, and enchilada sauce.
How much turkey is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded, leftover cooked dark turkey meat.
Can I use white turkey meat instead of dark meat?
Yes, while the recipe specifies dark turkey meat, you can easily substitute white meat or a combination of both.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe recommends using 8 to 10 flour tortillas, specifically the smaller 6 to 8-inch size.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it contains chili powder, ground cumin, and optional jalapeno peppers to give it a spicy kick.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses one 8-ounce package of cream cheese to provide a rich and creamy texture.
What cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, though you can add more if desired.
How much enchilada sauce do I need?
You will need a total of 3 cups of enchilada sauce, which is used in divided portions throughout the preparation.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using one 14.5-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes finely diced onions, red bell peppers, and optional green bell peppers and jalapenos.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 to 5 fresh minced garlic cloves.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can omit the optional jalapeno peppers and reduce the amount of chili powder to suit your preference.
Do I need to warm the tortillas before filling them?
Yes, the instructions suggest using warmed tortillas to make them easier to roll without tearing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used in this turkey enchilada recipe.
What are the primary spices used for seasoning?
The primary seasonings are 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe lists 1 tablespoon of olive oil for the preparation.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While the recipe calls for flour tortillas, corn tortillas can be used for a more traditional texture and gluten-free option.
What is the best way to shred the turkey?
The turkey should be shredded into bite-sized pieces so it mixes evenly with the cream cheese and vegetables.
Is this a good recipe for leftovers?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to transform leftover holiday poultry into a completely different and exciting meal.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Any type of cream cheese will work for this recipe, according to the ingredient list.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.
What are the common tags for this dish?
Common tags include turkey, enchiladas, leftovers, spicy, Mexican cuisine, and comfort food.
Can I add more cheese to the recipe?
Yes, you can add more than the recommended 1 cup of cheddar cheese if you prefer a cheesier dish.
Is the onion preparation specific?
Yes, the recipe asks for the onion to be finely diced to ensure it blends well with the filling.
Can I use other types of bell peppers?
The recipe calls for red and green bell peppers, but you can use orange or yellow if that is what you have on hand.
What is the purpose of the undrained tomatoes?
The liquid from the undrained diced tomatoes adds moisture and extra flavor to the enchilada filling.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be fresh and minced before adding it to the mixture.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, cheesy, and satisfying nature.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, the recipe is easily customizable with various toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It falls under Mexican cuisine and poultry recipes, specifically focusing on holiday leftovers.