Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Ideas

Breathe New Life Into Your Leftovers

The day after Thanksgiving often leaves us staring at containers of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more. Endless leftovers can get dull, but with a little creativity, you can reinvent them into completely new, exciting meals. These Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas are designed to reduce food waste, save time, and delight your palate with fresh flavors—all while using what’s already in your fridge.

From sandwiches and casseroles to soups, stir-fries, and breakfast mash-ups, these recipes transform yesterday’s feast into today’s favorites. Whether you have just turkey and mashed potatoes or a full spread of sides, you’ll find ideas here to mix, match, and savor.

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Turkey and Stuffing Panini with Cranberry Aioli

This grilled sandwich is warm, crisp, and a perfect fusion of savory turkey, moist stuffing, and a tangy-sweet cranberry spread.

Ingredients

• Leftover roasted turkey, sliced

• Leftover stuffing

• Gluten‑friendly bread or your favorite bread

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

• Leftover cranberry sauce

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Optional: fresh greens or baby spinach

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to make a quick aioli.

2. Butter or oil the outer sides of your bread.

3. On the non-buttered side of the bottom slice, layer turkey, stuffing, and greens if using.

4. Spread cranberry aioli on the inner side of the top slice, then close the sandwich.

5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwich 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the filling is warmed through.

6. Slice in half and serve.

Variation: Use flatbread, wraps, or panini press for a crispier finish.

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Turkey & Vegetable Fried Rice (Leftover Style)

A speedy stir-fry that turns leftover meat, mashed potatoes, and vegetables into a flavorful rice-style dish—without necessarily needing actual rice.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey, diced

• Leftover vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, etc.)

• 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

• A pinch of black pepper

• Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro

Instructions

1. If using cauliflower rice, sauté it lightly until softened. If you have leftover cooked rice, break up any clumps.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.

3. Add vegetables and turkey; stir-fry until heated through.

4. Push mixture to one side. Pour beaten eggs into cleared space, scramble, then combine with other ingredients.

5. Add rice (or cauliflower rice), pour in soy sauce, and toss everything to combine.

6. Season with pepper, stir in green onions or cilantro, and serve hot.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Soup with Turkey & Potatoes

Turn mashed potatoes, turkey, and vegetables into a comforting, creamy soup perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

• Leftover mashed potatoes (about 2 cups)

• Leftover turkey, shredded or diced

• Leftover vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots)

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.

2. Add leftover vegetables and turkey; stir to combine.

3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Add mashed potatoes gradually, whisking or stirring until soup is smooth (or slightly chunky, to your preference).

5. If too thick, add extra broth or water.

6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with herbs, and serve warm.

Variation: Blend half the soup if you prefer a silky texture.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Bake

Combine stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegetables into a hearty baked casserole that’s easy and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• Leftover stuffing

• Leftover turkey, shredded

• Leftover mashed potatoes

• Leftover vegetables

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)

• 1 cup milk or broth

• 1 tablespoon butter or oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a baking dish. Layer stuffing first, then turkey, vegetables, and dollops of mashed potatoes.

3. Drizzle milk or broth over the top to moisten. Dot with butter or oil.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese, and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Turkey & Veggie Breakfast Hash

This breakfast hash makes a hearty morning meal using leftover turkey, potatoes, and veggies—ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey, diced

• Leftover mashed potatoes or leftover cooked potatoes, chopped

• Leftover vegetables

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: a fried egg (or tofu scramble for vegan twist)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and pepper, sauté until softened.

2. Add leftover vegetables, turkey, and potatoes. Press into the skillet and allow to brown undisturbed for a few minutes.

3. Stir, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until everything is heated through and crisped in places.

4. Serve topped with a fried egg or a side of greens.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Peppers

Use leftover stuffing and turkey inside bell peppers for a colorful, portable meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed

• Leftover stuffing

• Leftover turkey, shredded

• ½ cup leftover vegetables

• ½ cup broth or milk to moisten

• ½ cup cheese (optional)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, mix stuffing, turkey, veggies, and enough broth or milk to moisten. Season.

3. Spoon mixture into pepper halves. Top with cheese if using.

4. Place in a baking dish with a splash of water at bottom. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is golden.

