7 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes: Transforming Holiday Remnants into Culinary Delights

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, an abundance of delicious food. But what happens when the feast is over, and you’re left with a fridge full of leftovers? Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 10 innovative and mouthwatering recipes that will breathe new life into your holiday remnants. Get ready to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into culinary masterpieces that will have your family asking for seconds (or thirds)!

“Cooking tip: Wrap turkey leftovers in aluminum foil and throw them out.”

While this humorous quote by Nicole Hollander might elicit a chuckle, we’re here to prove that Thanksgiving leftovers deserve much better treatment. Let’s dive into our creative recipes that will make you excited about those post-holiday meals.

Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos

Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays? Give your leftovers a Mexican twist with these delectable Thanksgiving tacos.

Ingredients

• • Leftover turkey, shredded
  • Leftover gravy
  • 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 oz dark chocolate, chopped
  • Corn tortillas
  • Leftover cranberry sauce
  • Leftover stuffing
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine gravy, chipotle chiles, and dark chocolate. Heat until chocolate melts, creating a pseudo-mole sauce.
2. Add shredded turkey to the sauce and simmer until heated through.
3. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
4. Assemble tacos by layering turkey mixture, stuffing, and a dollop of cranberry sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

These tacos offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice from the chipotle chiles. The dark chocolate adds depth to the sauce, elevating your leftover turkey to new heights.

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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Eggroll

Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

Give your leftovers an Asian-inspired makeover with these crispy and delicious egg rolls.

Ingredients

• • Egg roll wrappers
  • Leftover turkey, finely chopped
  • Leftover stuffing
  • Leftover mashed potatoes
  • Leftover cranberry sauce
  • Avocado oil for frying
  • Leftover gravy for dipping

Instructions

1. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you.
2. Place a spoonful each of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
4. Roll tightly, sealing the top corner with a bit of water.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry egg rolls until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Serve hot with gravy and cranberry sauce for dipping.

These crispy egg rolls are a fun and unexpected way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. The contrast of textures between the crispy wrapper and the soft, flavorful filling is simply irresistible.

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Leftover Turkey Roasted Salad

Thanksgiving Leftover Salad

For a lighter option that still packs a flavor punch, try this refreshing salad.

Ingredients

• • Leftover turkey, shredded
  • Leftover stuffing
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Leftover roasted vegetables, chopped
  • Leftover cranberry sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread leftover stuffing on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Let cool and break into croutons.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with the dressing.
5. Top with shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, and stuffing.
6. Drizzle with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with a bit of apple cider vinegar.

This salad is a refreshing change from heavy holiday meals, while still incorporating all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors. The crispy stuffing croutons add a delightful crunch.

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Leftover Turkey Broth

Turkey Broth

Before discarding the turkey carcass, put it to good use by making a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

• • Turkey carcass
  • 2 onions, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon peppercorns
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
  • 10 cups water (approximately)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the turkey carcass in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Add vegetables, bay leaves, peppercorns, and herbs.
3. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours (or 8-10 hours on low in a slow cooker).
5. Strain the broth and discard solids.
6. Let cool and skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
7. Use immediately or freeze for future use.

This homemade turkey broth is perfect for soups, gravies, or as a flavorful base for other dishes. It’s a great way to extract every bit of flavor from your Thanksgiving turkey.

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Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Transform your leftovers into a cozy, comforting shepherd’s pie.

Ingredients

• • Leftover turkey, diced
  • Leftover gravy
  • Leftover mixed vegetables
  • Leftover mashed potatoes
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix diced turkey, gravy, and mixed vegetables.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
4. Top with an even layer of mashed potatoes.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and a dusting of paprika.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly, with the cheese melted and golden.

This shepherd’s pie is a comforting way to repurpose multiple Thanksgiving leftovers into one delicious meal. The crispy cheese topping adds an extra layer of indulgence.

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Leftover Waffle and Turkey

Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Waffles

Turn your leftover stuffing into crispy, savory waffles for a unique breakfast or brunch option.

Ingredients

• • 4 cups leftover stuffing
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or milk
  • Leftover cranberry sauce
  • Leftover gravy
  • Leftover turkey, shredded
  • Maple syrup
  • Leftover green beans

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a large bowl, mix stuffing with beaten eggs and chicken broth or milk until well combined.
3. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the waffle iron and cook until crispy and golden brown.
5. Top the waffle with a layer of cranberry sauce.
6. Add shredded turkey.
7. Pour as little or as much warm gravy on top of turkey.
8. Add a few green beans on top or on the side and drizzle with a little maple syrup.

These stuffing waffles are a delightful twist on traditional waffles. The combination of savory stuffing, sweet cranberry sauce, rich gravy, and a touch of maple syrup creates a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of turkey and green beans makes it a complete meal fit for royalty.

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Leftover Thankgiving Turkey Soup

Thanksgiving Leftover Soup

End our list with a comforting soup that makes use of multiple leftovers.

Ingredients:

• • Leftover turkey, shredded
  • Leftover gravy
  • Leftover roasted vegetables, chopped
  • Leftover stuffing
  • Turkey or chicken broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add chopped roasted vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and leftover gravy, bringing to a simmer.
4. Add shredded turkey and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in small chunks of stuffing and cook until heated through.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

This hearty soup is like Thanksgiving in a bowl. It’s a great way to use up various leftovers and creates a comforting meal perfect for chilly post-holiday evenings.

“We all know that Thanksgiving leftovers are the best part of the holiday.”

This quote rings true for many, and with these creative recipes, you’ll be looking forward to your leftovers as much as the main event!

“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.”

If you relate to this humorous quote by Erma Bombeck, you’ll love how many of these recipes incorporate leftover gravy in new and exciting ways.

These 7 creative recipes prove that Thanksgiving leftovers are far from boring. From crispy egg rolls to comforting soup, there’s something here for every palate. So this year, instead of dreading the post-holiday fridge clean-out, embrace the challenge and turn those leftovers into culinary masterpieces.

And remember, if all else fails and you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of leftovers, you can always follow the advice of this anonymous jokester: “I suppose I will die never knowing what pumpkin pie tastes like when you have room for it.” Happy cooking, and may your post-Thanksgiving meals be as delightful as the holiday itself!

For a great Jerk Turkey Recipe click here.