Thanksgiving leftovers: they are often each a blessing and a problem. After dinner, the fridge is normally filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. On one hand, it’s good to know you’ve received straightforward meals forward, however on the opposite, it might begin to get a bit repetitive. However what in the event you might give these leftovers a brand new life with just a bit creativity?
Enter savory turkey pot pies, crispy stuffing waffles, and mashed potato flatbreads—and that’s simply the beginning. We have rounded up our 25 favourite recipes that can assist you repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into a completely new feast that you just’ll truly need to eat. This 12 months, you don’t should accept unhappy turkey sandwiches. As an alternative, flip to those ingenious, scrumptious meals that take advantage of what’s left in your fridge.
1. Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Burritos
Kickstart your day with a burrito that’s mainly Thanksgiving in a tortilla. Wrap up leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and eggs for a filling breakfast, and even lunch.
2. Turkey Bolognese
This turkey bolognese is a superb recipe in the event you’re left with loads of turkey however not as many sides. It additionally makes use of that half-empty bottle of wine that’s doubtless hanging round, together with any leftover cream or herbs you may need available.
3. Thanksgiving Leftover Potato Fritters
These crispy little fritters are a genius manner to make use of up mashed potatoes (in case you have any left over, that’s). With only a handful of elements, you get the proper crunch on the surface, and mushy potato goodness on the within.
4. Hanetsuki Gyoza
Overlook casseroles and sandwiches, this gyoza recipe is a complete recreation changer for post-Thanksgiving meals. A little bit surprising? Sure. However these hand-pressed, crispy dumplings are the proper approach to repurpose turkey and veggies into one thing new and scrumptious.
5. Leftover Turkey Banh Mi
If you happen to make this, you’ll in all probability marvel why you didn’t strive it sooner. Pickled veggies, tangy mayo, and a recent baguette come collectively to make this banh mi the last word approach to give your leftovers an entire new life.
6. Turkey and Potato Soup
This soup channels all of the comforting vibes of Thanksgiving in a bowl, with its tender items of turkey, potatoes, and mixture of seasonal veggies. We’ve additionally discovered that making this soup or this inventory is the easiest way to make use of up each a part of the chicken—neck, giblets, and all.
8. Turkey Jambalaya
Smoky, spicy, and filled with all the proper seasonings, this Turkey jambalaya is a enjoyable manner so as to add some new flavors to your Thanksgiving leftovers and blend issues up a bit.
9. Mashed Potato Flatbread
Three phrases: mashed potato flatbread. It is a fool-proof recipe that makes an excellent base for pizzas or for dipping in any leftover sauces and gravy you may need.
10. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies
If you happen to’ve received greater than only one or two leftovers, these hand pies are a good way to make use of all of them. Whereas the recipe requires the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, you possibly can actually get artistic and toss in no matter leftovers you’ve got—the great thing about puff pastry is that it might remodel something.
11. Turkey Birria Tacos
One other nice recipe in the event you’re bored with the standard soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit extra concerned than the opposite recipes right here, however very a lot value it. There’s even a recipe for selfmade cranberry salsa to serve on the aspect.
12. Stuffing Waffles
These waffles will make you would like you’d made an additional batch of stuffing as a result of they’re that good. The waffle itself is usually simply stuffing and buttermilk, with a number of further seasonings to style, however the actual star of the present is the whipped cranberry butter.
13. Turkey Curry
One other approach to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into an entire new delicacies—this turkey curry is the proper swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a brilliant flavorful sauce that comes collectively in simply half-hour.
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars
Since a lot of the different recipes are savory, we needed to throw in at the least one dessert— however don’t fear, it’s not one other pie. If you happen to’re nonetheless craving one thing candy and all the opposite desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way in which to go.
15. Candy Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This Thanksgiving shepherd’s pie, topped with candy potatoes, is the last word cold-weather as December approaches. There’s loads of room for personalization, nevertheless it’s primarily filled with leftover greens which is at all times welcome after a giant feast.
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish
We mentioned no extra unhappy turkey sandwiches, and this one is something however. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, nearly caramel-like maple glaze. Then, prime with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you’ve received), and some butter pickles for an truly thrilling turkey sandwich.
17. Vacation Monte Cristo
If you wish to do much more together with your sandwich, then this vacation montre cristo is your reply. Consider it as the last word improve—a crispy, golden sandwich with turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, and a melty cheese layer.
18. Turkey Pot Pie
This turkey pot pie takes your Thanksgiving leftovers and turns them into a completely new meal. It has a wealthy, creamy filling filled with leftover turkey and greens, all encased in a flaky, golden crust.
19. Harissa Turkey Chili
If any of your dishes fell flat on the day, boost your leftovers with this harissa turkey chili. The turkey will get a flavor-packed kick from harissa, and the chili itself is wealthy and hearty with simply the correct amount of warmth.
20. Turkey, Cranberry, and Cream Cheese Sandwich
If you happen to’re over cooking and wish a fast lunch, this sandwich is a satisfying and fast approach to repurpose your leftovers. It’s straightforward, scrumptious, and simply the right combination of candy and savory.
21. Turkey Hash Salad
If you happen to skipped the vegetable dishes on Thanksgiving, don’t fear, this turkey salad completely makes up for it (at the least, we predict so). And in the event you can’t think about turkey in a salad, belief us, this one will get the flavors good.
22. The Greatest Leftover Turkey Casserole
This turkey casserole skips canned condensed soup and as an alternative takes inspiration from baked macaroni and cheese and turkey tetrazzini. The result’s a creamy, flavorful dish that’s far more satisfying than your common leftover
23. Turkey Shawarma Pitas
One other straightforward however flavor-packed meal in the event you’re over cooking. The one range time is melting butter, and after that, it is simply stirring all the things collectively and assembling. Combine the turkey in a mix of spices, then add to a heat pita with recent veggies and a creamy garlic sauce.
24. Mashed Potato Focaccia
Much more leftover mashed potatoes? This focaccia is the proper manner to make use of them up. It’s a type of breads that sounds extra sophisticated than it truly is. Comfortable, pillowy, and topped with loads of olive oil and sea salt, it’s simpler than it seems to be and simply as scrumptious as you’d anticipate.
25. Turkey Pho
If you happen to’re over the standard post-Thanksgiving meals or don’t need one thing heavy, turkey pho is a refreshing change. The broth is fragrant, and with the turkey and herbs, it’s mild however nonetheless satisfying.
We need to know: What vacation leftover do you look ahead to yearly?
