41 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas for 2024
Thanksgiving leftover ideas are a delicious way to extend the spirit of the festive season, allowing you to transform the remnants of your feast into exciting new dishes. Are you tired of the same old reheated turkey and stuffing? There’s no need to let your leftovers go to waste when you can repurpose them into gourmet meals that are just as satisfying as the original dinner!
What if your post-Thanksgiving meals could be even more creative than the main event? From turkey soups and pot pies to sweet potato brownies and cranberry cookies, these Thanksgiving leftover ideas will inspire you to give those extra ingredients a fresh, flavorful twist. Ready to make the most of your leftovers? Look through our leftover Thanksgiving dinner ideas below.
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41 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
1. Turkey Pesto Sandwiches
Turn your leftovers into a gourmet meal by layering turkey, pesto, leftover cheese and roasted vegetables between slices of sourdough. Grill for a melty, satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that elevate your turkey beyond a cold sandwich, this chicken pesto sandwich is one of many Thanksgiving leftover recipes that will bring fresh flavors to your plate.
2. Turkey Soup
Repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers by simmering leftover veggies in a rich broth to make a vegan potato soup. Thanksgiving leftover ideas like this are quite versatile, so you can always add leftover sliced turkey if you want the added protein. Turn your holiday feast into a cozy soup, perfect for chilly days. It's also an excellent way to use up herbs and extra ingredients from your Thanksgiving sides, making the most of your leftovers.
3. Turkey Pot Pie
Upgrade leftover turkey and vegetables by baking them in a creamy sauce with a crispy stuffing topping instead of traditional pie crust. You can also make a vegan pot pie with just your leftover veggies. These Thanksgiving leftover ideas offer a comforting way to transform your turkey and stuffing into a hearty pot pie that everyone will love.
4. Turkey Bolognese
Swap beef for leftover turkey to make a rich turkey bolognese sauce made with crushed tomatoes, herbs and cream. These Thanksgiving leftover ideas create a satisfying pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a flavorful way to give your turkey a makeover while keeping the dish familiar yet fresh.
5. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Craft a post-holiday grazing board using leftover meats, cheeses, veggies, cranberry sauce, crusty bread rolls and glasses of the best wine for Thanksgiving. These Thanksgiving leftover ideas are perfect for a laid-back snack or light meal; you could even make it a date night charcuterie board! The board creatively repurposes your feast into a fun and easy spread for casual time with family and friends.
6. Turkey Stock
Make the most of your Thanksgiving turkey by turning the carcass into a rich turkey stock. This Thanksgiving leftover idea allows you to extract flavor from the bones, providing a delicious base for soups, gravies and risottos that will carry you through the winter season.
7. Sausage Stuffing
Turn leftover sausage meat into a crispy and savory sausage stuffing that you bake until golden. These Thanksgiving leftover ideas are perfect for casual meals or as a quick snack, offering a fun twist on stuffing that the whole family will enjoy. If you're looking for leftover Thanksgiving dinner ideas, this easy sausage stuffing recipe is a great way to repurpose ingredients into something delicious.
8. Butternut Squash Tacos with Cranberry Salsa
Transform roasted butternut squash leftovers into vegetarian butternut squash tacos and make a cranberry salsa from your leftover sauce! This Thanksgiving leftover idea offers a colorful, plant-based twist on taco night, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
9. Sweet Potato Cornbread
Use up leftover mashed sweet potatoes to create moist and slightly sweetened sweet potato cornbread. This Thanksgiving leftover idea turns your sweet potatoes into a tray of warm, filling cornbread that pairs well with soups, stews or even as a snack during post-holiday meals.
10. Buffalo Turkey Pasta
Give your leftover turkey a bold twist by tossing it in creamy buffalo sauce and mixing it with pasta to make a buffalo chicken pasta. These Thanksgiving leftover ideas add spice and richness to your holiday leftovers, creating a quick and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for those craving something different.
11. Turkey Cheesesteak Sandwich
Turn leftover turkey into a Philly chicken cheesesteak sandwich by layering thinly sliced turkey with sautéed onions and melted cheese in a toasted roll. These Thanksgiving leftover ideas bring a savory, satisfying twist to your turkey, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option.
12. Portobello Mushroom Sandwich
Combine leftover portobello mushrooms with roasted veggies and aioli for a hearty portobello mushroom sandwich. This Thanksgiving leftover idea elevates your leftover side dishes by combining them in a new meal that is so satisfying and easy to throw together.
13. Turkey Tortilla Soup
Spice up your leftover turkey by turning it into a fun riff on a chicken tortilla soup. Simmer with tomatoes, beans and spices and top with crunchy tortilla strips. This Thanksgiving leftover idea transforms your turkey into a vibrant and comforting dish packed with bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.
14. Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
If you’ve got too many leftover roast potatoes, remove the skins and combine them with sour cream to make the most luxurious mashed potatoes with sour cream. This Thanksgiving leftover idea offers a fun, flavorful way to repurpose roasted potatoes into a new potato dish that works great as a side dish.
15. Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
Take your tender asparagus stems and wrap them in crispy prosciutto to make a quick and elegant appetizer or side. Thanksgiving leftover ideas like asparagus wrapped in prosciutto bring together proteins and veggies in a bite-sized, flavorful package that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack.
16. Turkey Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate
Sautéed Brussels sprouts are the best next-day side dish after Thanksgiving. Toss your Brussels sprouts with leftover turkey and pomegranate seeds for added sweetness and crunch. This Thanksgiving leftover idea creates a colorful, nutritious post-holiday side that combines textures and flavors in an easy, vibrant dish.
17. German Potato Pancakes
Transform mashed sweet potatoes into crispy German potato pancakes, with bits of turkey added for protein. This Thanksgiving leftover idea brings sweet and savory together in a fun, crunchy dish that works for breakfast, lunch or even a snack, giving your leftovers a new twist.
18. Asparagus and Eggs
Grab your asparagus and cheese and make asparagus and eggs for a quick, high-protein breakfast. This Thanksgiving leftover idea offers a simple, nutritious way to start your morning after the feast, packed with veggies and protein to keep you energized. This dish would also be great in a spread of Friendsgiving food ideas for an easy and simple brunch.
19. Loaded Totchos with Cranberry Drizzle
Layer crispy tater tots with shredded turkey, melted cheese and a drizzle of cranberry sauce to make totchos, a playful take on nachos. This Thanksgiving leftover idea is perfect for a fun, shareable snack or casual meal that combines the best flavors of the holiday in a new and unexpected way.
20. Candied Carrots
Sweet and tender, these candied carrots are a wonderful way to transform leftover roasted carrots into a glazed and caramelized side dish. By reheating them with brown sugar and a touch of honey, you'll get a new life out of any veggies that survived Thanksgiving dinner. For more Thanksgiving leftover ideas, consider pairing them with turkey for an easy, balanced meal.
21. Pea Salad
Turn leftover peas into a refreshing and creamy pea salad by tossing them in a tangy dressing with bacon and onions. The dish’s cool, crisp flavors make it a great contrast to heavier holiday meals. This is one of those Thanksgiving leftover ideas that feels like a fresh reset after a feast. The bacon also adds a rich twist to those simple peas.
22. Buffalo Chicken Salad
Reinvent the Buffalo chicken salad with turkey and make something spicy, bold and exciting. Instead of using chicken, toss shredded turkey in Buffalo sauce and layer it over greens with a creamy dressing and tortilla chips. One of the most vibrant Thanksgiving leftover ideas, it turns post-holiday meals into something unexpected and flavorful.
23. Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes
Leftover roasted sweet potatoes get a second life with brown sugar sweet potatoes, glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar for a warm and cozy side. Lightly spiced with cinnamon, these maple-spiced sweet potatoes complement any main course. This Thanksgiving leftover idea can also be turned into a vegan Thanksgiving recipe by swapping out the butter for a plant-based version.
24. Turkey Gnocchi Soup
Instead of rotisserie chicken, use leftover Thanksgiving turkey in this hearty chicken gnocchi soup. The creamy broth, tender gnocchi and savory turkey make it a perfect post-holiday comfort dish. Quick to prepare, this soup is one of those Thanksgiving leftover ideas that transforms the leftover bird into something rich and satisfying for chilly nights.
25. Green Bean Fries
Leftover green beans find a new purpose as crispy green bean fries. Coated in breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, these crunchy bites are a healthy and addictive way to enjoy your veggies. As one of the more unique Thanksgiving leftover ideas, they make a great snack or appetizer, especially when served with a tangy dipping sauce.
26. Parsnip Purée
Elevate leftover roasted parsnips by turning them into a velvety smooth parsnip purée. Perfect as a side dish, this purée has a rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with any protein. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that cater to vegetarian and gluten-free needs, this purée brings a gourmet feel to your post-holiday meals.
27. Sausage Dip
Reinvent leftover sausage stuffing by turning it into a cheesy, keto-friendly sausage dip. This quick and savory dip is perfect for parties or casual snacking, giving you another way to repurpose that extra stuffing. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving leftover ideas that are crowd-pleasers, this flavorful dip hits all the right notes for game day or gatherings.
28. New York-Style Turkey Chopped Cheese
Leftover turkey meets New York street food in this turkey and chopped cheese sandwich. Shredded turkey is sautéed with onions and melted cheese, then piled onto a roll with lettuce and tomato. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that give you a break from traditional holiday flavors, this hearty, quick-to-make sandwich brings a fun, urban twist to your kitchen.
29. Apple Crisp Macchiato
Enjoy fall flavors beyond pie with this spiced apple crisp macchiato. Using leftover apple cider from Thanksgiving, mix it into a sauce and add it to your coffee with a hint of cinnamon and caramel to create a warm and comforting drink. One of the more indulgent Thanksgiving leftover ideas, this macchiato is a sweet and sippable reminder of the fall season’s best flavors.
30. Sweet Potato Brownies
Turn leftover sweet potatoes into decadent fudgy sweet potato brownies. Packed with rich chocolate, these brownies sneak in nutrition without sacrificing flavor. If you want Thanksgiving leftover ideas that turn vegetables into dessert, this recipe is perfect, giving new life to your sweet potato side while delighting everyone with its irresistible texture.
