Thanksgiving dinner is always a feast to remember, but sometimes the leftovers are just as exciting! If you’re looking to give those leftovers a twist beyond the classic turkey sandwich, here are some creative and delicious recipes to transform your Thanksgiving extras into exciting new meals.
1. Thanksgiving Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Turn your sweet potatoes into a full meal by stuffing them with leftovers! Halve and scoop out baked sweet potatoes, then refill them with turkey, stuffing, and a bit of cranberry sauce. Top with shredded cheese and bake until everything is hot and melted. Add a dollop of gravy for the perfect finish!
2. Turkey & Cranberry Quesadilla
Make a quick and savory quesadilla by layering shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and a little cheese (think brie or cheddar) between tortillas. Grill in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden and crispy. Slice it up, and serve with a side of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping!
3. Stuffing Waffles
Bring out your waffle iron to make crispy stuffing waffles! Just press leftover stuffing into your waffle maker and cook until golden brown. Top with sliced turkey, a poached egg, or gravy. This crunchy twist on stuffing is great for breakfast or lunch.
4. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Use your Thanksgiving leftovers as toppings for a pizza! Spread a thin layer of gravy over the crust, sprinkle shredded turkey, dollops of mashed potatoes, and bits of stuffing. Top with shredded cheese (mozzarella or fontina work well) and bake until bubbly. Add a drizzle of cranberry sauce for a sweet finish.
5. Turkey & Mashed Potato Croquettes
Transform mashed potatoes and turkey into crispy croquettes! Mix together mashed potatoes, chopped turkey, and any leftover veggies (like green beans). Shape into small balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown. Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
6. Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie
Turn your leftovers into a comforting shepherd’s pie. Layer shredded turkey, leftover veggies, and gravy in a baking dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden brown. You can even sprinkle a little cheese on top for extra richness.
7. Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders
Make these sliders by mixing cranberry sauce with a little barbecue sauce to create a tangy topping. Pile shredded turkey on slider buns, add a spoonful of the cranberry BBQ sauce, and top with any leftover greens (like a few arugula leaves or even green bean casserole!).
8. Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Combine leftover turkey, vegetables, and gravy with a few cups of chicken or turkey broth to make a rich pot pie-inspired soup. Add in a handful of noodles or rice for extra heartiness, and top each bowl with a piece of leftover biscuit or bread.
9. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Combine your mashed potatoes with a beaten egg, a handful of flour, and some chopped green onions to make mashed potato pancakes. Fry them until golden on each side. These make a delicious side for breakfast with a poached egg or as a standalone snack with sour cream.
10. Cranberry-Turkey Salad Lettuce Wraps
Make a refreshing turkey salad by combining shredded turkey with cranberry sauce, a dollop of mayo, diced celery, and a sprinkle of nuts. Serve this mixture in lettuce cups or on crackers for a light and flavorful take on your Thanksgiving leftovers.
With these recipes, your Thanksgiving leftovers can turn into unique, flavorful meals that extend the holiday enjoyment! Whether it’s a savory stuffing waffle or a sweet-and-savory turkey quesadilla, these ideas bring out the best in your Thanksgiving feast, keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.
