Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, but what do you do when you still have Thanksgiving leftovers filling your fridge? This is the perfect opportunity to make another round of delicious dishes loaded with leftover flavors from your holiday meal. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover turkey or want to create a crunchy casserole, we’ve got you covered. With ideas like leftover homemade casseroles topped with crispy breadcrumbs or creamy dishes with sour cream, your Thanksgiving feast can continue giving. Don’t just reheat—make a significant impact with these creative recipes, like a mouthwatering turkey dish made with cranberry sauce or a rich broth from the turkey carcass. Trust us, leftovers have never been this tasty!
What’s The Best Way To Use Thanksgiving Leftovers?
After Thanksgiving, you’re often left with a ton of leftovers. The best way to use them is by transforming the ingredients into exciting new dishes. Thanksgiving leftovers are good, but turning them into casseroles, pot pies, and soups can improve meals!
To begin, organize your leftovers by type: leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. By identifying your ingredients, you can easily come up with creative ways to use them. The ultimate comfort food, casseroles and pot pies are some of the most popular recipes for leftover Thanksgiving dishes.
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Recipe Ideas
Casseroles are a fantastic way to use holiday leftovers, as they combine all your favorite Thanksgiving sides into a single dish. A Thanksgiving leftover casserole can include layers of leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and gravy, all baked to perfection.
One easy casserole recipe starts with a base of shredded leftover turkey topped with gravy, then layered with stuffing and mashed potatoes. For added texture, it can be finished with a crispy topping of breadcrumbs or leftover green beans. This dish not only uses up leftovers but creates a comforting, hearty meal that feels brand-new.
How To Make A Classic Turkey Pot Pie from Leftovers
A turkey pot pie is a cozy and flavorful way to use leftover turkey. With a buttery pie crust or flaky puff pastry top, it’s the perfect dish to reimagine your holiday feast. Simply shred your leftover turkey and combine it with a savory mixture of vegetables like green beans, carrots, and peas. Add in some chicken broth or turkey stock, and stir in leftover gravy to create a thick, delicious filling. The best part about a turkey pot pie is that you can feel free to use whatever leftovers you have. You can even throw in some leftover roasted vegetables or any leftover cranberry sauce to give it a unique flavor.
Creative Ways To Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Are you wondering what to do with all those leftover mashed potatoes? One delicious idea is to turn them into potato croquettes. Mix your mashed potato with cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, form them into patties, and fry them until crispy. Another great way to use mashed potatoes is by making a shepherd’s pie. Layer the leftover mashed potatoes over a filling made of leftover turkey and vegetables, then bake until golden brown. This recipe is a comfort food favorite that’s perfect for cold winter nights.
Delicious Recipes Using Leftover Stuffing
Leftover stuffing can also be transformed into an entirely new dish. One idea is to make stuffing muffins by pressing the stuffing into muffin tins, adding a bit of gravy or broth, and baking them until crispy. One creative option for leftover stuffing is a Thanksgiving sandwich. Pile slices of leftover turkey, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and some stuffing between two pieces of bread for the ultimate post-holiday lunch.
Turning Leftover Turkey Into Hearty Soups
One of the best ways to use leftover turkey is to make a warm, hearty soup. Wild rice soup made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey is packed with flavor. Start by simmering your turkey stock or chicken broth, then add wild rice, vegetables, and shredded leftover turkey. This soup recipe is filling and comforting, perfect for making the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. Another option is slow cooker turkey soup. Combine your leftover turkey, broth, and vegetables in a slow cooker and let it simmer for a few hours. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a rich, flavorful soup that will warm you up.
Best Turkey Sandwich Recipes Using Thanksgiving Leftovers
The classic leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich is always a hit, but several ways exist to make it even better. One variation is to use leftover turkey, brie, and cranberry sauce for a more gourmet approach. Add leftover stuffing, and you’ll have a sandwich packed with flavor. Another idea is a buffalo turkey sandwich. Toss your leftover turkey in buffalo sauce and pile it on a sandwich roll with blue cheese and celery. This twist on a classic turkey sandwich will satisfy your post-Thanksgiving cravings.
What To Do With Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is one of the most versatile Thanksgiving leftovers. You can use leftover cranberry sauce to make a glaze for meats or mix it into yogurt for a sweet and tangy treat. Another fun idea is making candy recipes or using them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. If you’re making a Thanksgiving leftover casserole, you can add a layer of cranberry sauce for a burst of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the dish.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas
For a completely different flavor profile, try making turkey enchiladas. Use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken, mix it with salsa, cheese, and spices, and roll it up in tortillas. Cover the enchiladas in enchilada sauce and bake until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles. This is an excellent use of turkey leftovers in a fun and unexpected dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole With Thanksgiving Leftovers
A sweet potato casserole is another delicious holiday leftover dish idea. Combine your sweet potato leftovers with mashed potatoes, cornbread, and butternut squash for a filling side dish or a main course. Top it off with a crispy pecan crumble or marshmallows for a bit of crunch and sweetness. This casserole recipe is perfect for using your Thanksgiving leftovers while creating a new dish everyone will love.
Finally…
In conclusion, Thanksgiving leftovers offer endless opportunities to create delicious and easy meals, extending your Thanksgiving dinner’s joy. From a green bean casserole to a comforting turkey shepherd’s pie or chicken pot pie, there are plenty of easy and delicious ways to use roast turkey, turkey breast, and leftover veggies. Don’t forget about the fun, like whipping up a turkey salad or making a hearty turkey tetrazzini.
Still have more leftovers? Craft flavorful dishes like a turkey mixture casserole or enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie straight from the fridge. These Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas are perfect for creating new meals that everyone will love. For a fun group activity during the holidays, consider team-building activities like Escape Rooms in SF, which are great for bringing family and friends together!