Welcome to the ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer that will have your guests gathering around the table before the main event. Thanksgiving Evite is a savory pull-apart bread stuffed with leftover turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese, all seasoned with classic holiday herbs.
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This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece that's as delicious as it is beautiful. The bread is soft, the filling is gooey, and every bite tastes like Thanksgiving in a single mouthful.
Whether you're hosting a big family dinner or a cozy Friendsgiving, this dish is guaranteed to disappear in minutes. It's easy to assemble, can be prepped ahead, and is always a crowd favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 large round sourdough or Italian bread loaf (about 1 lb / 450g)
Use a sturdy loaf that can hold the filling. You can also use a ciabatta or a French boule.
2 cups (240g) shredded cooked turkey
Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken. If using raw, cook and shred it first.
1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds a sharp flavor; you can substitute with Swiss or Gruyère.
1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella gives a nice stretch; you can use all cheddar if preferred.
1/2 cup (120ml) whole berry cranberry sauce
Homemade or canned works. You can also use jellied cranberry sauce, just break it up.
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Salted butter works too; just adjust the added salt.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Fresh parsley adds freshness; you can substitute with 2 teaspoons dried parsley.
1 teaspoon dried sage
Sage is a classic Thanksgiving herb; you can use fresh sage (1 tablespoon chopped).
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder is convenient; use 1 clove minced garlic if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Adjust to taste, especially if your cheese is salty.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground is best.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bread in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the bottom crust.
- Stuff the filling into the cuts generously, but don't overfill or the bread may tear.
- If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the Bread
Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into a grid pattern (about 1-inch squares) without cutting through the bottom. This creates pockets for the filling.
3. Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cheddar, mozzarella, cranberry sauce, parsley, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff the Bread
Gently stuff the turkey mixture into the cuts of the bread, pushing it down with your fingers. Make sure to fill all the crevices.
5. Brush with Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a pinch of extra herbs if desired. Brush the top and sides of the bread with the butter.
6. Bake Until Golden
Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve
Let the bread rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart and enjoy warm.
Delicious Variations
- Swap the turkey for cooked ham or sausage for a different flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling for extra depth.
- Use brie and apple slices for a sweeter, more elegant version.
How to Store Thanksgiving Evite
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze the unbaked stuffed bread for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Thanksgiving Evite ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use instead of turkey?
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or even cooked sausage as a substitute for turkey.
Q: How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure the turkey is well-drained and the cranberry sauce is not too watery. Also, do not overstuff the bread.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a French boule works well. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it will tear.
Q: What if I don't have cranberry sauce?
You can use a thick fruit jam like raspberry or apricot as a substitute, or omit it and add a little more cheese.
I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving Evite as much as my family does! It's the perfect way to start your holiday feast. If you try it, let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear how it turned out!
Thanksgiving Evite
Thanksgiving Evite is a warm, cheesy pull-apart bread filled with turkey, cranberry, and herbs—perfect for holiday gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough or Italian bread loaf (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 2 cups (240g) shredded cooked turkey
- 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2Cut the Bread — Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into a grid pattern (about 1-inch squares) without cutting through the bottom. This creates pockets for the filling.
- 3Mix the Filling — In a bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cheddar, mozzarella, cranberry sauce, parsley, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 4Stuff the Bread — Gently stuff the turkey mixture into the cuts of the bread, pushing it down with your fingers. Make sure to fill all the crevices.
- 5Brush with Butter — In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a pinch of extra herbs if desired. Brush the top and sides of the bread with the butter.
- 6Bake Until Golden — Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 7Rest and Serve — Let the bread rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart and enjoy warm.
