Needless to say, the excitement of Thanksgiving dinner often paves way for its leftovers. But why let the flavors and aromas of this special day go to waste? By transforming your leftover turkey into new and exciting dishes, you can enjoy a different culinary experience each day after Turkey Day. Here are some tasty turkey recipes that will give you endless options to relish in the aftermath of Thanksgiving.
Whether it’s casseroles, sandwiches, soups, or creative twists on traditional favorites like potato croquettes and mashed potato balls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Leftover Turkey Hand Pies For Day After Thanksgiving
Pouring over the remains of a festive feast can be a delightful experience, especially when it leads to creating something as delectable as leftover turkey hand pies. These convenient treats are perfect for a speedy snack or can be neatly stored in the freezer for future indulgence. One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its ease of preparation, making it an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers and minimize food waste.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Salad
Lighten up the post-holiday blues by transforming last week’s Thanksgiving turkey into a mouth-watering turkey salad. This effortless creation requires only five simple ingredients and is an excellent solution for repurposing leftover food. The result is a tasty sandwich spread that you’ll want to enjoy throughout the week.
Easy-to-make Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie (freezer meal!)
Creating the perfect comfort food dish doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task, especially when using leftover ingredients. This particular recipe for Shepherd’s Pie utilizes leftover turkey as its main protein source, allowing for an easy and satisfying meal option on those busy days when you need something quick and comforting.
Try Grilled Turkey Cranberry Cream Cheese Sandwich
Unwind with a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, as we present to you a delectable grilled turkey sandwich, topped with a tangy blend of cranberry and cream cheese. This mouthwatering combination is sure to satisfy your taste buds after a hearty Thanksgiving feast or as a welcome addition to your Christmas dinner menu.
Orzo with Turkey Leftovers and Sweet Potatoes
Noting the abundance of leftover turkey after the holidays, why not combine its rich flavors with sweet potatoes and melted cheese on a bed of orzo pasta? This creative combination not only elevates the humble leftovers but also makes for a satisfying meal. Check out this simple yet effective recipe to see how you can turn yesterday’s turkey into today’s delicious dinner.
Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal For Turkey Dinner
Fresh from the kitchen, this mouth-watering turkey alfredo skillet meal is a creative way to repurpose leftover turkey. It’s quick to make and features a rich, creamy alfredo sauce that’s infused with the smoky flavor of bacon and the sweetness of peas. The penne pasta adds a satisfying bite to each flavorful forkful.
Air Fried Mac and Cheese Balls – Vegetarian Side Dish or Snack
Transform your classic macaroni and cheese into a delightful bite-sized treat with our effortless air fryer mac and cheese balls recipe. This indulgent creation is ideal for snacking, as an appetizer, or even served alongside your favorite meals. To make this comfort food experience complete, we’ve also included instructions on how to prepare it using the Instant Pot, so you can choose your preferred cooking method.
Gluten-free Potato Pancakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes
One simple yet effective way to reduce food waste is to repurpose leftover ingredients in creative ways. In this case, take advantage of the remaining mashed potatoes by transforming them into crispy and savory potato pancakes, an innovative twist on a traditional favorite.
Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup
Keeping leftover turkey from going to waste is a great idea, especially when you can turn it into a delicious and nourishing soup. Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup is an ideal recipe for using up shredded, cooked turkey and can be prepared quickly in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop. The best part? This soup can be made with minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. Just head over to our website to check out the full recipe and get cooking!
Easy Cranberry Baked Brie with Thyme
Make the most of your holiday gatherings by serving an impressive and delicious cranberry baked brie that’s ready in just 15 minutes. This elegant yet easy-to-make appetizer is topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy roasted pecans, and fragrant thyme, making it a perfect addition to any festive spread. Simply click here to check out the recipe and get started on impressing your guests!
