Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. But after the feast, the question often arises: what to do with all the leftovers? Don’t let that turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce go to waste! Here are some creative and tasty Thanksgiving food leftover ideas that your family will love!
1. Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich
Let’s start with the classic leftover idea—a hearty sandwich. Add a little gravy as a spread, and you have a flavor-packed meal in minutes. For a twist, press it in a panini press for a warm, melty treat like the turkey melt pictured above!
Pro Tip: Use a roll or thick slice of sourdough to keep all the fillings from spilling out.
2. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Turn your turkey and mashed sweet potatoes into a comforting shepherd’s pie. Shred the turkey and layer it at the bottom of a casserole dish, followed by any leftover veggies like green beans or roasted carrots. Spread the sweet potatoes (or regular mashed potatoes) on top, and bake at 350°F until the top is golden and heated through.
Pro Tip: Drizzle gravy between the layers for extra moisture and flavor.
3. Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Yes, you read that right—waffles made from stuffing! If you have leftover stuffing, press it into a waffle iron and cook until crispy. These stuffing waffles make a perfect base for a fried egg breakfast, or serve them topped with turkey and gravy for a savory spin on chicken and waffles.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the stuffing mix before pressing it into the waffle iron for an extra indulgent version.
4. Cranberry Turkey Salad
For a lighter meal after the heavy feast, a cranberry turkey salad is a fresh option. Mix shredded turkey with leftover cranberry sauce, mayo, celery, and pecans for a sweet and savory salad. Serve on a bed of greens or in a wrap for a delicious post-holiday lunch.
Pro Tip: Add a little Dijon mustard to the dressing for a tangy kick.
5. Thanksgiving Leftover Soup
Soup is a perfect way to use up those leftover ingredients. Start with a base of turkey stock (homemade from the turkey carcass, if possible) and add in shredded turkey, leftover vegetables, and even bits of stuffing. Let it simmer and season with herbs like thyme or sage to bring the Thanksgiving flavors back to life.
Pro Tip: Add some leftover mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes to the soup for a creamy, hearty texture.
6. Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
A pot pie is always a cozy way to enjoy leftovers. Use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry to make this dish even easier. Fill the pie with shredded turkey, leftover veggies, and gravy. Top with the crust and bake until golden and bubbling. It’s a one-dish meal that transforms those leftovers into comfort food perfection.
Pro Tip: Brush the pie crust with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water) for a beautiful, golden finish.
7. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden pancakes. Simply mix the mashed potatoes with an egg, a little flour, and your favorite seasonings. Form small patties and fry them in a pan with butter or oil until golden brown. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream and chives for a tasty side dish or snack.
Pro Tip: Add shredded cheese or chopped bacon to the pancake mixture for even more flavor.
8. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Leftover sweet potatoes are perfect for breakfast. Dice them up and toss them in a skillet with some onions, bell peppers, and leftover turkey. Top with a fried egg for a quick and hearty breakfast hash that’s packed with flavor.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a slight smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
9. Turkey Quesadillas
For a quick and easy meal, try making turkey quesadillas. Layer shredded turkey, cheese, and a little cranberry sauce or stuffing between two tortillas, then cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. Slice into wedges and serve with a side of gravy for dipping.
Pro Tip: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the quesadilla for a spicy twist.
10. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Don’t forget about dessert! If you have leftover pumpkin pie, blend it into a creamy milkshake. Combine a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some milk in a blender until smooth. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decadent treat that’s like drinking your favorite holiday dessert.
Pro Tip: For a grown-up version, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the milkshake!
Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring or repetitive. With a little creativity, you can turn them into brand-new meals that your family will enjoy for days after the holiday. Which leftover recipe will you try first?