5. Serve hot, perhaps with a side salad or steamed greens.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Quesadillas

Quick and fun: layer turkey, stuffing, and veggies between tortillas or flatbreads and grill until cheese (or vegan cheese) melts.

Ingredients

• Tortillas or gluten-free wraps

• Leftover turkey

• Leftover stuffing

• Leftover vegetables

• Shredded cheese or vegan cheese

• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter both sides of one tortilla.

2. Place it butter-side-down. Layer turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and cheese.

3. Top with second tortilla, butter the top.

4. Cook until bottom is golden and firm, then flip carefully and cook the other side.

5. Slice into wedges and serve with leftover cranberry sauce or sour cream.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Shepherd’s Pie

Rework the flavors of Thanksgiving into a faux shepherd’s pie—turkey and veggies topped with mashed potatoes and baked until bubbly.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey, shredded

• Leftover vegetables

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1–2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

• ½ cup broth or milk

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add leftover vegetables and turkey, cook briefly.

3. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.

4. Loosen mashed potatoes with broth or milk and spread over the top.

5. Smooth with a spatula and make peaks.

6. Bake 20–25 minutes until the top begins to brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza or Flatbread

Use leftover turkey, vegetables, and even mashed potatoes as creative pizza toppings on crust or flatbread.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough or flatbread

• Olive oil for brushing

• Leftover mashed potatoes (thin layer)

• Leftover turkey, shredded

• Leftover vegetables

• Shredded cheese or vegan cheese

• Fresh herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to crust instructions (usually 425–450°F).

2. Brush dough with olive oil.

3. Spread a thin layer of mashed potatoes as “sauce.”

4. Add turkey and vegetables. Top with cheese.

5. Bake until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Sprinkle fresh herbs before slicing.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Tortilla Roll‑Ups / Pinwheels

Turn leftovers into party-friendly appetizers or lunch by rolling them into tortillas or wraps and slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

• Large tortillas or wraps

• Leftover turkey, shredded

• Leftover stuffing

• Leftover vegetables

• Cream cheese or vegan spread

• Optional: lettuce or spinach

Instructions

1. Spread cream cheese lightly over tortilla.

2. Layer turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and greens if using.

3. Roll tightly, wrap in parchment, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve as snacks or appetizers.

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Tips for Reinventing Thanksgiving Leftovers

• Mix textures: Pair creamy (mashed potatoes) with crispy (panini or fried edges) to keep the meal exciting.

• Add fresh herbs or citrus: Lemon zest, parsley, or thyme brighten leftover dishes.

• Moisten when needed: Use broth, milk, or a bit of sauce to avoid dryness.

• Freeze portions: Many of these recipes freeze well—store in airtight containers for up to a month.

• Label clearly: Date and name each container so you know what’s inside when you reheat.

• Don’t overcook: Reheat gently to avoid drying out meats or soggy textures.

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FAQs: Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

How long are Thanksgiving leftovers safe?
Leftovers are generally safe for 3–4 days when stored properly in airtight containers in the fridge. Freeze anything you won’t eat within that time.

Can I use frozen leftovers?
Yes. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Many leftover-based casseroles and baked dishes also adapt well from frozen to heated.

Is it safe to re-cook leftovers?
Yes, as long as you reheat thoroughly—foods should reach 165°F (74°C) when reheated.

What’s a good lunch idea using Thanksgiving leftovers?
Leftover panini, wraps, quesadillas, or turn it into a bowl over greens or grain (if you’re okay with carbs) are simple, quick options.

How do I keep leftover turkey moist?
Slice turkey before storing. Save cooking juices or broth and drizzle before reheating. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid under foil.

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Final Thoughts

Leftovers are a gift, not a chore. With some imagination and these creative ideas, you can extend the joy of Thanksgiving into days of delicious meals. These recipes turn yesterday’s feast into pizza, soups, sandwiches, casseroles, and more—so nothing goes to waste and you’re never stuck eating the same thing twice.

Enjoy experimenting, mixing, and matching leftovers. You’ll find new favorites in the everyday, cozy meals after your big holiday feast.