Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Reinvention

Thanksgiving is a glorious holiday, a celebration of gratitude, family, and, of course, food. But after the feasting frenzy, we’re often left with mountains of delicious leftovers. While turkey sandwiches are a classic, and reheating everything is always an option, why not transform those Thanksgiving treasures into something entirely new and exciting? Enter: Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs! These bite-sized explosions of flavor are not only incredibly delicious but also a fun and creative way to repurpose your holiday bounty. Get ready to elevate your leftover game with this easy-to-follow recipe and turn your post-Thanksgiving blues into a culinary adventure.

## What are Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs?

Think of them as portable Thanksgiving feasts encased in a flaky, golden crust. We’re talking turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy, all harmoniously blended and baked to perfection. They’re a fantastic appetizer, a satisfying snack, or even a light meal. The best part? They’re completely customizable to your leftover situation and personal preferences. No two batches will ever be exactly the same, making each bomb a unique culinary creation.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Reduces Food Waste:** Let’s face it, throwing away leftovers is a cardinal sin in the Thanksgiving universe. This recipe provides a delicious and creative way to use up every last bit of your holiday feast.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their impressive appearance, these dinner bombs are surprisingly simple to assemble. The process is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don’t have cranberry sauce? Use applesauce! Love sweet potatoes? Throw them in the mix!
* **Portable and Convenient:** Perfect for on-the-go snacking, lunchboxes, or even a potluck. They’re easy to transport and require no utensils.
* **Delicious and Comforting:** The combination of savory and sweet flavors, combined with the flaky crust, makes these dinner bombs incredibly satisfying and comforting. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Leftover Turkey:** Shredded or diced. The star of the show!
* **Leftover Stuffing:** Adds texture and flavor. Day-old stuffing works best.
* **Leftover Mashed Potatoes:** Provides a creamy base. Avoid overly wet mashed potatoes.
* **Leftover Cranberry Sauce:** Adds a touch of sweetness and tartness. Whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce both work well.
* **Leftover Gravy:** Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. Chicken, turkey, or vegetable gravy all work well.
* **Pie Crust:** Store-bought or homemade. Two 9-inch pie crusts are typically sufficient.
* **Egg Wash:** 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water. For a golden-brown finish.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cooked vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas), shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack), herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), crumbled bacon.

## Equipment

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the leftover ingredients.
* **Rolling Pin:** For rolling out the pie crust.
* **Cookie Cutters or Knife:** For cutting out circles from the pie crust. A 3-4 inch diameter is ideal.
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the dinner bombs.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Fork:** For crimping the edges of the dinner bombs.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the most delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs:

**1. Prepare the Leftover Filling:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. The ratio of ingredients is flexible, but aim for a balanced flavor profile. Start with roughly equal amounts of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, and then add cranberry sauce and gravy to taste.
* If using any optional add-ins, such as cooked vegetables, shredded cheese, herbs, chopped nuts, or crumbled bacon, add them to the mixing bowl and mix well.
* Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the flavor.

**2. Roll Out the Pie Crust:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the pie crusts to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness.

**3. Cut Out Circles:**

* Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles from the pie crust. Aim for a diameter of 3-4 inches. You should be able to get several circles from each crust.
* Gather the scraps of pie crust, re-roll them, and cut out more circles until you have used all the dough.

**4. Assemble the Dinner Bombs:**

* Place a circle of pie crust on your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the leftover filling into the center of the circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the bombs difficult to seal.
* Brush the edges of the pie crust circle with egg wash. This will help the edges seal together properly.
* Fold the pie crust circle in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal.
* Alternatively, place another circle of pie crust on top of the filling-topped circle, and seal the edges using the same method.

**5. Bake the Dinner Bombs:**

* Place the assembled dinner bombs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bomb.
* Brush the tops of the dinner bombs with egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown color and a shiny finish.
* Use a sharp knife or a toothpick to poke a small vent hole in the top of each dinner bomb. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the bombs from bursting.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dinner bombs are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

**6. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the dinner bombs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* Serve the dinner bombs warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a snack, or a light meal.
* Optional: Serve with extra gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Dinner Bombs

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the dinner bombs is a common mistake that can lead to them bursting during baking. Be generous with the filling, but leave enough room to seal the edges properly.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** A tight seal is essential to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
* **Vent the Dinner Bombs:** Poking a small vent hole in the top of each dinner bomb allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting.
* **Use Cold Pie Crust:** Cold pie crust is easier to work with and will result in a flakier crust. If using store-bought pie crust, keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the leftover filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the flavor.
* **Get Creative with Add-ins:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins. Cooked vegetables, shredded cheese, herbs, chopped nuts, and crumbled bacon can all add flavor and texture to the dinner bombs.
* **Make Ahead:** These dinner bombs can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked dinner bombs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

## Variations and Customizations

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Vegetarian Dinner Bombs:** Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils, black beans, or tofu. Add extra vegetables and herbs to create a flavorful vegetarian filling.
* **Sweet Potato Dinner Bombs:** Add mashed sweet potatoes to the filling for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
* **Cranberry Brie Dinner Bombs:** Add small cubes of brie cheese to the filling along with the cranberry sauce for a decadent and flavorful twist.
* **Spicy Dinner Bombs:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Mini Dinner Bombs:** Use smaller cookie cutters to create mini dinner bombs that are perfect for appetizers or snacks. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Use Puff Pastry:** For an even flakier and lighter crust, substitute the pie crust with puff pastry.

## Serving Suggestions

Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a satisfying snack on a chilly afternoon.
* **Light Meal:** Pair them with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a light and flavorful meal.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring them to your next potluck and impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack them in your lunchbox for a delicious and convenient midday meal.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover dinner bombs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may become soggy.

## Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bomb Recipe Card

**Yields:** Approximately 12-16 dinner bombs
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups leftover shredded turkey
* 2 cups leftover stuffing
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
* 1/2 cup leftover gravy
* 2 (9-inch) pie crusts, store-bought or homemade
* 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)
* Optional: Cooked vegetables, shredded cheese, herbs, chopped nuts, crumbled bacon

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Rolling pin
* 3-4 inch cookie cutters or knife
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Fork
* Pastry brush

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Add any optional add-ins.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie crust to 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Cut out circles from the crust using cookie cutters or a knife. Re-roll scraps to cut out more circles.
5. Place a circle of pie crust on your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of filling into the center.
6. Brush the edges of the crust with egg wash.
7. Fold the crust in half to form a half-moon shape, or place another circle on top. Press and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
8. Place the dinner bombs on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush the tops with egg wash and poke a small vent hole in each.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
11. Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with extra gravy or cranberry sauce, if desired.

## Conclusion

Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner Bombs are a delicious and creative way to transform your holiday leftovers into something truly special. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. So, ditch the boring turkey sandwiches and embrace the dinner bomb revolution! Your taste buds (and your food waste conscience) will thank you. Happy cooking, and happy post-Thanksgiving feasting!