23 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes: Genius Ways to Make the Most of Your Leftovers

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The days after Thanksgiving are often filled with thoughts of how to manage all the leftovers, especially if you’ve hosted a feast.

Instead of the same reheated plate, why not transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into something exciting and new?

These recipe ideas are perfect for families who love to reinvent their meals and for anyone hosting guests over the holiday weekend.

Whether you’re looking for a creative breakfast, a casual lunch, or a hearty dinner, these Thanksgiving leftover recipes will keep the festivities going, without the need to cook from scratch.

Ideal for busy families, holiday hosts, or anyone looking to avoid food waste, these recipes offer delicious, easy-to-make ideas for meals the whole family will love.

Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a quick dinner, they’re perfect for enjoying relaxed meals over the holiday weekend or beyond.

With options ranging from savory hand pies to comforting casseroles, you’ll find plenty of ways to use every bit of turkey, stuffing, and more.

These Thanksgiving leftover recipes ensure you won’t get bored with your holiday leftovers.

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23 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

1. Spicy White Turkey Chili

This Spicy White Turkey Chili is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly nights.

The recipe blends tender turkey with zesty spices, creating a flavorful and warming bowl of chili.

It’s not too heavy, making it a great option for those who want something filling but not overly rich.

With its perfect balance of heat and creaminess, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves a little spice in their meals.

Get the recipe at: Delicious Little Bites

2. Thanksgiving Sliders

These Thanksgiving Sliders are a creative and fun way to use leftover turkey in a completely new form.

Packed with rich flavors reminiscent of a full Thanksgiving meal, these sliders feature tender turkey, savory elements, and a touch of sweetness that ties everything together.

They’re quick to make and perfect for a casual meal or a post-holiday snack.

Get the recipe at: Simply Stacie

3. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole

Transform your holiday leftovers into this hearty Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole.

With layers of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a luscious, creamy sauce, this dish brings all the best parts of a Thanksgiving meal into one delicious bite.

It’s an easy and comforting recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Get the recipe at: Meatloaf and Melodrama

4. Turkey Corn Chowder

This Turkey Corn Chowder is a warm, comforting bowl of creamy goodness that’s packed with flavor.

The recipe blends tender turkey, sweet corn, and a delicious broth to create a dish that’s both hearty and light.

Perfect for using up leftover turkey, this chowder is a satisfying and easy-to-make meal for any day of the week.

Get the recipe at: Diethood

5. Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich

For a fresh take on post-holiday leftovers, this Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich combines tender turkey with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce.

The contrast of flavors creates a delicious and satisfying sandwich, with every bite bursting with Thanksgiving flavors.

It’s simple, quick, and perfect for a tasty lunch or light dinner.

Get the recipe at: WonkyWonderful

6. Leftover Turkey Pasta

This Turkey Leftover Dish is an incredibly easy and flavorful way to repurpose your holiday turkey.

Combining tender turkey with a variety of savory ingredients, this dish creates a hearty, comforting meal that feels fresh and new.

It’s perfect for a simple family dinner when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Get the recipe at: MomDot

7. Turkey Pot Pie With Leftover Turkey

This Turkey Pot Pie with Homemade Crust is a comforting classic that elevates leftover turkey to a whole new level.

The homemade crust is golden and flaky, perfectly complementing the rich and creamy filling packed with turkey and vegetables.

It’s a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozying up on a cold day and making the most of your holiday leftovers.

Get the recipe at: Platter Talk

8. Leftover Turkey Salad

This Leftover Turkey Salad is a light, refreshing way to use up your holiday turkey while offering a break from heavier meals.

With a delightful mix of crunchy and creamy textures, this salad is versatile enough to enjoy for lunch, as a side dish, or even in a sandwich.

It’s a quick and healthy option to enjoy your leftovers in a completely new way.

Get the recipe at: All Day I Dream About Food

9. Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Hash

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Hash is a creative and delicious way to start your day after the big holiday feast.

It combines turkey and other holiday flavors into a hearty, savory breakfast that’s both filling and full of flavor.

It’s the perfect dish to enjoy the morning after Thanksgiving, using up your leftovers in a delightful and satisfying way.

Get the recipe at: Family Food on the Table

10. Leftover Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

These Leftover Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are a fun, unique way to turn your holiday leftovers into a snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Crispy on the outside and filled with savory turkey and holiday flavors, these egg rolls offer a fresh twist on traditional leftovers.

They’re perfect for a quick bite or a crowd-pleasing party dish that’s both creative and delicious.

Get the recipe at: Fab Everyday

11. Leftover Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins

These Leftover Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a perfect, grab-and-go solution for busy mornings.

Packed with savory ham and melted cheese, these muffins offer a delicious way to transform your leftovers into a breakfast treat that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

They’re light, fluffy, and full of flavor, making them a great choice for breakfast or a snack any time of day.

Get the recipe at: Jo Cooks

12. Turkey Noodle Soup

This Turkey Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm and hearty bowl of goodness that makes perfect use of your leftover turkey.

