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Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

  • Madison
  • Nov 24, 2023
  • 4 min read

The Thanksgiving feast is over, and you've successfully tackled the turkey, conquered the cranberry sauce, and triumphed over the tantalizing side dishes. But wait, what's that lurking in your fridge? A treasure trove of Thanksgiving leftovers, just waiting to be transformed into culinary masterpieces! Forget the mundane turkey sandwich (although we love a good gobblewich), because we're about to embark on a flavor-packed journey that will make your taste buds dance with gratitude.

In this post, we're taking your Thanksgiving leftovers from drab to fab, turning yesterday's meal into a gastronomic adventure.


Let's kick things off with the most obvious choice. This Thanksgiving sandwich goes beyond the basic act of placing holiday turkey between two slices of bread.

It's filled with cheese, gooey goodness, and maybe even better than the original feast!

The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Image Source: Hungry Hobbit

Transform holiday leftovers into a culinary delight with leftover stuffing waffles. Crafted from a stuffing-based batter cooked to golden perfection in a waffle iron, these savory treats are topped with creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and a dollop of cranberry sauce. It's a delicious and inventive way to enjoy the essence of the holiday season in every crispy, flavorful bite.

Leftover Stuffing Waffles with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce
Image Source: Food Network

Transform your holiday leftovers into a delightful treat with these crispy mashed potato and stuffing patties! This inventive and speedy recipe repurposes the classic holiday side dishes into a fun and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick post-celebration meal. The combination of crispy exteriors and the savory goodness of mashed potatoes and stuffing make these patties a deliciously unique way to savor the holiday spirit even after the festivities are over.

Crispy Mashed Potatoes and Stuffing Patties
Image Source: Taste of Home


If you bought one too many cans of pumpkin puree, don't worry. Velvety smooth and rich, this creamy mac and cheese takes a delightful twist with the addition of luscious pumpkin puree, creating a harmonious blend of cheesy goodness and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Image Source: The Pioneer Woman

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful 30-Minute Leftover Turkey Chili that combines the rich flavors of succulent turkey with a medley of hearty beans and vibrant spices. This quick and easy recipe allows you to make the most of your holiday extras, crafting a wholesome and satisfying chili that's ready in no time. Elevate your bowl with your favorite toppings for a comforting post-Thanksgiving treat that's as convenient as it is delicious.

Leftover Turkey Chili
Image Source: Just a Taste

Indulge in the delightful fusion of comfort food and crispy perfection with leftover fried stuffing bites. Crafted from leftover stuffing, these two-bite wonders are expertly deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch that gives way to a savory, seasoned interior. Elevating the experience is a side of tangy cranberry pesto, adding a burst of festive flavor to every delectable bite.

Second Day Fried Stuffing Bites
Image Source: Food Network

Transform your Thanksgiving cheese board remnants into a delectable leftover cheese dip that refuses to let any savory goodness go to waste. This easy-to-follow recipe ingeniously repurposes assorted cheeses, creating a mouthwatering dip that's both savory and satisfying. With a medley of flavors from your holiday spread, each scoop promises a delightful blend of Thanksgiving memories in every bite.

Leftover Thanksgiving Cheese Dip
Image Source: Food Network

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful feast with this Leftover Turkey Biscuit Skillet. Succulent pieces of turkey mingle with a medley of vegetables in a savory gravy, creating a comforting base. Topped with golden, flaky biscuits, this one-pan wonder is a quick and delicious way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again.

Turkey Biscuit Skillet
Image Source: Taste of Home

Indulge in the perfect post-Thanksgiving treat with these delectable Cranberry Sauce Muffins, a delightful solution for repurposing leftover cranberry sauce. In just a few minutes, you can transform that excess sauce into moist, flavorful muffins that capture the essence of holiday cheer. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tangy cranberries and sweet muffin goodness, making these a must-have for extending the festive flavors beyond the Thanksgiving feast.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins
Image Source: Foxes Love Lemons

Indulge in the delicious simplicity of a leftover loaded turkey panini prepared with love and creativity. Elevate your post-Thanksgiving meal by resurrecting the panini press from the cupboard, transforming ordinary leftovers into a culinary masterpiece. The result is a mouthwatering symphony of crispy perfection on the outside and tender, flavorful turkey on the inside—a delightful blend of textures and tastes that promises to satisfy your palate.

Loaded Turkey Panini
Image Source: Pinch of Yum

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a culinary masterpiece with this irresistible cornbread pudding recipe. Bursting with the savory goodness of fresh herbs, green onions, and a generous sprinkle of cheese, this dish promises to elevate your taste buds to new heights. With its perfect balance of a crisp exterior and a velvety custard-like center, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will have you savoring every mouthful.

Cornbread Pudding
Image Source: Pinch and Swirl

Thanksgiving leftovers need not be relegated to mundane reheats. Transforming the remnants of your feast into creative and delectable dishes not only adds excitement to post-holiday meals but also minimizes food waste. From leftover turkey chili to cranberry sauce-stuffed muffins, these inventive recipes showcase the versatility of Thanksgiving leftovers, turning what once filled your holiday table into a delightful array of new flavors. Embrace the culinary adventure that comes with repurposing your Thanksgiving bounty and savor the extended joy of the holiday season with these inspired leftover recipes. Happy cooking and continued feasting!


 
 
 

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