15+ Recipe To Make With Thanksgiving Leftovers You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings families and friends together to enjoy a delicious feast. But, after the big meal, there are usually plenty of leftovers that can leave you wondering what to do with them. Instead of simply reheating the same dishes for days on end, why not get creative and transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new meal? With a little bit of planning and some basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and easy meal that will have your taste buds thanking you. Here is a recipe to make with Thanksgiving leftovers that is sure to become a new family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Cooked Turkey, Mayonnaise, Whole Berry
Starting off our list is a classic casserole dish that combines all your Thanksgiving favorites into one hearty and flavorful meal. Layer leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of thyme. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a warm and comforting meal.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Risotto
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Mushrooms, Butter, Fresh Sage, Red
Turn your leftover turkey and vegetables into a creamy and delicious risotto. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan and add in diced turkey, carrots, celery, and peas. Pour in Arborio rice and white wine and slowly add in chicken broth until the rice is cooked and creamy. Top with grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Frittata
Main Ingredients: Ditalini, Unsalted Butter, Green Beans, Turkey, Pearl
A frittata is a perfect way to use up any leftover vegetables or meats. In a skillet, sauté your choice of veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, and peppers, then add in diced turkey and gruyere cheese. Pour beaten eggs over the mixture and cook until set. Serve for breakfast or brunch for a delicious and protein-packed meal.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Poutine
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Leftover Turkey, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce
Who says Thanksgiving leftovers can't have a little Canadian twist? Turn your mashed potatoes and turkey into a delicious poutine by topping them with gravy and cheese curds. You can even add in some cranberry sauce for a tangy and sweet kick. This is a perfect dish for a cozy night in.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Whole Wheat Pizza Dough, Cranberry
Put a twist on your traditional pizza by using leftover mashed potatoes as the crust. Top with diced turkey, bacon, cranberry sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted for a unique and delicious pizza experience.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Galette
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Ice Cold
A galette is a free-form pie that is perfect for using up leftover turkey and veggies. Roll out a pie crust and top with diced turkey, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and goat cheese. Fold up the edges of the crust and bake until golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory combination.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Stuffing, Mashed
Yes, you read that right – cupcakes made from Thanksgiving leftovers. In a muffin tin, layer leftover mashed potatoes, diced turkey, and gravy. Top with a layer of pie crust and bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown. These savory cupcakes are perfect for a quick and easy snack.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Muffins
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Turkey, Large Eggs, Leftover Gravy, Relish
If you prefer a more traditional muffin, you can use leftover cranberry sauce to make a delicious and moist cranberry muffin. Just mix the sauce with your choice of muffin mix and bake according to the package instructions. You can also add in some walnuts or chocolate chips for some extra texture.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Tostadas
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Frying Oil, Salt, Mashed Potatoes
Transform your leftover turkey into a Mexican-inspired meal by making tostadas. Shred the turkey and mix it with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Spread the mixture on top of a crispy tortilla and top with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. This is a quick and easy dinner idea that the whole family will love.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers- Turkey Hash
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Onion, Garlic, Olive, Turmeric
A classic breakfast dish with a Thanksgiving twist. In a skillet, sauté diced leftover turkey, potatoes, onion, and bell peppers until crispy. Top with a fried or poached egg and hot sauce for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd’s Pie
Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Gravy, Veggies, Stuffing
Shepherd's pie is a perfect way to use up any leftover turkey, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. This is a comforting and delicious meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: White Onion, Celery, Turkey Meat, Sage, Thyme, Salt
If you're feeling a little burnt out on all the heavy Thanksgiving dishes, a refreshing turkey salad may be just what you need. Shred leftover turkey and mix it with cranberries, apples, celery, and walnuts. Dress with a simple honey mustard or poppy seed dressing for a light and tasty lunch option.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Club Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Cheddar, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Sandwich Bread, Bread
A classic club sandwich is a great way to use up leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Layer the ingredients between toasted bread and add in some bacon and avocado for some extra flavor and texture. This is a perfect on-the-go meal for those busy post-Thanksgiving days.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Hash
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Dressing, Brussels Sprouts, Leftover Gravy
Another breakfast dish that uses up all those Thanksgiving leftovers. Dice up leftover turkey, sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers and cook them in a skillet until crispy. Top with a fried or poached egg and serve with a side of toast. This is a hearty and filling breakfast that will keep you energized all day.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Pho
Main Ingredients: Homemade Turkey Broth, Fresh Ginger, Fish Sauce, Kosher
Pho is a delicious and comforting Vietnamese noodle soup that can easily be made with leftover turkey. Simply simmer the turkey bones with ginger, onion, and spices to make a flavorful broth. Add in leftover turkey, rice noodles, and vegetables for a tasty and unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving leftover dish.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Gravy Balls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Turkey, Stuffing, Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Transform your leftover gravy into crispy and savory balls. Mix the gravy with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and chopped herbs and form into balls. Bake in the oven until golden brown and serve as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Hot Pockets
Main Ingredients: Pie Dough, Leftover Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing
Hot pockets are a quick and easy way to use up any leftovers you have on hand. Simply fill crescent roll dough with leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Bake in the oven until the dough is golden brown and crispy. These make for a tasty and satisfying lunch or snack.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Sliders
Main Ingredients: Hawaiian Rolls, White Cheddar Cheese, Leftover Turkey
Sliders are a fun and delicious way to use up leftover turkey. Simply shred the turkey and mix it with barbecue sauce and coleslaw. Serve on slider buns for a tasty and easy meal. You can also add in some pickles or cheese for some extra flavor.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers & Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Kale, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Relish, Green Beans
If you're in need of a healthy and nutritious meal after indulging in all that Thanksgiving food, a kale salad is the way to go. Mix chopped kale with leftover turkey, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and goat cheese. Dress with a simple balsamic vinaigrette for a tasty and satisfying salad.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Potato Skins
Main Ingredients: Potato, Stuffing, Turkey, Mozzarella Cheese, Cranberry
Last but not least, we have another fun and creative way to use up those leftover mashed potatoes. Fill hollowed out potato skins with mashed potatoes and top with diced turkey, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a delicious and hearty snack or side dish.
Step 1: Turkey Pot Pie
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped leftover turkey
1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
1 cup leftover gravy
1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
1 refrigerated pie crust
1 egg, beaten
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped turkey, frozen vegetables, and gravy. Spread the mixture into a deep dish pie pan. Top with the leftover mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the top. Place the pie crust on top of the mashed potatoes and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top of the pie crust with the beaten egg and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 2: Cranberry Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients:
4 slices of bread
1/4 cup leftover cranberry sauce
1/2 cup leftover turkey
4 slices of leftover cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons butter
Spread the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on two slices of bread. Layer the cranberry sauce, turkey, and cheese on top of one slice of bread. Place the other slice of bread on top to create a sandwich. In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Step 3: Sweet Potato Muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups leftover mashed sweet potatoes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup milk
In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add in the melted butter and milk. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Scoop the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes. Serve warm.
With these recipes, you can turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the year. These easy and creative dishes will save you time and money, while also reducing food waste. So, instead of dreading the leftovers, embrace them and get cooking!