10 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes to Try This Year

Thanksgiving is all about sharing a big meal, but the real magic often happens the next day when you open the fridge. With the right Thanksgiving leftover recipes, you can turn turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into brand-new dishes your family will actually be excited to eat. These ideas are simple, cozy, and friendly for busy weeknights after the holiday.

Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Breakfast

When the house is quiet the morning after, a warm breakfast can set a relaxed tone for the day. Instead of serving the same plate again, use these Thanksgiving leftover recipes to build something that feels fresh but still familiar.

Stuffing and Egg Breakfast Bake

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup chopped leftover turkey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Spread the stuffing in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. If it seems dry, drizzle a little milk or broth over the top.
3. Scatter the turkey over the stuffing if you are using it.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing, then sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is lightly browned.
7. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cranberry Topping

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
• Pinch of cinnamon and salt
• 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• Butter or oil for the pan

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, egg, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth.
2. Add flour and baking powder, then gently mix until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
3. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
4. Pour small circles of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden.
5. Warm the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan or microwave.
6. Serve pancakes with a spoonful of warm cranberry sauce on top.

Simple Lunch Ideas Using Thanksgiving Leftovers

By lunchtime, everyone is usually ready for something lighter that still tastes special. These recipes after Thanksgiving turn turkey and rolls into easy meals you can grab between errands or family time.

Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 slices sandwich bread or leftover dinner rolls, split
• 1/3 cup sliced leftover turkey
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 2 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Swiss work well)
• Softened butter for the bread

Instructions

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Layer cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce on top.
4. Add the second slice of bread, butter side up.
5. Cook until the bottom is golden, then carefully flip and cook the other side until the cheese melts.
6. Remove from the pan, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Harvest Turkey Grain Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or farro
• 1/2 cup chopped leftover turkey
• 1/2 cup roasted vegetables (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash)
• 2 tablespoons leftover green beans or salad greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Warm the cooked grain in a skillet or microwave and place it in a bowl as your base.
2. Arrange turkey, roasted vegetables, and green beans or salad greens over the grain.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl.
5. Toss lightly if you like, or serve with toppings arranged on top for a prettier look.

Cozy Dinner Recipes After Thanksgiving

Evenings after the holiday call for comfort food that feels like a reward, not a repeat. These recipes after Thanksgiving take familiar flavors and reshape them into filling dinners.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped leftover turkey
• 1 cup leftover mixed vegetables or frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup leftover gravy or 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 to 3 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine turkey, vegetables, and gravy or soup. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
4. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread to cover. Use a fork to create light ridges if you like a crispier top.
5. Dot the top with butter if you are using it.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the potatoes are lightly browned.
7. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.

Leftover Turkey Tacos

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or avocado

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add turkey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir and cook until the turkey is warmed through and lightly crisp at the edges.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Fill each tortilla with turkey and your favorite toppings.
6. Serve right away while everything is warm.

Comforting Soups and Bowls from Thanksgiving Leftovers

When the weather cools, soup is one of the best Thanksgiving leftover recipes you can make. It stretches ingredients and gives you an easy meal to reheat during a busy week.

Classic Day-After Turkey Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped leftover turkey
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt, pepper, and dried herbs (such as thyme or parsley) to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, then cook until they soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Stir in turkey and noodles.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
7. Serve hot with rolls or leftover bread.

Creamy Mashed Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup leftover corn or mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onion, or bacon bits

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Slowly add the broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in mashed potatoes until they dissolve into the broth.
5. Add milk or cream and leftover vegetables, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, green onion, or bacon bits if you have them.

Sweet Treats from the Dessert Table

Thanksgiving leftover recipes are not just for turkey and stuffing. Desserts can enjoy a second life too, turning extra cranberry sauce and pie into fun sweets for the weekend.

Cranberry Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups leftover cranberry sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed.
4. Press about two thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan.
5. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Pumpkin Pie Parfaits

Ingredients

• Leftover pumpkin pie (about 2 to 3 slices)
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
• 1/2 cup crushed cookies or graham crackers
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Scoop the filling and crust of the pumpkin pie into a bowl and roughly mash it with a spoon.
2. In small glasses or jars, layer a spoonful of crushed cookies, a spoonful of pumpkin pie mixture, and a spoonful of whipped cream.
3. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
4. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Making the Most

With a bit of planning and creativity, your fridge full of containers can become a week of cozy meals instead of a pile of repeat plates. These Thanksgiving leftover recipes help you use what you have, cut down on waste, and keep everyone excited about dinner. Try one or two this year, then add more to your rotation as new family favorites.

 

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