The turkey’s been carved, the stuffing’s been devoured, and the pumpkin pie has been polished off. But what to do with all those delicious leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste! Instead, get creative in the kitchen and turn last night’s feast into a new meal that’s just as tasty. From savory dishes like Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Cranberry Sauce, to sweet treats like Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait and Leftover Sweet Potato Hash, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering recipes to help you make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting and savory pie that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. This recipe is a creative way to repurpose turkey, vegetables, and gravy, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover roasted turkey, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine turkey, vegetables, flour, and butter. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is lightly browned.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in beaten egg, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with turkey mixture and cover with another pie crust or a pastry lid.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Cranberry Sauce
Transform your leftover stuffing into a crispy and savory waffle, perfect for a post-holiday breakfast or brunch. Elevate the dish with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover stuffing
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine leftover stuffing, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Add beaten egg and melted butter; stir until the mixture forms a thick batter.
4. Pour about 1/4 cup of the stuffing batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with cranberry sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on waffle iron speed)
Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the sweet and savory combination of turkey, cranberries, and melted cheddar. This recipe is perfect for a cozy brunch or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole wheat bread
– 2 oz sliced turkey breast
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 slices cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with turkey, cranberries, and cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Thanksgiving Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting and flavorful shepherd’s pie, perfect for using up those extra turkey, mashed potato, and vegetable scraps. This easy recipe is a great way to reduce food waste while still enjoying the tastes of the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
– 1 cup leftover turkey or chicken, diced
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup gravy or broth from your Thanksgiving dinner
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine leftover mashed potatoes, diced turkey or chicken, mixed vegetables, and gravy or broth. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Dot the top with butter and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
A comforting twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare, this casserole combines the flavors of roasted turkey with savory stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup homemade or store-bought stuffing mix
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine diced turkey, stuffing mix, and mashed potatoes.
3. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Pour in chicken broth and melted butter; stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Transfer the casserole to a 9×13 inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy and delicious pancakes! These savory treats are perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish for your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the beaten egg and melted butter to the potato mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with a small amount of oil if necessary.
4. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the potato batter into the skillet.
5. Flatten the batter slightly with a spatula to form a pancake shape.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas
These flavorful quesadillas combine the savory taste of turkey with the sweetness of cranberries, perfect for a unique and delicious snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together turkey, cranberries, and cream cheese until well combined.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the turkey-cranberry mixture.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the filling is heated through.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Thanksgiving Leftover Soup
Use up those Thanksgiving leftovers with this comforting and flavorful soup recipe. Perfect for a post-holiday pick-me-up or as a way to stretch your turkey’s shelf life.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the diced turkey, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms
Take your favorite party appetizer to the next level by filling succulent mushrooms with a savory stuffing mixture. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and garlic.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth. Fill each cap with the breadcrumb mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Gravy Poutine
Elevate your comfort food game with this mouthwatering Turkey and Gravy Poutine recipe, featuring crispy fries topped with tender turkey, creamy gravy, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked turkey breast or thighs
– 1 cup French-Canadian style poutine fries (or any thick-cut fry)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together flour and chicken broth over medium heat.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
4. Stir in butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange fries on a baking sheet and top with shredded cheese.
6. Pour warm turkey gravy over the fries and cheese.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Leftover Sweet Potato Hash
Transform last night’s roasted sweet potatoes into a crispy, flavorful hash perfect for breakfast or brunch. This simple recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 cups leftover roasted sweet potato (cooled)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooled sweet potato to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula into small chunks.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey Cranberry Salad Wrap
A delicious and refreshing twist on traditional wraps, this Turkey Cranberry Salad Wrap is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With the sweetness of cranberries and the savory flavor of turkey, it’s a flavorful combination that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large flour tortilla
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add diced turkey, chopped cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped nuts. Toss until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lay the tortilla flat and spoon the salad mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
5. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat wrap.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assemble just before serving)
Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a flavorful and festive Mexican-inspired dish. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, using leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans to create a unique taco filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover roasted turkey breast
– 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
– 1/2 cup leftover green beans, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 taco shells
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped green beans and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the leftover mashed potatoes and turkey breast, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.
5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
6. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
7. Assemble the tacos by filling each shell with the turkey-potato-green bean mixture. Add desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Stuffing and Turkey Meatballs
Elevate your holiday spread with this innovative twist on traditional stuffing and meatballs! These bite-sized treats combine savory turkey, flavorful herbs, and soft bread for a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup homemade stuffing mixture (see below)
– Fresh herbs for garnish
Stuffing Mixture:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, cheese, egg, and olive oil. Mix until just combined.
3. Divide the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing mixture according to package instructions.
7. Serve the turkey meatballs with warm stuffing and garnish with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Leftover Green Bean Casserole Frittata
Transform last night’s Green Bean Casserole into a delicious breakfast or brunch dish with this simple frittata recipe. Perfect for using up leftover ingredients and impressing your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 eggs
– 1 cup leftover Green Bean Casserole (cooled)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and melted butter.
3. Add cooled Green Bean Casserole mixture to the egg mixture; stir until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9-inch pie plate or skillet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set and the frittata is lightly golden brown.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Stuffing Egg Rolls
These savory egg rolls combine the traditional flavors of turkey and stuffing with the convenience of a bite-sized snack. Perfect for your next holiday gathering or potluck, these Turkey and Stuffing Egg Rolls are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen egg roll wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1 cup cooked, diced turkey
– 1/2 cup homemade stuffing (or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok with about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cooked turkey, stuffing, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface and place about 1 tablespoon of the turkey-stuffing mixture in the center.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of yogurt with the tartness of cranberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Perfect for a quick snack or as a topping for oatmeal or granola.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup granola
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and cranberry sauce until well combined.
2. Spoon the mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top with granola.
4. If desired, drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Leftover Turkey and Dumplings
Transform your leftover turkey into a hearty and comforting meal with this simple recipe. This classic combination of tender turkey, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth is the perfect way to stretch your holiday leftovers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, diced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
– 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the diced turkey, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add in the melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Add the broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
5. Stir in milk and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and unexpected pizza, perfect for post-holiday gatherings or solo snacking. This recipe combines the best of both worlds – savory turkey, crispy stuffing, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
– 1 cup shredded turkey breast
– 1/2 cup diced stuffing
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border.
3. Top with shredded turkey breast, diced stuffing, and chopped green onions.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These bite-sized sliders combine the flavors of turkey, cranberries, and creamy brie cheese for a unique and delicious twist on classic sandwiches. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 slices of brie cheese
– Lettuce leaves and thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cranberries, honey, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8-10 small patties.
4. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a cooked patty on each bun, topping with a slice of brie cheese and lettuce leaves (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers! This article shares 20 delicious recipes to transform yesterday’s feast into today’s meal. From Turkey Pot Pie and Stuffing Waffles to Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Turkey Tacos, there’s something for everyone. Even the sweetest of tooth will enjoy Leftover Sweet Potato Hash or Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste – try one (or two, or three…) of these tasty ideas and make the most of your holiday meal.