There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines comfort and elegance in one bite, which is exactly what you get with the Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe. This casserole brings together tender cooked turkey, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious, creamy sauce that bakes to bubbly perfection, all topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s the ideal way to transform leftover turkey into a hearty meal that feels both cozy and a little fancy. Whether it’s post-holiday or any day you crave a warm, cheesy casserole, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe is how the ingredients are simple yet perfectly balanced to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender broccoli providing a fresh bite to the rich sauce that ties it all together.
- Frozen broccoli spears: Convenient and packed with color and nutrients, these add a wonderful green contrast to the dish.
- Butter: Melts into the roux, adding richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that helps create the creamy sauce’s perfect consistency.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other flavor beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light enough without being heavy.
- Heavy whipping cream: Elevates the sauce’s creaminess for that indulgent mouthfeel you’ll love.
- White wine: Brings a subtle acidity and brightness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Cooked turkey breast, sliced: The star ingredient, tender and mild, it soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce and forms a golden bubbly top.
- Freshly chopped parsley: The fresh finishing touch that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by boiling the frozen broccoli in a saucepan with water until it’s tender but still holds its shape, usually about 5 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial as it softens the broccoli without making it mushy, ensuring it serves as a delicious bed for the creamy sauce and turkey.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a smooth roux. Slowly add chicken broth while continuing to stir, cooking until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently. This slow process develops the sauce’s velvety texture and makes sure there are no lumps. This sauce is the heart of the Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe.
Step 3: Enhance the Sauce with Cream and Wine
Once the sauce base is ready, stir in heavy cream and white wine. These ingredients add luxurious creaminess and a bit of tang to balance the richness, creating a luscious, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the broccoli and turkey.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Arrange the tender broccoli in the bottom of a buttered 7×12-inch baking dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the broccoli to coat it thoroughly. Next, layer the sliced cooked turkey on top, allowing each slice to be cushioned by the sauce below.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Sauce Layer
Stir the shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the remaining sauce in the saucepan, then spread this cheesy mixture evenly over the turkey. This layer ensures a delightful melty cheese topping that binds the whole casserole together beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and heated through. Then, switch to broil for 5 minutes until the cheese sauce turns a golden, irresistible brown. This crispy, cheesy finish is what makes the Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe truly special.
How to Serve Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of freshness and a lovely visual contrast to the golden cheese. Bright herbs like parsley balance the richness with herbal notes and make every serving feel fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as garlic bread, which soaks up any extra sauce, and a crisp green salad to add lightness and a fresh crunch. You can also stir cooked rice or noodles into the casserole before baking to make it an all-in-one meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crunchy texture that contrasts the creamy interior. You could also serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making your next meal just as delicious and comforting.
Freezing
Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store for up to two months. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger portion covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. To keep the casserole moist, you might add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully, just steam or boil until tender before layering in the casserole as directed. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure it’s soft but not overcooked.
Is there a substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer to omit the wine, you can use extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. The wine adds brightness but is not essential to the success of the dish.
Can I use leftover turkey from any meal?
Yes! This recipe was created to highlight leftover turkey, whether from Thanksgiving or a simple roast. Just slice it and use as directed — it turns any leftover into a brand-new comforting dish.
What cheese can I substitute for Monterey Jack?
Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella are great alternatives. They all melt well and bring their own flavor nuances to the recipe, keeping it delicious and creamy.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The dish remains just as tasty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully comforting, and transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or just craving a creamy baked casserole that pleases every palate, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough. You might just find it becoming one of your go-to favorites for cozy dinner nights!
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Turkey Divan: A Creamy Baked Casserole with Broccoli and Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 1 (7×12-inch) casserole, serves 6 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Turkey Divan is a creamy, comforting baked casserole perfect for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This dish features tender broccoli spears layered with slices of cooked turkey breast and enveloped in a rich, cheesy white sauce made with chicken broth, cream, and white wine. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an easy, satisfying one-dish meal that pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Protein
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli spears
- 3 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced
Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Place frozen broccoli spears in a saucepan with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain broccoli thoroughly and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to warm up while you assemble the casserole.
- Make White Sauce Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to form a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles, approximately 10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Wine: To the thickened sauce, stir in the heavy whipping cream and white wine until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble – Layer 1: Spread the cooked broccoli evenly on the bottom of a 7×12-inch baking dish. Pour half of the prepared white sauce over the broccoli to coat it well.
- Assemble – Layer 2: Arrange the sliced turkey breast over the sauce layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Stir the shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the remaining white sauce in the saucepan until melted and combined, then pour this cheese sauce evenly over the turkey layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Broil for Golden Top: After baking, switch your oven to broil and broil the casserole for about 5 minutes or until the top cheese sauce is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
- For a hearty one-dish meal, stir in cooked rice or noodles before baking.
- For extra texture, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
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