25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (2024)

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (1)

Cheryl MalikPosted: 11/20/23Updated: 11/28/23

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Facing a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers? Tired of turkey, dreading more dressing, already stuffed with sweet potatoes? Don’t let all your turkey day prep and hours in the kitchen go to waste! This list of recipes will breathe life and excitement back into your holiday foods. We’ve got soups, salads, dips, and even waffles or pancakes just begging for your leftover turkey, leftover cranberry sauce, or leftover potatoes.

25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (2)

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1 Recipes Using Leftover Turkey Bones

1.1 Instant Pot Turkey Stock

1.2 Instant Pot Bone Broth (That Gels!)

1.3 Crockpot Bone Broth

1.4 Stovetop Bone Broth

2 Recipes Using Leftover Turkey

2.1 Leftover Turkey Poutine

2.2 Smoked Turkey and White Bean Soup

2.3 Leftover Turkey Casserole

2.4 Turkey Pot Pie Casserole

2.5 Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup (Whole30 Tortilla Soup)

2.6 White Bean Chili

2.7 Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon

2.8 Leftover Turkey Salad with Apples and Cranberries

2.9 Turkey Noodle Soup

2.10 Turkey and Dumplings

2.11 Holiday Burrito

2.12 Air Fryer Turkey Quesadilla

2.13 Turkey Stuffed Peppers

3 Recipes Using Leftover Cranberry Sauce

3.1 Best Ever Cranberry Brie Bites

3.2 Cranberry Brie Dip

3.3 Baked Brie and Steak Cheese Fries

4 Recipes Using Leftover Potatoes

4.1 How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes (3 Ways!)

4.2 Sweet Potato Hash Browns

4.3 Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

4.4 Sweet Potato Waffles

4.5 Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl

4.6 Sweet Potato Pancakes

4.7 Mashed Potato Soup with Tarragon

Recipes Using Leftover Turkey Bones

25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (3)

Instant Pot Turkey Stock

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

This Instant Pot turkey stock is the perfect use for that leftover turkey carcass! It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and packed with nutrients.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (4)

Instant Pot Bone Broth (That Gels!)

These step-by-step instructions give you perfect homemade bone broth right in your Instant Pot. Enjoy a mug of warm broth on a chilly day, or use it in your favorite soups, to cook pasta or rice, or to add a little flavor to boiled chicken breasts.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (5)

Crockpot Bone Broth

u003cpu003eRich and nutrient-dense bone broth is even easier to make when you use your slow cooker! This recipeu0026#39;s written for chicken or beef bones, but turkey will work, too!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (6)

Stovetop Bone Broth

u003cpu003eNo slow cooker or Instant Pot? Nourishing bone broth can be made just as easily on the stovetop! Simmered low and slow with plenty of fresh herbs, this recipe yields enough broth from your bones-of-choice to sip on for days.u003c/pu003e

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Recipes Using Leftover Turkey

25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (7)

Leftover Turkey Poutine

Forget the sandwiches. This quick and easy poutine-inspired recipe is the best way to use leftover holiday turkey.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (8)

Smoked Turkey and White Bean Soup

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

u003cpu003eThis hearty soup recipe uses smoked turkey legs, white beans, and plenty of veggies for an incredibly satisfying cool-weather meal. If you didnu0026#39;t smoke your turkey this Thanksgiving, no worries. This soup works beautifully with any leftover turkey you have!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (9)

Leftover Turkey Casserole

u003cpu003eThis easy casserole combines leftover turkey with egg noodles, peas, and a creamy sauce for an easy comfort meal that turns Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and delicious.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (10)

Turkey Pot Pie Casserole

u003cpu003eWhile this recipe is actually for a chicken pot pie casserole, you can easily use it to make a turkey pot pie casserole instead! It calls for 2 cups of cooked, chopped chicken, but 2 cups of leftover turkey will absolutely do the trick. Youu0026#39;ll end up with all the flavor of a creamy, savory turkey pot pie, in an easy-to-make casserole topped with buttery, flaky puff pastry!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (11)

Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup (Whole30 Tortilla Soup)

u003cpu003eLooking to eat a little lighter between Thanksgiving and Christmas? This twist on chicken tortilla soup uses leftover turkey in a dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, grain-free, tortilla-free dish thatu0026#39;s great for anyone on a Whole30 round. Even if youu0026#39;re not on round, youu0026#39;ll love the way this soup makes you feel after a few days of holiday indulgence!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (12)

White Bean Chili

u003cpu003eThis white bean chili is absolutely loaded with flavor, easy to make, and super filling. Replace the chicken in this chili with your leftover holiday turkey and youu0026#39;ve got a savory, protein-packed meal with barely any effort.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (13)

Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

The perfect sandwich for cooler weather, this incredible turkey melt is toasty, melty, and mouth-wateringly delicious.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (14)

Leftover Turkey Salad with Apples and Cranberries

u003cpu003eLeftover holiday turkey gets a simple seasonal makeover in this creamy turkey salad. Great for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or enjoying by the spoonful.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (15)

Turkey Noodle Soup

u003cpu003eAll the warmth and comfort of a classic chicken noodle soup, made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead! Itu0026#39;s loaded with herbs, veggies, and tender noodles, and I guarantee the whole family will love it!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (16)

Turkey and Dumplings

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

u003cpu003eHomemade turkey and dumplings is just maybe the ultimate comfort meal. This easy recipe puts leftover turkey to deliciously good use.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (17)

Holiday Burrito

u003cpu003eOK, this recipe is, again, originally written for chicken. BUT! You can either replace the chicken with leftover turkey and keep everything else the same, OR! Use this as inspiration and build your own holiday burrito! Layer leftover stuffing, turkey, cranberries, and gravy in a tortilla and enjoy your handheld holiday dinner on the go.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (18)

Air Fryer Turkey Quesadilla

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

u003cpu003eAlong the same lines as the holiday burrito we mentioned before, you can totally use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey as the protein in your air fryer quesadilla! Feel free to add in other leftover ingredients if you want. Cranberries, roasted sweet potatoes, whatever sounds good.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (19)

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

u003cpu003eReplace the ground turkey in this recipe with your leftover turkey and youu0026#39;ve got an easy, tasty dinner that wonu0026#39;t remind you of Thanksgiving at all! u003c/pu003e

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Recipes Using Leftover Cranberry Sauce

25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (20)

Best Ever Cranberry Brie Bites

u003cpu003eThese cranberry brie bites are the best ever! I usually serve them as holiday appetizers, but theyu0026#39;re a perfect way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce after the holidays, too. Melty brie topped with cranberry sauce, baked in buttery crescent dough or puff pastry, all topped with a drizzle of honey.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (21)

Cranberry Brie Dip

u003cpu003eAnother perfect cheese + cranberry dish I serve as a holiday appetizer but which also works for a tasty way to use up leftovers! All you need is a wheel of brie and any cranberry sauce youu0026#39;ve got on hand. Oh, and donu0026#39;t forget your chips or crostini!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (22)

Baked Brie and Steak Cheese Fries

u003cpu003eThe ultimate indulgence, these cheese fries are truly next level, made with melty brie, sauteed filet mignon, and bearnaise sauce. I typically use some raspberry preserves for dipping, but leftover cranberry sauce would be perfect here! u003c/pu003e

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Recipes Using Leftover Potatoes

25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (23)

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes (3 Ways!)

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

u003cpu003eOne important step to enjoying leftover mashed potatoes? Knowing the best ways to reheat them!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (24)

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

u003cpu003eSweet potato hashbrown patties are one of my favorite ways to use these sweet and savory potatoes! Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner – you canu0026#39;t go wrong!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (25)

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

u003cpu003eThese delicious potato pancakes are made from leftover mashed potatoes and are quick u0026amp; easy to make. Perfect after Thanksgiving!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (26)

Sweet Potato Waffles

from easyhealthyrecipes.com

u003cpu003eCombine your cooked or uncooked sweet potatoes with eggs and your favorite spices for super easy seasonal waffles.u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (27)

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl

u003cpu003eQuick and easy, a bit sweet (naturally), and packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This breakfast bowl is a simple, satisfying, and delicious breakfast, and a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes. Make sure to reheat your sweet potatoes first – they need to be hot enough to cook the eggs!u003c/pu003e

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (28)

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Fluffy, warm, sweet potato pancakes are the perfect autumn breakfast or brunch dish. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and brown sugar, these better-than-box-mix pancakes totally embrace the spirit (and flavors) of the season.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (29)

Mashed Potato Soup with Tarragon

A delicious, gourmet use for leftover mashed potatoes, upgraded with bright, fresh tarragon.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (30)

Meet Cheryl Malik

In addition to being a certified health coach, certified yoga instructor, and mom of 3, Cheryl is also the recipe developer, editor-in-chief, food photographer, and passionate foodie behind 40 Aprons. Having spent the last 10+ years as a food blogger, she's become known for her flavorful recipes, detailed instructions, gorgeous photography, and down-to-earth approach to food and cooking in general.