With tender turkey, noodles, and a flavorful broth, this soup is both nourishing and delicious, perfect for chilly days when you need something cozy and filling.

It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy your holiday leftovers in a completely new form.

Get the recipe at: The Cookie Rookie

13. Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Maple Gravy

Leftover Stuffing Waffles are a fun and creative way to repurpose your holiday stuffing into a crispy, savory breakfast treat.

The waffles are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal pairing for breakfast meats, eggs, or even a drizzle of syrup.

This dish brings a new twist to your leftovers, perfect for the day after a big feast.

Get the recipe at: Best Recipe Box

14. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Balls are a delightful way to combine your leftover turkey and stuffing into bite-sized, flavorful morsels.

With a crispy exterior and a tender, savory center, they make for an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

They’re perfect for a post-holiday meal or party platter.

Get the recipe at: Souffle Bombay

15. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

This Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza is a creative way to turn your holiday leftovers into a fun and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Topped with turkey, stuffing, and other holiday favorites, this pizza is a unique twist on traditional leftovers that’s sure to please both kids and adults.

It’s an easy, customizable dish that brings all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors together in one bite.

Get the recipe at: The Stay at Home Chef

16. Leftover Thanksgiving Hand Pies

These Leftover Thanksgiving Hand Pies are a portable and fun way to enjoy your holiday favorites all over again.

Each hand pie is packed with a savory filling of turkey and stuffing, enveloped in a perfectly golden and flaky crust.

They’re a delicious and convenient option for a quick meal or snack, making sure none of your leftovers go to waste.

Get the recipe at: Shared Appetite

17. Easy Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

The Easy Pumpkin Pie Milkshake is a delightful, creamy dessert that turns your leftover pumpkin pie into a dreamy milkshake treat.

Blended with ice cream and fragrant spices, this milkshake captures the essence of pumpkin pie in every sip.

It’s a perfect, indulgent way to satisfy your sweet tooth while giving your leftovers a new twist.

Get the recipe at: Brooklyn Farm Girl

18. Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole

This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hands-off meal that makes the most of your leftover ham.

With tender potatoes and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish slow-cooks to perfection, delivering a hearty and satisfying dinner.

It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Get the recipe at: CheekyKitchen

19. Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

This Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie takes your Thanksgiving leftovers and turns them into a rich and flavorful comfort dish.

It layers tender turkey, veggies, and a creamy gravy under a blanket of fluffy mashed potatoes.

This hearty and satisfying pie is the perfect way to enjoy your holiday meal all over again in a delicious new form.

Get the recipe at: The Recipe Rebel

20. Mashed Potato Stuffing Patties (Thanksgiving Leftovers)

Mashed Potato Stuffing Patties are a crispy and flavorful way to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing.

These golden patties are easy to make and deliciously seasoned, making them the perfect side dish or snack for the days following Thanksgiving.

Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they offer a tasty twist on your holiday leftovers.

Get the recipe at: Pocket Change Gourmet

21. Leftover Turkey Tacos

These Leftover Turkey Tacos offer a fresh and flavorful way to reinvent your holiday leftovers.

Packed with tender turkey and topped with vibrant ingredients, these tacos are a delightful fusion of Thanksgiving flavors and classic taco night fun.

They’re quick, easy to prepare, and add a zesty twist to your leftover turkey, making them a hit for lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe at: JZ Eats

22. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

These Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting way to enjoy your turkey in a completely new form.

Tender pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful turkey filling, then baked to perfection with a savory sauce that ties everything together.

It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine and holiday flavors.

Get the recipe at: Baked by Rachel

23. Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas

Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas are a creative way to blend holiday flavors with a touch of Mexican flair.

These enchiladas are stuffed with turkey and other leftovers, then smothered in a rich, savory sauce that makes each bite irresistible.

It’s a fun and easy way to turn your holiday meal into something exciting and different, perfect for post-Thanksgiving cravings.

Get the recipe at: The Forked Spoon

What are the best ways to store Thanksgiving leftovers?

Storing Thanksgiving leftovers properly is crucial to maintain freshness and flavor.

Start by refrigerating perishable items within two hours of cooking.

Make sure to pack leftovers in airtight containers to prevent any drying out or contamination.

For longer storage, you can freeze items like turkey, stuffing, and casseroles in freezer-safe containers.

Label everything with the date to ensure you know how long they’ve been stored.

Most leftovers can be safely stored for up to four days in the refrigerator, while frozen items can last for months.

Can you combine different leftovers in one dish?

Absolutely! Combining different Thanksgiving leftovers can result in a variety of delicious, creative meals.

For instance, mixing turkey with stuffing can be the base for a savory casserole, while adding cranberry sauce can lend a sweet and tangy contrast.

Leftover vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes can also be combined to make filling pies or patties.

The key is to think of flavors and textures that complement each other, ensuring you get a well-rounded dish that’s as enjoyable as the original Thanksgiving meal.

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