Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Strudel

Thanksgiving leftovers deserve more than a simple reheat, and this turkey strudel delivers. Wrapped in layers of buttery, golden phyllo dough, the filling blends chopped turkey with steamed spinach, raisins, sour cream, and a warm hint of curry powder.

The curry and raisins give this dish an unexpected twist that sets it apart from the usual post-holiday fare. It is the kind of recipe that makes people ask, “This is leftovers?"

Assembly is straightforward: layer your phyllo sheets with melted butter, spoon the filling in the center, and wrap it all up into a round bundle. After 50 minutes in the oven, you get a crispy, golden crust with a creamy, savory interior.

Kitchen Tips

• Squeeze every bit of water out of the spinach. Excess moisture will make the phyllo soggy instead of crispy.
• Work quickly with phyllo dough and keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel so they do not dry out.
• Let the strudel rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps the filling set.

Variations

• Cranberry addition: Fold in a few tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce for a tart, fruity contrast.
• Cheese version: Add crumbled feta or shredded gruyere to the filling for a richer, more savory profile.
• Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and double the spinach, adding sauteed mushrooms and toasted walnuts.