The Ultimate Game-Changer for the Holidays: Carla Hall's Upside Down Hot Turkey Sandwich Casserole Recipe

Are you tired of the same old boring holiday recipes? Look no further! Carla Hall's Upside Down Hot Turkey Sandwich Casserole is a unique and mouth-watering dish that's sure to become a new family favorite. This innovative recipe combines the classic flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a creative and delicious way. With its crispy, caramelized top and tender, juicy turkey, this casserole is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

But what makes this recipe truly special is its presentation. The "upsidedown" part of the name refers to the fact that the bread is on the bottom and the turkey and sauce are on top, creating a visually stunning dish that's almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. With its easy-to-follow instructions and impressive results, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to level up their holiday cooking game.

A Brief History of the Original Recipe

Carla Hall's Upside Down Hot Turkey Sandwich Casserole is an original recipe created by the renowned chef and food writer Carla Hall. Hall is known for her creative and often unconventional approach to cooking, and this recipe is no exception. The original recipe was first published in Hall's cookbook, "Carla's Cookin'", and has since become a fan favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let's take a look at the ingredients and equipment you'll need to make this stunning casserole.

• 1 (12-inch) round bread, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup canned cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Equipment needed:

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Oven thermometer

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

The first step in making this casserole is to prepare the bread. Cut the round bread into 1/2-inch thick slices and place them in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the softened butter over the bread, making sure each slice is evenly coated.

To make the bread even more crispy, try baking it in the oven for 5-7 minutes before adding the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey and Sauce

While the bread is baking, prepare the turkey and sauce. Slice the cooked turkey breast into thin pieces and place them in a separate mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, chopped sage, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Once the bread is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add the turkey and sauce mixture on top of the bread, making sure to cover the entire surface.

If using cheese and pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the turkey and sauce mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Finally, it's time to bake the casserole. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the turkey is heated through.

If you want a crisper top, try broiling the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

And that's it! Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into individual portions and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Upside Down Hot Turkey Sandwich Casserole to the next level.

• To add some extra flavor, try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or feta.
• If you want a crisper top, try using a higher oven temperature or broiling the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• To make the casserole more substantial, try adding some diced ham or bacon to the turkey and sauce mixture.
• To make the casserole more festive, try using a holiday-themed bread or garnishing it with fresh herbs and cranberries.

Conclusion

Carla Hall's Upside Down Hot Turkey Sandwich Casserole is a truly unique and delicious dish that's sure to become a new family favorite. With its crispy, caramelized top and tender, juicy turkey, this casserole is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is easy to follow and produces impressive results. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

Additional Resources

If you're looking for more creative and delicious recipes, be sure to check out Carla Hall's cookbook, "Carla's Cookin'". With its unique approach to cooking and mouth-watering recipes, this cookbook is sure to inspire you to try new things in the kitchen.

• Cookbook: "Carla's Cookin'"
• Website: carlahall.com
• Social media: @carlahall