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25+ of the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes & Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What meal makes the best leftovers? ›

  • Meatloaf. Though meatloaf is often restricted to the weeknight dinner table, it is a powerhouse leftover. ...
  • Lasagna. Sure, there's nothing better than lasagna coming out of the oven hot with bubbling cheese. ...
  • Pulled Pork. ...
  • Beef Stew. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Frittatas, Quiches and Tarts.

What is a creative way to eat Thanksgiving leftovers? ›

Instead, try turning your leftovers into a casserole, like our turkey divan, our chicken stuffing casserole, or our turkey pot pie; a soup, like our turkey noodle soup, our leftover turkey & wild rice soup, or our homemade turkey stock (made from your turkey carcass); or something lighter or more flavorful than before, ...

How long can leftover turkey stay in the fridge? ›

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

How many days after Thanksgiving can you eat leftovers? ›

The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

What are the top 10 tips for leftovers? ›

Here goes:
  • Remember the 2-2-2 rule. This is the most important thing when it comes to leftovers to ensure they are safe to eat. ...
  • If in doubt, freeze. ...
  • Label. ...
  • Eat me first. ...
  • Mix and match. ...
  • A little bit can go a long way. ...
  • Be smart about servings. ...
  • Upskill.

What does Gordon Ramsay do with leftovers? ›

So, next time you're watching one of Gordon Ramsay's cooking competitions, you can rest assured knowing that the leftover food is put to good use. Whether it's shared among the crew or donated to those in need, every effort is made to ensure that as little food as possible goes to waste.

What are three foods that were probably eaten at Thanksgiving? ›

So, to the question “What did the Pilgrims eat for Thanksgiving,” the answer is both surprising and expected. Turkey (probably), venison, seafood, and all of the vegetables that they had planted and harvested that year—onions, carrots, beans, spinach, lettuce, and other greens. Was it good?

What is a good alternative Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Alternatives could be:
  • Baked Stuffed Shrimp dinner or any seafood, saffron herbed rice, seasonal vegetables.
  • Beef Crown Rib Roast dinner with Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise and asparagus.
  • Roast Leg of Lamb with wine, lemon, garlic, and rosemary, Brussel sprouts, wild rice.
Nov 5, 2023

Is a 3 year old frozen turkey still good? ›

Frozen Turkey

Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

Is it OK if turkey was left in fridge for a week? ›

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower.

Is it OK to eat turkey that's been in the fridge for 2 weeks? ›

Turkey typically lasts up to four days in the fridge before it goes bad. It can be stored in the freezer for up to four months before it starts to lose its flavor and texture.

How long is stuffing good for? ›

Dressing/stuffing: Like turkey, if stored properly, stuffing or dressing will be safe to eat for three to four days after cooking. It will last for about a month if stored properly in the freezer. Cranberry sauce – homemade and store-bought: Homemade cranberry sauce lasts seven to 10 days.

Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days? ›

Cooked turkey and other leftovers can be kept in the fridge safely for about three to four days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FoodSafety.gov say. But after that time, "the risk of food poisoning goes up," the Mayo Clinic notes, pointing to the growth of bacteria in refrigerated leftovers.

What Thanksgiving food can you freeze? ›

These are day before dishes. You can prepare and freeze items like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles ahead of time. Turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, and some desserts also freeze well.

What can I use everything but the leftovers? ›

To create Trader Joe's Everything but the Leftovers, we've distilled the essence of a stellar stuffing and a great gravy down to a shake-able-and vegan- Shake this Seasoning on eggs, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, popcorn, or use it to liven up your next sheet pan meal!

What are the most common leftover foods? ›

BEST FOODS TO HAVE AS LEFTOVERS
  • Soup/stew (79%)
  • Pizza (63%)
  • Meat (62%)
  • Pasta (60%)
  • Rice (55%)
  • Vegetables (54%)
  • Chinese food takeout (53%)
  • Roasted potatoes (52%)
Jan 4, 2022

What leftovers last the longest? ›

How Long to Store Leftovers
Type of FoodFridgeFreezer
Mashed potatoes3 to 4 days1 to 2 months
Meat or poultry, cooked3 to 4 days2 to 6 months
Milkuse-by date3 months
Pancakes and wafflesnot recommended2 months
25 more rows
Jan 29, 2024

What dishes can be made from leftovers? ›

Editor's choice
  • Chicken and pesto pizzas. ...
  • Beef massaman curry. ...
  • Celeriac, orange and roast beef salad. ...
  • Leftover lamb ragu. 135.
  • Bubble and squeak with poached egg. ...
  • Chicken bhuna. ...
  • Leftover speedy warm lamb rice salad. ...
  • Ultimate leftover beef sandwiches.

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