20 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Got a fridge full of leftovers? Try 20 Thanksgiving leftover recipes transforming turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce & more into new, exciting meals!
Whether you cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for two or for 20, chances are you have leftovers! If you can’t stomach another plate, or are tired of turkey sandwiches, here are some of my favorite ways to reimagine leftovers!
Leftovers may get a bad rap, but between you and me, I’m a fan. And when it comes to Thanksgiving, I dream of leftovers, well before we’ve even cooked the feast! Why? Well, when you’re exhausted from all the cooking, there’s nothing better than heating up a plate!
But if you’re still feeling a teensy bit inspired, the possibilities are endless! All you have to do is reimagine Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and delicious!
These are my favorite ways to keep enjoying leftovers, from the turkey to the cranberry sauce. By the time you finish the last morsel, you’ll almost wish you still had more leftovers to enjoy!
Note: According to the USDA, Thanksgiving leftovers properly stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. They state that “you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.” Leftovers properly stored in the freezer can last up to 2 to 6 months, but be sure to discard if you see any signs of freezer burn. Visit the USDA for more tips and recommendations to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers safely.
20 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
The feast is over and the fridge is full of leftovers - what to do? Here are 20 simple Thanksgiving leftover recipes, transforming turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and more into new, delicious meals!
Leftover Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
It's amazing how you still wake up famished after a Thanskgiving feast! These recipes make the most of leftovers for breakfast and are some of my family's personal favorites!
Mashed Potato and Stuffing Waffles
Thanksgiving is not over until we've had Mashed Potato and Stuffing Waffles the next morning! Eat it smothered with gravy -- it's my kids' favorite and most requested dish!
Sweet Potato Pancakes | Simple Sundays
Whether you have leftover sweet potato mash, sweet potato casserole or simply an extra sweet potato in the pantry, these sweet potato pancakes are a hearty way to start the day! This is a family favorite during the holiday season.
Cranberry Sauce Cornbread Muffins
I love these Cranberry Sauce Cornbread Muffins for breakfast, but the truth is, they're perfect any time of day! They also go well with a spicy chili!
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes
Don't let any leftover turkey go to waste! The carcass makes an incredible stock for soups, and the meat can be used in cozy pot pies, sandwiches, and more.
Pressure Cooker Soup Stock
Once you make soup stock in a pressure cooker, you may never make it any other way again. It really is a game changer. Here's how to make easy stock in no time using your pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot!
Turkey Orzo Soup
Turkey Orzo Soup is much needed after a big meal, and this recipe, which is an old favorite, is the one I turn to every year. The homemade turkey stock makes it extra special.
Turkey Pumpkin Pot Pie
Chunks of leftover turkey are perfect in a cozy pot pie! This recipe is great for leftovers, but are elegant enough for a small celebration.
Day-After Turkey Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie makes use of leftover turkey and mashed potatoes - a win-win!
Savory Herb Stuffing Bread
I always make Savory Herb Stuffing Bread for my stuffing, but slices of this tender bread also make the ultimate leftover turkey sandwiches!
15 Simple Leftover Chicken Recipes
This round up of chicken recipes also work well with leftover turkey!
Beyond the Turkey: More Thanksgiving Leftovers
There's more to Thanksgiving than turkey! Here are more ways to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, including prime rib and mashed potatoes.
Prime Rib Beef and Lentil Soup
If prime rib was part of your Thanksgiving menu, this soup is my go-to the day after!
Prime Rib Pho | Simple Sundays
Hold on to those prime rib bones and make the most decadent stock for prime rib pho!
Shrimp and Potato Croquettes
Leftover mashed potatoes get a second chance in these Shrimp and Potato Croquettes! They make for an elegant snack or appetizer - you would never dare call these boring leftovers!
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes
Of all the leftovers, having extra cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving may be my favorite. Sometimes, I'll make extra so that they can serve double duty for appetizers, desserts, and even salad dressings - on the big day itself, or long after the feast is done. Since cranberry sauce keeps longer compared to the turkey, it's fun to reimagine ways to use it.
Cranberry Hand Pies
What’s more darling than individual hand pies? This recipe for cranberry hand pies is a crowd pleaser!
Cranberry Sauce Granola
For a more wholesome start to your day, transform cranberry sauce in your next batch of homemade granola!
Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette
This is one example of a great way to use extra cranberry sauce for the feast itself, or any time you’re craving a salad. This Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette is a personal favorite.
Cranberry Pomegranate Baked Brie
I like making a big batch of cranberry sauce, just so I can make this Cranberry Pomegranate Baked Brie! Perfect for entertaining!
Cranberry Sauce Slab Pie
A Cranberry Sauce Slab Pie is the easiest pie you will make, and perfect for serving a crowd!
Cranberry Curd Parfaits
Layers of cranberry sauce, cream, and silky cranberry curd - this is the ultimate cranberry lover’s treat!
Cranberry Wine Galette
Sweet and savory galettes are perfect with a glass of wine, especially when it’s made with my cranberry wine sauce!
Cranberry Almond Swirl Ice Cream
This ice cream will have you craving freshly churned ice cream in the winter!
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