TIPS Smart & Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Smart & Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

by Thelittleshine
by Thelittleshine

Don’t let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! Transform them into exciting new meals with these easy and creative recipe ideas. From cozy soups to crispy waffles, here are delicious ways to repurpose every bit.

Smart & Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

🥪 1. Stuffing Waffles

Ingredients

  • Leftover stuffing
  • 1 egg (optional for binding)
  • Butter or oil for waffle maker

Method

  1. Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease it.
  2. Mix stuffing with a beaten egg if too dry.
  3. Press into waffle maker and cook until golden and crispy.
  4. Serve with gravy or a fried egg on top.

🥣 2. Homemade Turkey Soup

Ingredients

  • Turkey bones & leftover meat
  • 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery sticks (chopped)
  • Salt, pepper, herbs
  • Water

Method

  1. Simmer turkey bones in water for 1–2 hours to make broth.
  2. Strain and return broth to pot.
  3. Add vegetables and simmer until tender.
  4. Add leftover turkey pieces and season. Serve warm.

🌯 3. Thanksgiving Leftover Wrap

Ingredients

  • Tortilla
  • Turkey slices
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Gravy

Method

  1. Layer all ingredients inside tortilla.
  2. Warm on a pan for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Roll tightly and slice in half.

🧆 4. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup flour or breadcrumbs
  • Chopped green onions
  • Salt & pepper

Method

  1. Mix everything into a thick batter.
  2. Shape into patties and pan-fry 3–4 minutes each side.
  3. Serve with sour cream or yogurt.

🍕 5. Leftover Pizza

Ingredients

  • Naan, pita or bread
  • Mashed potatoes (spread as sauce)
  • Shredded turkey
  • Cheese
  • Veggies (optional)

Method

  1. Layer mashed potato base, add toppings & cheese.
  2. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

🍲 6. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

  • Mixed vegetables or leftover sides
  • Turkey pieces
  • Gravy
  • Mashed potatoes

Method

  1. Mix turkey + veggies + gravy and pour into baking dish.
  2. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
  3. Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

🥗 7. Cranberry Salad Dressing

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

Method

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over fresh salad or coleslaw.

🍛 8. Turkey Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice
  • Leftover turkey
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Soy sauce
  • Egg (optional)

Method

  1. Scramble egg in pan.
  2. Add veggies and turkey; stir-fry.
  3. Add rice and soy sauce; cook 5 minutes.

🥪 9. Turkey Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

  • Bread
  • Turkey slices
  • Cheese
  • Cranberry sauce

Method

  1. Layer turkey, cheese and cranberry between bread.
  2. Grill until golden and cheese melts.

❄️ 10. Freeze Leftovers

Portion turkey & gravy into zip bags, freeze flat, label & store for up to 3 months. Perfect for fast weekday meals.

🍝 11. Creamy Turkey Pasta

Ingredients

  • Cooked pasta
  • Leftover turkey
  • 1 cup cream or milk
  • Garlic & herbs
  • Parmesan (optional)

Method

  1. Sauté garlic in butter.
  2. Add cream and simmer 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in turkey and pasta; toss well.
  4. Season and serve with herbs & parmesan.

Turkey Gravy Curry

Ingredients

  • 1 cup leftover gravy
  • 1 cup cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp curry powder or garam masala
  • ½ cup coconut milk / milk / water
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • Salt & pepper

Method

  1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté onion until soft.
  2. Add curry powder and mix for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in leftover gravy + coconut milk (or water to thin).
  4. Add turkey pieces and simmer 5–7 minutes.
  5. Season to taste and serve with rice or naan.

🎉 Final Tip

Leftovers are budget-friendly, reduce food waste, and taste even BETTER the next day. Enjoy reinventing your Thanksgiving feast!