12 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

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Thanksgiving leftovers are almost as exciting as the big meal itself! With all that delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients to make new, creative dishes that extend the holiday flavors for days. Here are some tasty ways to transform your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers into delicious new meals.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich

A classic turkey sandwich is one of the best ways to enjoy Thanksgiving food the next day. Combine layers of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry relish for a hearty sandwich.

How to Make It:

Use two slices of crusty bread or a dinner roll.
Spread a thin layer of mayo on each slice.
Add a layer of turkey slices, then stuffing, cranberry relish, and a slice of cheese if you’d like.
Toast in a pan or in a sandwich press until golden and warm. Serve with a side of leftover gravy for dipping!

Turkey and Sweet Potato Quesadilla

Quesadillas are a quick and easy way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. The combination of turkey, sweet potatoes, and cheese melts together perfectly.

How to Make It:

Spread a thin layer of mashed sweet potatoes onto one tortilla.
Layer shredded turkey, a handful of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro.
Place another tortilla on top, and cook on a heated skillet with a little butter or oil until golden on each side.
Slice into wedges and serve with cranberry relish or sour cream.

Turkey Cranberry Salad

This fresh and light salad is perfect if you’re looking for a healthier way to use up leftover turkey and cranberry relish.

How to Make It:

In a large bowl, combine chopped leftover turkey with mixed greens, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), and crumbled cheese (like goat cheese or feta).
Use a simple vinaigrette or mix cranberry relish with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a holiday-inspired dressing.
Toss and enjoy as a light, refreshing meal.

Stuffing & Turkey Waffles

Transform your leftover stuffing into crispy, savory waffles—ideal for a unique brunch or dinner.

How to Make It:

Preheat your waffle maker and grease it lightly.
In a bowl, mix 1-2 cups of stuffing with a beaten egg and a few tablespoons of broth until the mixture is moist but holds together.
Spoon the stuffing mixture onto the waffle maker and cook until crispy.
Serve with warm turkey, gravy, and even a dollop of cranberry sauce.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Turn your leftover turkey, gravy, and veggies into a comforting pot pie.

How to Make It:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, mix together 1-2 cups shredded turkey, leftover gravy, green beans, carrots, and any other veggies you have on hand.
Pour the mixture into a pie crust or baking dish, and top with another layer of pie crust or mashed potatoes for a twist.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Mashed potato pancakes are crispy, creamy, and perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.

How to Make It:

In a bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1 egg, 1/4 cup flour, salt, pepper, and a handful of chopped green onions.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop out small amounts of the potato mixture and flatten into pancakes.
Fry each pancake for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve with sour cream or leftover gravy.

Thanksgiving Leftover Soup

A warm, hearty soup is a great way to combine turkey, stuffing, and other sides into one delicious meal.

How to Make It:

In a large pot, sauté some diced onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
Add shredded turkey, leftover gravy, a few spoonfuls of stuffing, and any leftover green beans or carrots.
Pour in enough chicken broth to cover everything and bring to a simmer.
Let cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash

Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this turkey hash combines sweet and savory flavors for a filling meal.

How to Make It:

Dice leftover sweet potatoes and mix with chopped turkey, diced onions, and bell peppers.
Heat a skillet with a little oil, and sauté the mixture until the sweet potatoes are crispy and the turkey is warm.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then top with a fried egg for extra richness.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Use your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes and turkey for a simple shepherd’s pie.

How to Make It:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish, layer shredded turkey, leftover green bean casserole or mixed veggies, and top with a layer of mashed potatoes.
Sprinkle with cheese (optional) and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden on top.

Cranberry Relish Smoothie

A unique use for cranberry relish, this smoothie is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing drink.

How to Make It:

Blend 1/2 cup cranberry relish with 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup orange juice, and a handful of ice.
Add a banana or other fruit for sweetness if desired. Blend until smooth and enjoy as a quick snack or light breakfast.

Turkey Enchiladas

A twist on Mexican cuisine, turkey enchiladas are a flavorful way to use up leftover meat.

How to Make It:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, 1/2 cup of cheese, and a small amount of leftover stuffing.
Roll the mixture in tortillas, place in a baking dish, and cover with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve with a side of cranberry relish or salsa.

Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

Turn your Thanksgiving meal into a fun, savory pizza!

How to Make It:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Use a pre-made pizza crust and spread a thin layer of gravy as the “sauce.”
Top with shredded turkey, dollops of stuffing, a few spoonfuls of cranberry relish, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

These leftover recipes add variety to your Thanksgiving meal without wasting a single bite.

Enjoy these creative ideas that keep the holiday spirit alive even after Thanksgiving Day has passed!

Check out “12 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes You’ll Love – Easy & Delicious Ideas!”

Make leftovers a breeze with some of these great finds:

~~ And as always friends, take care, be kind to yourself and others, and always keep learning to be better and do better.

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