Thanksgiving is a time of cooking from scratch, feasting, and indulgence, but it often leaves us with a surplus of delicious leftovers. Don’t let that food go to waste! We’ll explore creative and mouthwatering ways to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. From breakfast to dinner and even a few bonus snack and drink recipes, we’ve got you covered. Instead of eating the same leftovers meal for days, discover how to transform those turkey, stuffing, and cranberry remnants into culinary delights.
Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers: BREAKFAST
Bet you thought Thanksgiving leftovers were just for lunch and dinner… Don’t leave that morning meal out! Here are some creative breakfast ideas to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Mashed Potato Pancakes and Over-Easy Eggs
Start your day with a hearty breakfast by turning those leftover mashed potatoes into savory potato pancakes. Top them with over-easy eggs for a satisfying morning meal that will have you craving leftovers.
Cranberry Muffins
Give your morning a sweet twist by incorporating cranberry sauce into muffin batter. These cranberry muffins are a delightful way to use up that extra sauce and start your day with a burst of flavor.
Cream Cheese and Cranberry Sauce English Muffin
A Homesteading Suburbia favorite, for a quick and easy breakfast, spread cream cheese on toasted English muffins and top with leftover cranberry sauce. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors is a perfect way to kickstart your morning.
Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers: LUNCHES
Take your lunch break up a notch with these amazing Thanksgiving leftover lunch ideas!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich
You’ve probably heard of this one if you were ever a fan of the show, Friends. Craft a classic Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich with layers of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce between slices of fresh bread. It’s a handheld delight that will remind you of the holiday feast.
Check out how to make Ross Gellar’s Thanksgiving “Moistmaker” Sandwich for a fun and delicious twist!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini
Take your sandwich game up a notch by turning your leftovers into a hot and crispy Thanksgiving leftover panini. Pressed and grilled to perfection, it’s a lunchtime treat you won’t want to miss.
Simply add turkey, stuffing, and any other leftovers you’d like to your sandwich with a spread of cranberry sauce mayo for an incredibly tasty grilled turkey panini!
Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich
For a filling, savory, lunchtime meal, create an open-faced turkey sandwich. On a slice of bread, add slices of turkey, a dollop of mashed potatoes, and a drizzle of gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Cold Turkey Salad Sandwich
Transform your turkey leftovers into a refreshing turkey salad sandwich. Mix cold diced turkey with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings, and spread it between slices of bread or on a toasted croissant.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Throw your turkey leftovers into a pot along with onions, carrots, celery, and seasonings to make a comforting batch of turkey noodle soup. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
Related Article: How to Make Turkey Soup With a Leftover Turkey Carcass
Split Pea Soup With Ham
If you have leftover ham from your Thanksgiving spread, use it to make a hearty split pea soup. The smoky flavor of ham pairs wonderfully with split peas and vegetables.
Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers: DINNERS
Here’s where your Thanksgiving leftovers will really shine (and be completely used up in a couple of days). Instead of just eating Thanksgiving dinner for days until you’re sick of it, try these Thanksgiving leftover dinner recipes!
Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie
Give your leftovers a cozy twist by making Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie. Layer turkey, stuffing, and vegetables in a baking dish, and top it with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Turkey Pot Pie
Create a flaky and delicious Thanksgiving turkey pot pie using your leftover turkey and vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love.
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Combine all your leftovers in a baking dish and bake to perfection to make this hot and comforting Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings together the flavors of the holiday.
Turkey Enchiladas
Add a spicy kick to your leftovers by making turkey enchiladas. Roll shredded turkey in tortillas, smother them in enchilada sauce, and bake for a south-of-the-border twist.
Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers: BONUS RECIPES!
Beyond breakfast, lunch, and dinner, these bonus recipes let you use up those Thanksgiving leftovers and scraps for some amazing treats!
Roasted Potato Peels
Don’t toss those potato peels! Season them with herbs and roast them in the oven for a crispy and flavorful snack or side dish. Whip up this leftover cranberry sauce mayo for a delicious sweet and savory dip!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Want a delightful Thanksgiving leftover appetizer? Try these cranberry brie bites!
Turn your cranberry sauce into a delightful appetizer by topping miniature brie bites with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Bake until the brie is gooey and the sauce is bubbly.
Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail
Create a festive drink by adding leftover cranberry sauce to your cocktail! This Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail is a festive and tangy cocktail that repurposes Thanksgiving leftovers in style. Cheers!
Related Article: Thanksgiving Drinks to Serve With Your Holiday Meal
Turkey Jerkey
Make your own homemade jerky by marinating turkey slices in a flavorful blend of spices and then drying them. It’s a healthy and protein-packed snack for on-the-go.
Turkey Broth
Don’t forget to make use of that turkey carcass by simmering it to make a rich and flavorful turkey broth. Use it as a base for soups, stews, and gravies.
Related Article: How to Make Homemade Vegetable Stock from Kitchen Scraps
Ready to Get Creative With Thanksgiving Leftovers?
Thanksgiving leftovers are a treasure trove of culinary possibilities. With a little creativity and these recipe ideas, you can enjoy delicious meals for days after the holiday feast. Don’t let that food go to waste; instead, savor every bite of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
FAQs: What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers
Can I freeze Thanksgiving leftovers for later use?
Yes, you can freeze many Thanksgiving leftovers, such as turkey, gravy, and stuffing, to enjoy them later. Just make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to preserve freshness.
How long can I safely keep Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days to ensure they remain safe to eat. After that, it’s best to freeze them for extended storage.
What can I do with leftover pumpkin pie?
Leftover Thanksgiving desserts can also be used creatively. Pumpkin pie can be enjoyed as is, or you can get creative by using it as a base for a milkshake, blending it into a hearty smoothie, or turning it into a parfait with yogurt and granola.