31. Sweet Potato Cheesecake
Combine two holiday favorites into a show-stopping sweet potato cheesecake. Leftover sweet potatoes blend into a creamy cheesecake base, while the spiced cookie crust and marshmallow topping bring layers of texture and flavor. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that will impress, Thanksgiving desserts like this are the ultimate way to remix and elevate what’s left from the big feast.
32. Cranberry BBQ Pulled Turkey Sliders
This is one of our more far-out leftover Thanksgiving dinner ideas, but hear us out! Pulled pork sliders get a flavorful makeover with cranberry BBQ pulled turkey sliders. Tangy cranberry sauce mixes with BBQ sauce to create the perfect topping for shredded turkey, piled high on soft rolls with coleslaw. One of the tastiest Thanksgiving leftover ideas, these sliders are an easy and delicious lunch or dinner option.
33. Savory Stuffing Waffles
Turn your leftover stuffing into savory waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. These waffles are perfect topped with an egg or drizzled in gravy. One of the more creative Thanksgiving leftover ideas, these stuffing waffles add a fun twist to breakfast or brunch, making sure nothing goes to waste after the holiday.
34. Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Peppers
Leftover sausage stuffing gets a new twist as the filling for these cheesy sausage stuffed peppers. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is an easy and satisfying meal that uses up any leftover stuffing. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that turn side dishes into mains, these stuffed peppers offer a flavorful and filling option with minimal effort.
35. Thanksgiving Frittata
Whip up a Thanksgiving frittata by mixing leftover turkey, stuffing and roasted vegetables with eggs for a quick, savory brunch. This versatile dish takes whatever remains from your feast and turns it into a satisfying meal. When you need Thanksgiving leftover ideas that are easy and customizable, this frittata is the perfect all-in-one solution.
36. Golden Mashed Potato Croquettes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden mashed potato croquettes. Coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crunchy, these bite-sized croquettes make a delicious snack or appetizer. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that go beyond reheating, these croquettes give mashed potatoes a new life with a fun, crunchy twist.
37. Turkey Gravy Poutine
Turn leftover gravy into an indulgent turkey gravy poutine. Crispy fries are smothered in rich gravy and melted cheese curds, creating a comforting dish that’s hard to resist. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that turn Thanksgiving foods into comfort classics, this poutine delivers a warm and hearty post-holiday treat that really hits the spot.
38. Cranberry Sauce Thumbprint Cookies
Leftover cranberry sauce makes the perfect filling for buttery thumbprint cookies. Make your favorite cookie dough, roll it into balls on a baking sheet, press a thumb-sized dent in the center, fill with your leftover cranberry sauce and bake for 10 minutes. For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that will delight your sweet tooth, these cookies are a creative way to turn a simple side dish into a holiday favorite.
39. Turkey Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg
Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey add depth and richness to soul-warming dishes like ramen. Swap the typical chashu pork ramen for sliced turkey breasts paired with a savory broth, a soft-boiled egg and fresh veggies. A Thanksgiving leftover idea that offers something far from traditional, this ramen is a great way to stretch that leftover turkey into another comforting meal that'll warm you up on cold days.
40. Spicy Turkey Chili
Simmer leftover turkey with beans, tomatoes and spices to make a spicy stovetop chili that adds a kick to your post-holiday meals. This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for warming up and switching things up after Thanksgiving. If you're looking for Thanksgiving leftover ideas with bold flavors, turkey chili is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the bird again.
41. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Mix leftover pumpkin pie with ice cream and milk for a rich, creamy pumpkin pie milkshake. With Thanksgiving leftover recipes like this, you’re able to capture the essence of fall in every sip! For Thanksgiving leftover ideas that celebrate dessert in an unexpected way, this milkshake offers a refreshing twist on a holiday classic.
Boost Your Culinary Skills With a Cooking Class
Taking cooking classes can elevate your skills in the kitchen, making it easier to turn leftovers into new mouth-watering meals. By learning techniques from experienced chefs, you’ll discover how to repurpose ingredients creatively, balance flavors and make the most of every dish.
Whether it’s mastering the art of sauces, perfecting knife skills or exploring new cuisines, cooking classes can build your confidence and inspire you to experiment with your leftovers in ways you never imagined.
You can find cooking classes near you to get hands-on experience in person or take online classes from the comfort of your own kitchen. These experiences give you the tools and techniques you need to make the most of your pantry and fridge, ensuring that no ingredient goes to waste. Plus, they’re a fun way to connect with other food lovers while learning how to create delicious, inventive meals.
As you can see, Thanksgiving leftover ideas go far beyond the classic cold turkey sandwich. Whether you're craving something savory like a turkey bolognese or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with sweet potato cheesecake, there are endless possibilities to make your leftovers feel brand new.
The beauty of these dishes is that they breathe fresh life into holiday staples, allowing you to enjoy your feast for days and in a variety of ways. So, the next time you're faced with a fridge full of leftovers, let these Thanksgiving leftover ideas be your guide to delicious and inventive meals.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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