Though of course we've got a classic Thanksgiving sandwich here too!
Without a doubt, our favorite part about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Luckily for us, no matter how hard we try, whether we're having a big family feast, a smaller dinner for two, or a celebration that falls somewhere in between, we're always left with more food than we known what to do with. If this sounds familiar to you, don't just reheat them to eat as-is again and again (or eating cold straight from the fridge, no judgment). Instead, check out these innovative recipes that will give your leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce new life. From soups to casseroles to apps, we've rounded up 47 ways to use ALL your leftover Thanksgiving food. You might just look forward to some of these as much as Thanksgiving dinner itself. 😉
Though we’re all about getting creative with our leftovers, there is one standby we make year after year—the Thanksgiving sandwich. It’s proof you can shove pretty much any aspect of your dinner between two slices of bread, and it’ll turn out perfect, whether you’re eating it to fuel you through Black Friday or are taking it to work the following Monday.
As perfect as it is, though, the sandwich does have its limits. It’s not great for serving a crowd (of lingering family, perhaps?), can be a little one-note, and doesn’t do much for providing the comfort we all need after the busy holiday. 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 , or our homemade turkey stock (made from your turkey carcass); or something lighter or more flavorful than before, like our Kung Pao turkey, our Thanksgiving leftover salad, or our Sichuan mouthwatering turkey.
We’ve also got some recipes here that are perfect if you’re having multiple Thanksgiving celebrations this year (like a work potluck or a Friendsgiving on top of your main dinner). Make the staples for the first dinner, then volunteer to bring apps for the next one. Our fried mashed potato balls, our co*cktail meatballs, our Thanksgiving ring, or our are all wonderful, and no one will notice (or care) that they’re made from leftovers.
1
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
We've perfected the classic Thanksgiving sandwich, and have created our fair share of creative leftover variations (Thanksgiving crunchwrap and Thanksgiving leftover tacos, we're looking at you), but this cozy casserole just might be our new go-to way to enjoy the holiday leftovers.
Get the Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole recipe.
2
Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos
People love the heralded Thanksgiving sandwich, but there’s something about using a tortilla (see our Thanksgiving Crunchwrap) that takes Turkey Day leftovers to a whole new level. Especially when you top that with turkey that has been made brand-new in a pseudo-mole sauce spiked with gravy, chipotle chiles, and dark chocolate.
Get the Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos recipe.
3
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
This herby, savory-sweet dish is basically Thanksgiving in meatball form. With a sweet and tangy glaze made with cranberry sauce and thyme- and sage-speckled turkey meatballs, all you need is a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes for cozy, autumnal bliss that makes those leftovers really sparkle.
Get the Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs recipe.
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4
Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts
Since Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday that screams cheese, we’ve made it our mission to focus on incorporating it into our leftovers, like in this sandwich that features rustic slices of artisan bread, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy buttery brie, and a mound of garlicky leftover turkey. 😍Get the Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts recipe.
5
Thanksgiving Potato Skins
Preparing these potato skins is simple, and since you've already done the bulk of the Thanksgiving cooking—or received a generous takeout container of leftovers—all you need for this recipe is a few additional pantry staples: potatoes and cheddar cheese.
Get the Thanksgiving Potato Skins recipe.
6
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Leftovers have never been so exciting now that you can stuff all those potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a crispy, crunchy egg roll wrapper. Serve these with gravy for one of the most ingenious uses for leftovers EVER.
Get the Thanksgiving Egg Rolls recipe.
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7
Thanksgiving Ring
Thanksgiving leftovers aren't regular leftovers, they're *cool* leftovers. Stuffed inside a crescent roll (well, basically a giant crescent roll) they're EVERYTHING.
Get the Thanksgiving Ring recipe.
8
Thanksgiving Crunchwrap
Tired of the same ol' leftover Thanksgiving sandwich? This crunchwrap is the perfect way to shake things up. Don't have all the leftover ingredients? No worries! Just use what you've got. Pretty much everything short of pumpkin pie will work just fine. 😎
Get the Thanksgiving Crunchwrap recipe.
9
Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are one of the most popular Spanish tapas (or small plates)—They’re a fantastic way to give day-old mashed potatoes a new life, and are the perfect bite-size appetizer for when you want something more exciting than potato chips that will still hit those same comfort food notes.
Get the Potato Croquettes recipe.
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10
Turkey Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is obviously our go-to. It's simple and fast and just so darn comforting. Turkey noodle soup is everything you love about the classic, with the addition of some leftover turkey. Honestly, this soup is reason enough to go out and buy yourself a turkey breast or two the rest of the year.
Get the Turkey Noodle Soup recipe.
11
Perfect Thanksgiving Sandwich
Rule #1 for the day after Thanksgiving: NO COOKING. Seriously, with all of that leftover pickle-brined turkey and creamy mashed potatoes, it would be a crime not to make this sandwich.
Get the Perfect Thanksgiving Sandwich recipe.
12
Thanksgiving Leftover Salad
We'll always love a leftover sandwich, but sometimes after the big day, we could use something a little lighter. Enter: this perfect salad. Leftover stuffing gets turned into irresistible croutons, and a vinaigrette is made from any remaining cranberry sauce. Feel free to add any leftover veggies from Thanksgiving too.
Get the Thanksgiving Leftover Salad recipe.
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13
Turkey Salad
Making turkey salad is just as quick and easy as making chicken salad, tuna salad, or egg salad. And just like all those other salads, you can always add your favorite mix-ins to make this fit your taste. Just don't skip the not-so-secret ingredient that makes this exceptional: celery salt!
Get the Turkey Salad recipe.
14
Turkey Broth
Before you throw out those bones, make yourself some turkey stock! It'll come in handy the next time you want turkey noodle soup.
Get the Turkey Broth recipe.
15
Potato Candy
We all know how versatile the humble potato is, but have you ever made candy out of it? This classic candy recipe might seem odd when looking at the ingredients (mashed potatoes and peanut butter??), but trust us—this nostalgic favorites is worth trying.
Get the Potato Candy recipe.
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16
Turkey Pot Pie
This turkey pot pie has a comforting creamy center with an extra-flaky top. It's the perfect little twist on the chicken classic! Use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey and any additional vegetables you have to make this extra easy.
Get the Turkey Pot Pie recipe.
17
Potato Knishes
These hearty pastries made up of mashed potatoes, studded with bits of caramelized onion and enveloped in a thin crust—are easy, delicious, and so comforting. Our recipe includes classic potato & onion knishes, spanakopita-style knishes, and samosa-style knishes, but feel free to put your own spin on them.
Get the Potato Knishes recipe.
18
Turkey Shepherd's Pie
When the weather outside is frightful, nothing satisfies our craving for comfort food quite like a good shepherd's pie. A traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb or beef, but this turkey version is surprisingly light and SO easy to make (especially if you use leftover Thanksgiving turkey).
Get the Turkey Shepherd's Pie recipe.
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19
Turkey à la King
Turkey à la King tastes just like chicken pot pie filling without the pie crust, making it super-simple to put together. Serve it over split biscuits, rice, cornbread, puff pastry, or even crêpes.
Get the Turkey à la King recipe.
20
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
This recipe turns leftover mashed potatoes into magical, fried bites of savory deliciousness. Ready in just 25 minutes, these delish creations are a perfect last-minute appetizer when you want something a bit different than your average mashed potatoes, or simply need a fun take on classic comfort food.
Get the Fried Mashed Potato Balls recipe.
