55 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes After the Big Feast
Ree's turkey tetrazzini is the ultimate next-day meal.
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So, you've successfully made Thanksgiving dinner, cleaned up the dishes, and put on your favorite Thanksgiving movie. Now, what? The long holiday weekend has just begun and there are likely tons of Thanksgiving leftovers packed in storage containers in your fridge. While some people will simply reheat their turkey the next day, others might be looking for some Thanksgiving leftover recipes that are a little more creative. Well, you've come to the right place! According to Ree Drummond, leftovers are "one of the best parts about Thanksgiving." And that's precisely why we've rounded up some fun fall breakfasts, quick lunch ideas, and easy dinners—all using your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Looking for some inspiration for how to reuse leftover turkey? We've got plenty of ideas that go beyond the typical turkey sandwich. Try a cozy turkey soup recipe, leftover turkey pot pie, or Ree's take on turkey tetrazzini. There are also tons of recipes for reusing your leftover cranberry sauce, extra mashed potatoes, or even the green bean casserole. But if all that rich food has you craving a lighter meal in the days to come, there's always the pumpkin smoothie or the BBQ salad with leftover cornbread croutons to leave you feeling refreshed post-holiday. With these leftover recipes, we're making your Thanksgiving feast feel new again! Just be sure you know how long the leftovers actually last!
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Now that you've enjoyed those fluffy mashed potatoes, why not turn them into something totally different? Here, they get the crispy, crunchy treatment that makes them perfect for dipping in sour cream.
Get the Mashed Potato Pancakes recipe.
Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie
It doesn't get any more comforting than this leftover shepherd's pie. The top is made with leftover mashed potatoes and the filling is loaded with leftover turkey.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
If you bought one too many cans of pumpkin puree, don't worry. This recipe for creamy mac and cheese will be a great weeknight meal.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Turkey Stock
Don't toss those leftover turkey bones! You can break the bird down into smaller pieces and use it to make this homemade stock. It can be kept in the freezer for up to six months.
Get the Turkey Stock recipe.
Potato Rolls
Mashed potatoes are completely transformed in this homemade dinner roll recipe. They're light, airy, and delicious with a good pat of butter.
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust
Swap the shredded chicken for turkey in this comforting next-day dish. It has a fun twist with a savory cheddar crust.
Get Ree's Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats
This recipe ensures that even a little bit of extra pumpkin puree doesn't go to waste. Plus, you can make it ahead and stash it in the fridge for a lazy weekend breakfast.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Whether you served ham or turkey, these sliders are the perfect bite after a big meal. Just piled on the slices of ham or turkey, along with cheese, mayo, honey, and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
Extra pumpkin puree can be transformed into an elegant dinner with this fall-inspired pumpkin risotto. You can even garnish the dish with salted pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, on top!
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
This is one of those clear-out-the-fridge kind of meals. It combines a whole bunch of leftovers, including turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy into one casserole dish.
Taquitos
Swap the chicken for shredded turkey and you have an easy snack that uses up leftovers, too! They're perfect for watching football over the long holiday weekend.
Get the Taquitos recipe.
Ham Casserole
If ham was on your menu this year, consider using the extras to make this comforting ham casserole. It's great for making in advance and stashing in the freezer until the time is right.
Get the Ham Casserole recipe.
Pretzel Turtles
You'll likely use up a lot of pecans making homemade pecan pie, but if you have a few extras, this easy candy recipe is a breeze to make. You can even get the kids to help as a fun fall activity.
Get the Pretzel Turtles recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
After hosting guests for the holidays, this martini will come in handy! It uses up extra pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to pair with rum and vanilla vodka.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Cranberry Scones
Not only can you use extra cranberries for these scrumptious scones, but adding extra chopped fresh rosemary from your holiday dinner will give the scones a nice herbal flavor.
Get the Cranberry Scones recipe.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
If you spent all that time chopping butternut squash for your Thanksgiving sides, you won't want any extras to go to waste! So use the roasted squash to make a creamy sauce for this comforting fall lasagna.
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.
Pumpkin Chili
Whether you made your own pumpkin puree or you simply bought one too many cans for your Thanksgiving pies, you won't want to let the leftovers go to waste. Instead, use the creamy, rich pumpkin as the base for this hearty weeknight chili.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Breakfast Casserole
If ham was on your menu this holiday, consider dicing up the extra meat for this cozy breakfast casserole. It's great for when you have overnight guests.
Get Ree's Breakfast Casserole recipe.
Salad Pizza
Turn your leftover charcuterie board into the perfect weekday pizza. Use the extra cheese, meat, and olives as toppings for this family-sized pie.
Get the Salad Pizza recipe.
Cornbread Salad
Cut your cornbread into cubes for this over-the-top salad. It's got layers of the holiday bread, along with beans, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy salad dressing.
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
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