Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers: Delicious Recipes to Enjoy All Week Long
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and an abundance of delicious food. But what happens after the feast? For many of us, it’s a week of staring into the refrigerator at containers overflowing with leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Instead of eating the same plate of food for days on end, why not get creative and transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into exciting new meals? This article will provide you with a variety of recipes, from comforting classics to innovative dishes, that will help you make the most of your holiday bounty and keep your taste buds happy all week long.
Why Repurpose Thanksgiving Leftovers?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s consider the benefits of repurposing your Thanksgiving leftovers:
* **Reduces Food Waste:** According to the EPA, food waste is a significant environmental problem. Repurposing leftovers is a fantastic way to minimize your contribution to this issue and be more sustainable.
* **Saves Money:** Why buy more groceries when you have a treasure trove of ingredients already on hand? Turning leftovers into new meals can save you money on your grocery bill.
* **Variety and Excitement:** Eating the same Thanksgiving plate every day can get boring quickly. Repurposing leftovers allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures, adding variety to your meals.
* **Creative Cooking:** Repurposing leftovers encourages you to think outside the box and develop your culinary skills. You might be surprised at the delicious creations you come up with!
Essential Tips for Handling Thanksgiving Leftovers
Before we get into the recipes, it’s crucial to handle leftovers safely to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some essential tips:
* **Cool Food Quickly:** Don’t leave food at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria thrive in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F. Divide large quantities of food into smaller containers to help them cool faster.
* **Store Food Properly:** Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Label each container with the date to keep track of how long it’s been stored.
* **Reheat Thoroughly:** Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.
* **Know When to Toss:** If you’re unsure about the safety of a leftover, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Generally, cooked turkey and other meats should be consumed within 3-4 days, while side dishes can last slightly longer.
Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Now, let’s get to the good part – the recipes! We’ve organized these recipes by main ingredient to make it easier for you to find inspiration based on what you have on hand.
Turkey Recipes
Turkey is the star of Thanksgiving, and it’s likely you’ll have plenty leftover. Here are some delicious ways to use it up:
1. Turkey Tetrazzini
This creamy, comforting casserole is a classic way to use leftover turkey. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
* 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in heavy cream, sherry (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7. Add cooked spaghetti and turkey to the sauce and toss to combine.
8. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
2. Turkey Pot Pie
Pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s even better with leftover turkey. This recipe uses a flaky pie crust to encase a creamy, savory filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped carrots
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
* 1 cup cooked turkey, cubed
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 egg, beaten
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, turkey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges and crimp.
8. Pour the turkey filling into the pie crust.
9. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
10. Brush the top crust with beaten egg.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
3. Turkey Cranberry Wraps
For a lighter meal, try these turkey cranberry wraps. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* Large tortillas
* Lettuce leaves
* Leftover turkey, sliced
* Cranberry sauce
* Cream cheese, softened (optional)
* Sprouts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese (if using) on each tortilla.
2. Layer lettuce leaves, sliced turkey, and cranberry sauce on top.
3. Add sprouts (if using).
4. Roll up the tortilla tightly.
5. Cut in half and serve.
4. Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup
This hearty soup combines the flavors of Thanksgiving in a warm, comforting bowl. The stuffing dumplings add a unique and delicious twist.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup leftover stuffing
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
2. Add turkey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, combine stuffing, flour, and parsley. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, form the stuffing mixture into small dumplings.
5. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
7. Serve hot.
5. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A twist on a classic, this shepherd’s pie uses leftover turkey instead of ground beef. The creamy mashed potato topping adds a comforting touch.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped carrots
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups mashed potatoes
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in turkey, chicken broth, peas, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Pour the turkey mixture into a 9-inch baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown.
Mashed Potato Recipes
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and they’re surprisingly versatile. Here are some creative ways to use them up:
1. Mashed Potato Pancakes
These crispy pancakes are a delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups mashed potatoes
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, flour, and onion. Mix well.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mashed potato mixture into the hot oil.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite toppings.
2. Mashed Potato Soup
This creamy soup is a comforting way to warm up on a chilly day. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups mashed potatoes
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, mashed potatoes, onion, and garlic powder.
2. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or green onions.
3. Mashed Potato Croquettes
These crispy croquettes are a fun and elegant way to use leftover mashed potatoes. They’re perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups mashed potatoes
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 egg, beaten (for coating)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* Vegetable oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Form the mashed potato mixture into small balls or cylinders.
3. Roll each croquette in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the croquettes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Stuffing Recipes
Stuffing is another Thanksgiving favorite, and there are many creative ways to use it up.
1. Stuffing Waffles
This unique and savory waffle is a delicious way to repurpose leftover stuffing. Top it with a fried egg and gravy for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover stuffing
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* Vegetable oil for waffle iron
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine stuffing, eggs, and milk. Mix well.
3. Grease the waffle iron with vegetable oil.
4. Pour the stuffing mixture into the waffle iron.
5. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with a fried egg and gravy.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and flavorful way to use leftover stuffing. They’re perfect for a light dinner or lunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 bell peppers (any color)
* 2 cups leftover stuffing
* 1 cup cooked ground turkey or sausage (optional)
* 1/2 cup tomato sauce
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, combine stuffing and ground turkey or sausage (if using).
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the stuffing mixture.
5. Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish.
6. Pour tomato sauce over the top of the bell peppers.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.
3. Stuffing Frittata
This savory frittata is a delicious way to use leftover stuffing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 cups leftover stuffing
* 1/2 cup chopped cooked turkey or ham (optional)
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in stuffing and turkey or ham (if using).
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch oven-safe skillet.
5. Sprinkle with cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set.
Cranberry Sauce Recipes
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving essential, but it can be more than just a side dish. Here are some creative ways to use it up:
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
These elegant appetizers are perfect for a holiday party or gathering. The sweet and tart cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy brie cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) puff pastry, thawed
* 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
* 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
* Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into small squares.
3. Place a cube of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each square.
4. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
5. Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares over the filling to form a small bundle.
6. Place the bundles on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
2. Cranberry Sauce Grilled Cheese
This surprisingly delicious grilled cheese sandwich is a unique way to use leftover cranberry sauce. The sweet and tart flavor pairs perfectly with the savory cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of bread
* Butter
* Cheddar cheese slices
* Cranberry sauce
**Instructions:**
1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Top with cheddar cheese slices and cranberry sauce.
4. Place the other slice of bread, butter-side up, on top.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
3. Cranberry Vinaigrette
This simple vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor to salads. The sweet and tart cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with olive oil and vinegar.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cranberry sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Beyond Recipes: Other Creative Uses for Leftovers
* **Freeze for Later:** If you have too many leftovers to use within a few days, freeze them for later. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce all freeze well. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
* **Donate to a Food Bank:** If you have excess food that you won’t be able to use, consider donating it to a local food bank. Many food banks accept cooked leftovers, as long as they are properly stored and handled.
* **Compost Food Scraps:** Instead of throwing away food scraps, compost them. Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, you can transform them into delicious and exciting meals. By following these recipes and tips, you can reduce food waste, save money, and enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all week long. So, don’t let those leftovers go to waste – get cooking and create some culinary magic!