Thanksgiving may be over, but that doesn't mean the delicious food has to end. In fact, one of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the abundance of leftovers that can be transformed into new, creative dishes. So, before you throw out those leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, check out these recipe ideas that will not only save you time and money, but also give new life to your Thanksgiving feast. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these thanksgiving holiday leftover recipe ideas.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
Kick off your Thanksgiving feast with a festive and flavorful Thanksgiving cider sangria. This refreshing drink is the perfect blend of apple cider, white wine, and fall spices. Serve it with a variety of fresh fruits for a fun and colorful addition to your holiday table. It's sure to be a hit with guests of all ages!
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious stuffing. This classic side dish is a must-have on every holiday table. Whether you prefer a traditional bread-based stuffing or something a little more unique, like a cornbread or sausage stuffing, there are endless variations to choose from. Get creative and make it your own!
The star of the Thanksgiving show is undoubtedly the roasted turkey. This quintessential holiday dish is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. Whether you prefer a traditional herb-roasted turkey or something a little more adventurous, like a maple-glazed or bacon-wrapped turkey, there are endless ways to prepare this holiday staple.
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Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
While the turkey may be the star of the show, the Thanksgiving sides are what truly make the meal complete. From creamy mashed potatoes to sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, there are endless options to choose from. Get creative and mix and match flavors and ingredients to create the perfect side dish spread for your Thanksgiving feast.
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a side of tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. This traditional holiday dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be made in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer a classic cranberry sauce or something a little more unique, like a cranberry-orange relish, there's no wrong way to enjoy this flavorful side dish.
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Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
There's something comforting about a classic traditional Thanksgiving stuffing. Made with bread, herbs, and spices, this side dish is a staple on every holiday table. It's the perfect complement to a Thanksgiving turkey and is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Mashed potatoes are a must-have on any Thanksgiving table. Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, they are the perfect side dish to accompany your holiday feast. Whether you prefer a classic mashed potato recipe or something a little more unique, like garlic mashed potatoes or loaded mashed potatoes, there are endless ways to enjoy this Thanksgiving staple.
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OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
Looking for a fun and festive dessert to serve at your Thanksgiving feast? These OREO cookie balls in the shape of turkeys are the perfect sweet treat. Made with crushed OREO cookies, cream cheese, and chocolate, they are easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
Add a touch of pumpkin spice to your Thanksgiving dessert spread with these pumpkin chai holiday cupcakes. Made with warm fall spices and topped with a creamy chai frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect way to end a holiday meal. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate Thanksgiving treat.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
Get the festivities started with a delicious Thanksgiving punch. This fun and fruity drink is perfect for all ages and can be made with a variety of juices and fruits. Serve it in a large punch bowl for a beautiful centerpiece on your holiday table.
Switch things up this Thanksgiving with a refreshing and flavorful slaw. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, this side dish is a great alternative to traditional salads. Add some dried cranberries or apples for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
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10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
Looking for some new and creative side dish ideas for your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further! We've rounded up 10 delicious and unique holiday side dishes for you to try. From a creamy butternut squash gratin to a flavorful corn casserole, these dishes are sure to impress your guests.
Main Ingredients: Honey, Orange Juice, Cinnamon, Ground Cloves
Looking for healthier options for your Thanksgiving meal? This healthy cranberry sauce is made with natural sweeteners and is both paleo and gluten-free. Plus, we've included 5 other delicious paleo Thanksgiving recipes for a full holiday feast that everyone can enjoy.
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Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honey, Water, Apple Pie Spice, Pinot Grigio, Apple
Add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving feast with a delicious Thanksgiving sangria. Made with red wine, apple cider, and fall spices, this festive drink is sure to impress your guests. Serve it in a large pitcher for a beautiful and flavorful addition to your holiday table.
Put a unique spin on your Thanksgiving leftovers with these Thanksgiving croquettes. Made with mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing, these crispy and flavorful bites are perfect for snacking on post-holiday feast. Serve them with a side of cranberry sauce for a fun and festive twist.
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Pumpkin Crunch – The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Granulated Sugar, Large
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a pumpkin dessert. This pumpkin crunch is the perfect sweet treat to end your holiday meal. Made with a graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and a crunchy pecan topping, it's sure to be a crowd favorite.
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Spiced Holiday Nuts
Main Ingredients: Nuts, Butter, Pure Maple Syrup, Ground Cinnamon, Ground
Looking for a simple and flavorful snack to put out for guests before the main Thanksgiving meal? These spiced holiday nuts are the perfect option. Made with a variety of nuts and a blend of warm spices, they are a delicious and healthy snack to enjoy while waiting for the turkey to cook.
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Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts Casserole + My...
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Pepper
Add some green to your Thanksgiving feast with this bacon and cheese Brussels sprouts casserole. Made with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender Brussels sprouts, this casserole is a savory and delicious side dish that will have everyone going back for seconds.
Don't let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! Turn them into a delicious and comforting turkey pot pie. This hearty dish is filled with tender turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. It's the perfect way to use up any extra turkey from your holiday feast.
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Multi-Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Large Eggs, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on oven space for your Thanksgiving feast, consider making your stuffing in a multi-cooker. This versatile appliance allows you to cook your stuffing quickly and easily, freeing up oven space for other dishes. Plus, it results in a perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing.
Transform Your Turkey
Turkey Cranberry Panini
One of the easiest and tastiest ways to use up leftover turkey is by making a panini. Simply layer slices of turkey, cranberry sauce, and your favorite cheese between two slices of bread and grill until golden and melty. This delicious sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Turkey Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food dish, and it's the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. Simply mix together diced turkey, vegetables, and gravy, and top it off with a layer of mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven until the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy, and you have a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
Revamp Your Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Leftover mashed potatoes can easily be transformed into crispy and flavorful pancakes. Simply mix in some chopped herbs, shredded cheese, and a beaten egg, and form the mixture into patties. Pan-fry the pancakes until golden and serve them as a tasty side dish.
Mashed Potato Waffles
If you have a waffle iron, you can make crispy and fluffy waffles out of your leftover mashed potatoes. Just mix in some shredded cheese and diced ham or bacon, and cook the waffles in your waffle iron until they are golden and crispy. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream and some chives for a savory breakfast or brunch.
Get Creative with Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry BBQ Sauce
Transform your cranberry sauce into a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce to use as a glaze for chicken, ribs, or even tofu. Simply mix together equal parts cranberry sauce and your favorite BBQ sauce, along with some spices and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the sauce onto your protein of choice and grill or bake until cooked through.
Cranberry Yogurt Parfait
For a light and healthy breakfast or snack, mix together some Greek yogurt and cranberry sauce, and layer it with your favorite granola and fresh fruit. This parfait is not only a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce, but it's also a delicious and nutritious option.
With these creative and tasty thanksgiving holiday leftover recipe ideas, you can enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the holiday has passed. So, don't let those leftovers go to waste and try out one of these recipes today. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.
