One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers.
But what if you feel like switching things up and making those leftovers into something new?
I feel you! So today, I want to share some of my favorite ways to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into totally new, delicious meals.
From leftover turkey to leftover mashed potatoes to leftover cranberry sauce, here are some ideas for enjoying your favorite holiday foods in new ways!
What to Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers
There’s something so comforting about Thanksgiving food. And the fact that we usually only eat it once a year makes it even more special.
But after a round of leftovers or two, I’m usually ready to move on to something just a little different. Similar flavor profile, but different format, you know?
Here are some of the best dishes I’ve made with Thanksgiving leftovers, so you can enjoy them too!
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Is there anything better than a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pancake?
These savory mashed potato pancakes are a must-make. Top with a fried egg and sautéed veggies for the perfect post-Thanksgiving brunch!
Leftover Turkey Rice Soup
This cozy veggie rice soup is made for leftover shredded turkey! It’s savory, nourishing, and so comforting – perfect for warming you up on a chilly winter day.
The wild rice adds a delicious nutty flavor and lightly chewy texture, too.
Thai Coconut Soup with Turkey
This might sound a little unconventional, but this soup would be just as delicious with leftover turkey as it is with rotisserie chicken!
Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make: the perfect cozy meal for decompressing over Thanksgiving weekend.
Leftover Turkey Salad with Wheat Berries & Cranberry Vinaigrette
This salad takes the traditional Thanksgiving flavors of turkey and cranberry sauce and turns it into the fall-inspired grain salad of your dreams!
Chewy wheat berries, crunchy pecans, and juicy apples take it to the next level.
And don’t forget the vinaigrette made with leftover homemade cranberry sauce! It’d be good on any salad, even if you don’t want to make this exact one!
Oatmeal with Cranberry Sauce
I love stirring leftover cranberry sauce into my oatmeal. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart, and adds tons of flavor.
Toss in a dollop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for added protein and creaminess!
Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls
These harvest salad bowls are just as crave-worthy (if not more so) with roasted turkey as they are with chicken!
All the best autumn flavors are tossed in a creamy balsamic vinaigrette for salad perfection. This makes a great meal prep lunch, too!
Use Leftover Turkey in Stuffed Peppers
You can fill a pepper with just about anything, bake it off, and end up with a delicious dinner – and that includes leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving would be a great addition to any of the combinations in my Mix & Match Stuffed Peppers post.
Use Leftover Turkey in Lettuce Wraps
Leftover turkey would also be great in place of the chicken in my Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce!
Cranberry Orange Bread
If you have any leftover whole cranberries that didn’t make it into your cranberry sauce, I highly recommend trying this cranberry orange bread.
It’s tangy, lightly sweet, crunchy (thanks to the chopped pecans), and perfect for the holiday season.
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And that’s it! I hope you get a chance to try some of these – trust me, they’re good. 🙂
Tell me: what are your favorite ways to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers? I’m always looking for yummy new ideas!
If you’re looking for more fall-inspired recipes, check these out:
