As the turkey’s leftovers begin to pile up, many of us face a daunting question: what do I do with all this food? The answer lies not only in refrigerating it for future meals, but also in getting creative and turning yesterday’s feast into today’s new favorite dish. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delectable recipes that will transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into mouthwatering masterpieces.
From savory pies to sweet treats, our collection of leftover recipes will inspire you to reimagine the flavors and textures of your holiday meal in a whole new way. Whether you’re looking for a comforting casserole or a flavorful salad, we’ve got you covered with these innovative ideas that will make your turkey leftovers shine.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Transforming leftover turkey into a delicious pot pie is an excellent way to reduce food waste and enjoy a warm, comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for using up cooked turkey, vegetables, and gravy.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover roasted turkey, diced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup turkey or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups puff pastry, thawed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine diced turkey, frozen vegetables, flour, melted butter, broth, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
3. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place the turkey mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Brush the top with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for the days following the big feast. This recipe is an easy way to repurpose turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce into a new and exciting dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover roasted turkey
– 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
– 1 cup leftover green bean casserole (without fried onions)
– 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
4. Add the turkey-potato mixture to the prepared dish and top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Stuffing Waffles
Elevate your holiday meal with this unique recipe that combines the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and waffles. Perfect for a Thanksgiving brunch or breakfast, these crispy and savory treats are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover roasted turkey, diced
– 1 cup homemade stuffing (or store-bought), crumbled
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Fresh sage leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Add diced turkey and crumbled stuffing to the wet ingredients; stir until combined.
5. Pour batter onto waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with chopped fresh sage leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on waffle iron)
Cranberry Sauce Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for a fall or winter breakfast, brunch, or snack. The addition of cranberry sauce adds a lovely tartness and bursts of flavor to each bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, milk, cranberry sauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Turkey Cranberry Salad
This salad combines the savory flavors of roasted turkey with the sweetness of fresh cranberries, all wrapped up in a crunchy mix of greens and nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced turkey, and cranberries.
2. Sprinkle chopped nuts and crumbled blue cheese (if using) over the top.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your mushroom game with this creative take on a classic stuffing recipe! Crispy, earthy mushrooms are filled with savory bread and flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
• 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), cleaned and stems removed
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom with the breadcrumb mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Drizzle mushrooms with olive oil and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Leftover Turkey Soup
Transforming last night’s turkey dinner into a comforting and flavorful soup is easier than you think! This recipe makes great use of leftover turkey, veggies, and broth, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover turkey (shredded or diced)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk or cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the shredded turkey, chicken broth, and milk or cream (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional pancakes! These sweet potato pancakes are packed with natural sweetness and a hint of spice, making them the perfect breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter to the mixture and stir until combined.
4. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pancakes are golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, butter, or fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (depending on number of pancakes)
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
This classic comfort dish gets a delicious twist with turkey instead of beef. A flavorful mixture of sautéed turkey, vegetables, and gravy is topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup turkey broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3-4 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground turkey, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, and tomato paste in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
3. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of the turkey mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders
These sliders combine the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries with the richness of BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a tender turkey patty. Perfect for your next outdoor gathering or casual dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cranberries, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Form into 8-10 patties, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Grill patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a turkey patty, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (if using). Top with top bun.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and unexpected meal with these tasty tacos!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover turkey or chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8-10 taco shells
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded turkey or chicken and cook until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the mashed potatoes, black beans, and a pinch of salt and pepper to combine.
5. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the filling mixture into the shells and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Gravy Poutine
This comforting Canadian classic combines crispy french fries with shredded turkey, rich gravy, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal. Elevate your snack game with this easy-to-make poutine recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover roasted turkey breast or thighs
– 1 cup French fries (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup chicken gravy (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Meanwhile, warm the chicken gravy according to package instructions or by heating it gently over low heat.
5. Shred the turkey breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the poutine by placing a layer of French fries on a plate, followed by shredded turkey, and topping with cheese.
7. Drizzle warm gravy over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Turkey and Gravy Poutine!
Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy and savory cakes that are perfect for a quick snack or side dish. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and get creative with leftovers!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, and egg. Mix well until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on desired cake size.
3. Shape each portion into a patty.
4. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or condiments.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas
Combine the savory flavor of turkey with the sweetness of cranberries and the warmth of melted cheese for a unique and tasty twist on traditional quesadillas.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the turkey, cranberries, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add the turkey-cranberry mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Stuffing and Turkey Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of traditional stuffing and roasted turkey with the sweetness of bell peppers. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for a unique twist on your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup homemade or store-bought stuffing mix
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine diced turkey breast and stuffing mix. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pepper with the turkey-stuffing mixture, filling as full as possible.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a savory and satisfying pizza that’s sure to please the whole family. This recipe is perfect for using up extra turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or 1 package of pizza dough
– 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
– 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
– 1/2 cup sautéed leftover green beans
– 1/4 cup caramelized onion (or regular onion)
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust or shape the dough into a circle.
3. Spread the mashed potatoes over the crust, leaving a small border.
4. Top with shredded turkey, sautéed green beans, and caramelized onion.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the sweet and savory combination of turkey, cranberries, and melted cheddar. This unique twist is perfect for a cozy brunch or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread
– 2 oz sliced turkey breast
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the griddle.
4. Top with sliced turkey, cranberries, and a sprinkle of honey.
5. Add shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Leftover Turkey Curry
Transform leftover turkey into a flavorful and aromatic curry that’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in diced turkey, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half to enrich the curry.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers! This article features 18 delicious recipe ideas to reuse and recycle your holiday turkey and trimmings. From savory dishes like Turkey Shepherd’s Pie and Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes, to sweet treats like Cranberry Sauce Muffins and Sweet Potato Pancakes, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget the innovative twists on classic recipes, such as Turkey and Stuffing Waffles and Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders. With these tasty ideas, you’ll never have to worry about leftovers going to waste again!
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