15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (2024)

Thanksgiving leftover recipes are the best ways to utilize the food without getting wasted! No matter what dishes you prepare, there’s one thing almost every Thanksgiving feast has in common: leftovers. Use this list of creative Thanksgiving leftovers recipes to help you get rid of those leftovers in new and exciting yummy ways.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (1)

When it comes to Thanksgiving leftovers, people seem to fall into two camps. Either you love them and can eat them for days without tiring of them…or you want nothing to do with turkey after the holiday is done.

I somehow manage to straddle those two camps because I love those leftovers just the way they are for about 2 days, and then I’m tired of them before they are done.

I decided to get ahead of the curve this year and research some creative ways to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers so that I can approach this holiday with a plan.

And yeah! Don’t forget to try these delicious no bake Thanksgiving desserts which you will definitely love!

No matter which camp you sit in regarding leftovers, these Thanksgiving leftovers recipes are delicious enough to keep you happy until those leftovers are all gone.

So pile on the mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, gravy, and more… you’ll actuallywant to eat them now!

Looking for Thanksgiving Tips? We’ve got you covered!

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes You Won’t Get Tired of Eating

Whether you are a Thanksgiving leftovers purist or can’t stand to have holiday dinner part 2 (or 3 or 4…), those delicious leftovers simply cannot go to waste!

Also, check these simple pinwheel recipes that will make you crave for more!

Use this variety of Thanksgiving leftovers recipes to keep it interesting when it comes to finishing off those Thanksgiving nibbles.

Gluten-free cranberry turkey enchiladas| Flippin’ Delicious

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (2)

Gluten Free Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas from Flippin’ Delicious

Roasted turkey, creamy gravy, and fresh cranberry sauce are rolled in warm tortillas and topped with lots of cheese to make these Gluten-Free Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas. Yum!

Gluten Free Cranberryu00a0Turkey Enchiladas

Gluten Free Cranberryu00a0Turkey Enchiladas make the perfect day-after-Thanksgiving meal. Roasted turkey, creamy gravy, and fresh cranberry sauce rolled in warm corn tortillas and topped with gooey melted Monterrey Jack cheese.

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (3)

Genius Potato, Turkey, and Stuffing Layered Leftovers | Christina’s Cucina

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (4)

Or, go with a layered version. Double up on your mashed potatoes this year, because you’ll definitely want to use them for this Genius Potato, Turkey, and Stuffing Layered Dish.

Genius Potato, Turkey and Stuffing Layered Leftovers

A fabulous way to create a dish that doesnu2019t taste like leftovers, from Thanksgiving leftovers!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (5)

Apple Cranberry Quesadillas | Never Enough Thyme

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (6)

Use leftover cranberry sauce to make these sweet Apple Cranberry Quesadillas. Serve with a big dollop of ice cream. This recipe will turn even your cranberry-sauce haters into huge fans.

Apple Cranberry Quesadillas

Apple Cranberry Quesadillas – make a fun, fruit-filled apple cranberry dessert quesadilla from your Thanksgiving leftovers!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (7)

Thanksgiving Pizza | The Gunny Sac

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (8)

Thanksgiving Pizza may be the best thing I’ve ever heard of. It’s a puff pastry crust topped with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, turkey, stuffing, and anything else you’d like to toss on from your Thanksgiving dinner.

I’m ready…bring it on!

Thanksgiving Pizza

This Thanksgiving Pizza recipe is the BEST way to eat Thanksgiving leftovers. It has turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more all in a puff pastry crust!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (9)

Gluten-Free Turkey Biscuit Pot Pie | Sugar-Free Mom

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (10)

This Turkey Biscuit Pot Pie can also be made with chicken leftovers. The biscuit topping is super easy and perfectly complements the creamy, savory leftovers.

Gluten Free Turkey Biscuit Pot Pie

Delicious recipe that helps use up all those Thanksgiving leftovers.

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (11)

Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Biscuits | How Sweet Eats

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (12)

Who says you have to wait until lunch or dinner the next day to enjoy your leftovers?

With this creative idea, you can pile them high on an English muffin or biscuit, and top with an egg to make these Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches.

Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches

You’re going to love this leftovers recipe. It’s the perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (13)

Turkey Chowder | Bombshell Bling

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (14)

Turkey Chowder will warm you up in the days after Thanksgiving, and it’ll help you use up all that leftover turkey and stock.

As an added bonus, this recipe is terrific for serving leftovers to those who fall in that camp of not liking them.

Turkey Chowder

This turkey chowder recipe is the perfect thing to make with your Thanksgiving leftovers! It is a simple recipe that is a perfect meal for cold weather!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (15)

Leftover Turkey Sandwich | Ask Chef Dennis

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (16)

Of course, you have to make a sandwich or two from your Thanksgiving leftovers… but not your run-of-the-mill turkey sandwich. Nope. This is served on toasted sourdough bread and topped with coleslaw.

What To Do With Your Turkey Leftovers

My favorite way to use my Thanksgiving day leftovers are to recreate one of my favorite sandwiches and o turkey pot pies.

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (17)

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes | Easy Peasy Creative Ideas

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (18)

Have a ton of leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into Mashed Potato Pancakes! They’re crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Now that’s creative (and delicious)!

Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe

Make the most out of Thanksgiving leftovers with these deliciousu00a0mashed potato pancakes with a crisp crust and moist inside!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (19)

Cheesy Breakfast Stuffing Cakes | Well Plated

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (20)

How about turning them into breakfast?

These simple Cheesy Breakfast Stuffing Cakes are a delicious way to use extra stuffing. Top with bacon and an over-easy egg, and you’ve got a winning breakfast.

