Thanksgiving leftover recipes for the days after
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting. After the big feast, you may find yourself with plenty of leftovers. But fear not, there are endless possibilities for turning those leftover Thanksgiving dishes into delicious meals for the days after. From turkey sandwiches to creative casseroles, these Thanksgiving leftover recipes will help you make the most of your holiday leftovers.
Introduction
Thanksgiving is a time for enjoying a delicious feast with family and friends, but what do you do with all the leftovers once the big meal is over? Instead of simply reheating the same dishes day after day, why not get creative and repurpose those leftovers into new and exciting meals?
In this article, we will explore a variety of Thanksgiving leftover recipes that are perfect for the days following the holiday. From turkey sandwiches to hearty soups and casseroles, there are endless possibilities for turning your leftover Thanksgiving food into something new and exciting.
One of the most popular ways to use up Thanksgiving leftovers is to make a delicious turkey sandwich. Simply layer slices of roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy between two slices of bread for a quick and easy meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, why not try making a turkey pot pie with your leftover turkey? Simply combine diced turkey, vegetables, gravy, and a flaky pie crust for a comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter night.
Another great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers is to make a tasty turkey soup. Simply combine leftover turkey, vegetables, broth, and any leftover mashed potatoes or stuffing for a satisfying soup that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
For those looking for a creative twist on traditional Thanksgiving dishes, why not try making a Thanksgiving leftover casserole? Simply layer mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and gravy in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a comforting dinner on a cold night, these Thanksgiving leftover recipes are sure to hit the spot. So before you reach for that same old turkey sandwich, why not try something new and exciting with your Thanksgiving leftovers?
Turkey Pot Pie
After a delicious Thanksgiving feast, most of us find ourselves with an abundance of leftovers. One classic way to use up leftover turkey is by making a comforting turkey pot pie. This savory dish is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a new and exciting way.
To make a turkey pot pie, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened. Sprinkle in some flour and cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in some chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Add in your leftover turkey, peas, corn, and any other vegetables you have on hand. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
Transfer the filling to a pie dish or a casserole dish. Roll out some store-bought pie dough or homemade dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges and cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with some beaten egg for a golden brown finish.
Bake the pot pie in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Not only is turkey pot pie a delicious way to use up leftovers, but it is also a comforting and filling meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with a side salad or some cranberry sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
So don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. Try making a turkey pot pie for a tasty and hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cranberry Turkey Salad
One of the best ways to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey is to make a delicious cranberry turkey salad. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal after all the heavy holiday feasting. The combination of tender turkey, tart cranberries, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy celery is a winning combination that is sure to delight your taste buds.
To make this cranberry turkey salad, start by shredding or cutting your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the turkey with dried cranberries, chopped celery, and a dollop of mayonnaise. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well coated with the mayonnaise.
For added flavor, you can also mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, and a splash of lemon juice. The nuts will add a nice crunch to the salad, while the lemon juice will help brighten up the flavors. You can also season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy the cranberry turkey salad on its own, or you can serve it on a bed of lettuce or sandwiched between two slices of bread for a delicious turkey salad sandwich.
This cranberry turkey salad is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a fresh and tasty way. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, and it’s a great way to make the most of your holiday leftovers. Give this recipe a try for a flavorful and satisfying meal that will help you power through the days after Thanksgiving!
Stuffing Stuffed Peppers
Stuffing Stuffed Peppers
After Thanksgiving dinner, you may find yourself with an abundance of stuffing and not sure what to do with it. Why not repurpose it by using it to stuff bell peppers for a delicious and easy meal?
To make stuffing stuffed peppers, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, cut the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from inside. Place the peppers in a baking dish.
Next, take your leftover stuffing and spoon it into each pepper until they are filled to the top. You can mix in some cooked ground turkey or sausage for added protein if desired.
Once the peppers are filled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the tops slightly.
Once the peppers are done baking, let them cool slightly before serving. You can top them with some grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Stuffing stuffed peppers make for a comforting and satisfying meal that is a great way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. They can be enjoyed hot out of the oven or at room temperature for a quick and easy lunch the next day.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mashed Potato Pancakes
One of the best ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving dinner is to turn them into delicious mashed potato pancakes. These crispy, savory pancakes are the perfect way to enjoy your leftover mashed potatoes in a whole new way.
