Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

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Ah, Thanksgiving—the one day a year where we all collectively agree to eat until we resemble the stuffed turkey itself. But now, the feast is over, and your fridge looks like a chaotic game of Tetris with containers of leftovers stacked precariously. Don’t let that turkey, stuffing, or cranberry sauce go to waste!

Instead of reheating the same old plate for the third time, let’s transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into mouthwatering new dishes. From crispy stuffing waffles to a cozy turkey soup, these recipes are so good, you might actually look forward to the leftovers more than the main event. Let’s get cooking!

1. Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd’s Pie

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 3/4 cup leftover gravy
• 1 1/2 cups mixed leftover vegetables (e.g., green beans, carrots, corn)
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the shredded turkey in an even layer at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Pour the gravy over the turkey and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixed vegetables over the turkey layer.
5. Cover the top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top (optional).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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2. Cranberry Turkey Panini

Serving Size: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread (sourdough or ciabatta work well)
• 4 cups leftover turkey, sliced
• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 8 slices of Swiss or provolone cheese
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 4 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on the non-mayo side of half the bread slices.
3. Top with the remaining slices of bread, mayo side out.
4. Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat.
5. Spread butter on the skillet and place the sandwiches on it.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side (or in the panini press) until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve warm.

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3. Stuffing Waffles with Gravy

Serving Size: 4 waffles

Ingredients:

• 4 cups leftover stuffing
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup turkey gravy (plus more for serving)
• Non-stick spray or oil for the waffle iron

Instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly coat it with non-stick spray or oil.
2. In a bowl, mix the stuffing, eggs, and 3/4 cup of gravy until combined.
3. Scoop about 1 cup of the stuffing mixture onto the waffle iron and spread slightly.
4. Close the waffle iron and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the waffle is crispy and golden brown.
5. Carefully remove the waffle and repeat with the remaining mixture.
6. Serve hot with additional warmed gravy drizzled on top.

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4. Turkey and Sweet Potato Soup

Author Note: We’ve made this soup for the last 2 years and I think I look forward to it more and more each year. Definitely becoming a post-Thanksgiving favorite in our house!

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups leftover sweet potatoes, mashed or cubed
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup leftover vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, green beans)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the broth and sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil, stirring to break down the sweet potatoes.
2. Add shredded turkey, leftover vegetables, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadillas

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup leftover stuffing
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
2. Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over half of it.
3. Add 1/2 cup of turkey, 1/4 cup of stuffing, and 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
4. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the fillings, then fold the tortilla in half, pressing lightly.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from the skillet, slice into wedges, and repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole for dipping.

Enjoy!

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