Breakfast Stuffing Cakes

Transform leftover Thanksgiving stuffing into savory breakfast stuffing cakes. Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and perfect with eggs or gravy!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (21)

Thanksgiving Turkey Quesadilla | Bites of Wellness

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (22)

Who doesn’t love a great quesadilla? Put some turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and more in these tasty Thanksgiving Turkey Quesadillas.

Thanksgiving Turkey Quesadilla

The perfect way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers or just enjoy all the great parts of Thanksgiving dinner anytime of the year in this turkey quesadilla!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (23)

Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash | Around My Family Table

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (24)

Oh I love a good hash recipe! Use leftover turkey and sweet potatoes to make a hearty Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash for breakfast.

Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash

Sweet potato and turkey hash is the perfect meal to make with leftover turkey and sweet potatoes! Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Best thing is, it’s a 15-minute supper!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (25)

Leftover Tater Tot Turkey Stuffing Hotdish | Dining with Alice

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (26)

Combine tater tots and turkey in this Leftover Turkey Tater Tot Hotdish packed with peas and lots of cheese. This is perfect for anyone who likes a good casserole.

Leftover Turkey Tater Tot Hotdish

Turn your turkey leftovers into a casserole your whole family will love, Leftover Turkey Tater Tot Hotdish!

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (27)

Sushi-Inspired Turkey Rolls | Arts & Crackers

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (28)

Make the leftovers enjoyable by putting a fun spin on them like these Sushi-Inspired Turkey Rolls. They make a leftover dish that even the kids will enjoy.

Sushi-Inspired Thanksgiving Turkey Rolls

Here’s a creative and fun way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (29)

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie | Homemade Interest

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (30)

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie will become a new delicious family tradition the day after Thanksgiving. It’s easy to throw together because you already have all the food made!

Turkey Shepherdu2019s Pie

Turkey Shepherdu2019s pie is an easy Thanksgiving leftovers recipe or a simple winter casserole recipe for those cold nights.

Read more here.

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (31)

Aren’t these ideas amazing? When it comes to Thanksgiving leftovers recipes, all you need is a little creativity to come up with truly amazing ways to combine those simple ingredients in new and delicious dishes.

So go ahead and enjoy those Thanksgiving leftovers – any way you want!

15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (32)

More Thanksgiving Inspiration from One Crazy House

  • 23 Thanksgiving Hostess Tips for the Lazy
  • 15 Stuffing Recipes That’ll Make You Ditch the Boxed Stuff
  • 15 Crowd-Pleasing Cheese Ball Recipes for Your Next Party
  • 17 Fun Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
  • Thanksgiving No-Bake Desserts
15 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Simply Love (2024)

FAQs

How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last in the refrigerator? ›

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 ratio of Americans like leftovers better than the Thanksgiving meal itself? ›

Turkey and sides for several more meals, none quite as good as the first, in my opinion. Apparently I'm in the minority, as this poll reported that 80 percent of Americans prefer the leftover version.

Can I eat week old stuffing? ›

Leftover Stuffing and Gravy

Stuffing — which is often soaked through with meat drippings — shouldn't be consumed after a maximum of two days in the fridge. The same two-day rule should be applied to the gravy, which should always be brought to a rolling boil to properly kill bacteria before serving again.

What is made from 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, ...

Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days? ›

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.

Can you eat turkey 5 days after Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey: 3-4 days.

Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days. Another option is freezing the cooked turkey. Turkey can last up to four more months if frozen.

Which president refused to celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday? ›

While Thanksgiving technically isn't a religious holiday, the “giving thanks” part of it struck Jefferson as being far too religious for his tastes. As our nation's third president, he stirred controversy by refusing to recognize Thanksgiving.

What is the main meal for most Americans on Thanksgiving? ›

Just as it's a traditional meat used for Christmas dinner, turkey is favoured because it's big – and that means it can feed a whole family.

What food was present at the first Thanksgiving but is rarely eaten now? ›

Fish and Shellfish

Culinary historians believe that much of the Thanksgiving meal consisted of seafood, which is often absent from today's menus.

Why does stuffing go bad so fast? ›

People have a habit of leaving the food out on the buffet table long after the meal is finished. If turkey, stuffing, or gravy is left out at room temperature (40 to 140°F) for over 2 hours it may no longer be safe to eat. Bacteria prospers at this temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

How long is Chinese food good in the fridge? ›

Chinese leftovers should last between three to four days in the fridge, according to PreparedCooks. However, certain ingredients could last in different longevities. Shrimp, for example, has a short shelf life. This means that it might not last as long in the fridge.

Is it safe to use stove top stuffing after expiration date? ›

It's highly unlikely to have gone so bad that it might kill you, but it might kill your cooking. The "Best Before" is just a guaranteed freshness date. The product could be good beyond that point (especially dry, properly sealed ingredients) but the manufacturer makes no promises.

What can I have for Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

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 was the original Thanksgiving dish? ›

The first Thanksgiving banquet consisted of foods like venison, bean stew and hard biscuits. And while corn and pumpkin had their place on the table, they hardly resembled the cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie we feast on today.

Is 5 days too old for leftovers? ›

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.

Do leftovers last 7 days? ›

Typically, leftovers will safely last for three to four days if they're refrigerated within two hours and packed in an airtight container. According to the Mayo Clinic, after this time frame, illness-causing bacteria are more likely to grow, even in the cold environment of a refrigerator.

Do leftovers last 5 days? ›

Are leftovers good after 5 days? Nope. According to the FDA, leftovers are safe in the fridge for up to three to four days.

How long is turkey stuffing good for in the fridge? ›

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.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5989

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.