To make mashed potato pancakes, start by mixing your leftover mashed potatoes with some flour, an egg, and any herbs or seasonings you like, such as chives, parsley, or garlic powder. Shape the mixture into small patties and fry them in a skillet until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
For a twist on the classic mashed potato pancake, try adding some shredded cheese or crumbled bacon to the mixture before frying. Serve the mashed potato pancakes with sour cream and chives or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
These mashed potato pancakes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and they make a delicious and comforting meal for the days after Thanksgiving. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
So the next time you find yourself with a container of leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, whip up a batch of mashed potato pancakes and enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal that will help you make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Vegetable Frittata
One delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers is to make a vegetable frittata. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but also a great way to incorporate all those extra vegetables from your holiday feast.
To start, gather your leftover vegetables such as roasted potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. You can also add in any leftover herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, crack a few eggs (depending on how large your frittata will be) and whisk them together with a splash of milk or cream. Season the eggs with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Next, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped vegetables and sauté them until they are warmed through. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, making sure to distribute them evenly in the skillet.
Cook the frittata on the stovetop for a few minutes until the edges start to set. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake the frittata until the top is golden brown and the eggs are cooked through.
Once the frittata is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into wedges. Serve the vegetable frittata with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal.
This dish is not only a great way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s also a healthy and satisfying option for any meal of the day. Enjoy!
Sweet Potato Poutine
Sweet Potato Poutine
Looking for a unique and delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers? Try making Sweet Potato Poutine! This Canadian classic gets a Thanksgiving twist with the addition of sweet potatoes and leftover turkey.
To make Sweet Potato Poutine, start by roasting some sweet potato fries. Simply peel and slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown.
While the sweet potato fries are cooking, shred your leftover turkey and warm up some leftover gravy. Once the sweet potato fries are ready, assemble your poutine by layering the fries, turkey, and cheese curds on a plate. Pour the warm gravy over the top and enjoy!
This dish is the perfect way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers in a fun and delicious way. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory turkey and gravy, and the cheese curds add a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
So next time you find yourself with a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers, give Sweet Potato Poutine a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas
Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas
Looking for a creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers? Try these delicious Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas for a tasty twist on traditional leftovers. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
- Spread cranberry sauce on one side of each tortilla.
- Evenly distribute shredded turkey on top of the cranberry sauce on two of the tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the turkey.
- Place the remaining two tortillas on top, cranberry side down, to form two quesadillas.
- In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Carefully place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining quesadilla, adding more butter if needed.
- Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.
These Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas are a delicious and unique way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. The sweet and savory flavors of the cranberry sauce and turkey pair perfectly with the melted cheddar cheese and crispy tortillas. Try this recipe for a quick and tasty meal that the whole family will love!
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Looking for a delicious way to use up all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Try making a Turkey Shepherd’s Pie! This hearty and comforting dish is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of the holiday, in a whole new way. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
To make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat some butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened. Add in leftover turkey meat, diced into small pieces, and cook until heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Next, transfer the turkey mixture to a baking dish. In a separate pot, prepare some mashed potatoes using leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving. Spread the mashed potatoes over the turkey mixture in the baking dish, creating an even layer.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food dish that will have you craving leftovers all year round. You can also customize this recipe by adding other leftover vegetables or gravy to the filling, or topping the mashed potatoes with cheese for an extra decadent twist. No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and a delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers in a whole new way.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
After Thanksgiving, there always seems to be a surplus of leftovers, especially in the dessert department. One delicious way to use up leftover pumpkin pie is to make a Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. This indulgent treat combines the creamy deliciousness of a milkshake with the warm spices and rich flavors of pumpkin pie.
To make a Pumpkin Pie Milkshake, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need a slice of leftover pumpkin pie, vanilla ice cream, milk, and a few dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Simply add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to a blender, followed by a slice of pumpkin pie (crust and all!), a splash of milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy.
For an extra decadent touch, you can top your Pumpkin Pie Milkshake with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of the cold, creamy milkshake with the warm spices of the pumpkin pie is a match made in dessert heaven. This festive treat is perfect for enjoying on a chilly fall evening or as a special indulgence during the holiday season.
Not a fan of pumpkin pie? No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe to use up other types of leftover pie. Apple pie, pecan pie, or even cherry pie would all work wonderfully in a milkshake. Simply swap out the pumpkin pie for your pie of choice and adjust the spices accordingly.
So next time you find yourself with a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers, consider making a Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season in a whole new way.