Healthy Cinnamon Sweet Potato Rolls
Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday mornings, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves scrambling for a quick yet satisfying breakfast or brunch option. Fortunately, these Cinnamon Sweet Potato Rolls come to the rescue, offering a delightful combination of health, taste, and convenience that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Not only are they free from artificial additives and preservatives, but their sweet potato base also provides an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Tasty Thanksgiving Leftovers Potato Skins
Holiday feasts are often synonymous with abundance, but the aftermath can be overwhelming. Helping you make the most of your leftover ingredients is key. Hearty dishes like stuffed potatoes are perfect for repurposing your Thanksgiving meal. Specifically, these potato skins offer a fun and creative way to breathe new life into last week’s holiday feast.
With a little creativity and some basic kitchen tools, you can transform leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, or any other ingredients into a satisfying snack. Check out this recipe by visiting the link below.
Classic Leftover Turkey Apple Salad
Freshly prepared salads are always a delight, and this Classic Leftover Turkey Apple Salad is a game-changer. Not only does it offer a creative twist on the classic chicken salad, but it also provides an excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey from your holiday feasts. This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for those post-holiday meals when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Cranberry Nut Quick Bread Recipe
Baking a delicious and festive cranberry nut bread is a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays, such as Thanksgiving. This sweet treat combines the warmth of nuts with the tangy flavor of cranberries, making it an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings and parties. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy home bakers.
Next Day Stuffing Waffles
Family gatherings during holidays can be a wonderful experience, but often leave us with an abundance of leftover food. Fortunately, there’s a tasty solution to making use of these extras – Next Day Stuffing Waffles are the perfect way to bring your family together while also freeing up space in your refrigerator from all those holiday leftovers.
Bubble & Squeak – Oil & Gluten-free
Not only can this oven-baked, oil-free Bubble & Squeak be made with just four healthy ingredients, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover veggies or start from scratch with mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for the task. One of its standout features is its flexibility – it can be cooked in a casserole dish or shaped into individual patties, making it ideal for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort but yielding a delicious and satisfying result.
Turkey Croque Monsieur (Croque Madame)
Zeroing in on creative ways to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers, this Turkey Croque Monsieur is an indulgent treat that elevates the classic French sandwich to new heights. By adding a fried egg on top, you can transform it into a Turkey Croque Madame, perfect for satisfying your holiday cravings.
This mouthwatering sandwich boasts layers of ham, roasted turkey, sweet and spicy cranberry mustard sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted gruyère cheese nestled between slices of buttered, toasted bread, making even the most mundane leftovers feel like gourmet delights.
Delicious Cranberry, Cheese & Turkey Filo Rolls
Versatility is key to making the most of your Thanksgiving feast. While many might view leftover turkey as a one-time meal or a reheated plate, you can elevate these humble ingredients into something truly special by transforming them into Cranberry, Cheese & Turkey Filo Rolls (Or Phyllo Rolls). The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese all wrapped in crispy filo pastry is a match made in heaven, and one that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Take it for a spin by checking out the recipe here.
Upside-Down Mini Biscuit Pot Pies
Years ago, I made a conscious decision to reduce my reliance on processed foods, including refrigerated biscuits. It’s not that I never indulge, but as part of my ongoing effort to cook and eat more whole, unprocessed meals, I try to limit my use of such convenience items. Around the holidays, however, even the most diligent among us can find ourselves caught up in the desire for ease and simplicity – and refrigerated biscuits do offer a certain comfort and convenience that’s hard to resist.
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies
Taking advantage of the convenience offered by leftover cooked chicken is a skill worth mastering. After all, who doesn’t love a good roast chicken? But the real magic happens when you think beyond the main course and consider the various delicious meals you can create with the leftovers.
I recently whipped up some tasty Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies using my own cooked shredded chicken, but these versatile pastries would also be an excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or any other special occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, having a stash of clever ideas for reusing leftover chicken can breathe new life into your cooking repertoire and save you time in the process.
Sweet Potato Roll Turkey Sandwich: Way To Use Thanksgiving Leftovers
Everyone loves a good sandwich, and the Sweet Potato Roll Turkey Sandwich is no exception. This creative twist on traditional turkey sandwiches uses leftover Thanksgiving turkey to make a delicious and satisfying meal. The use of sweet potato rolls adds a delightful sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the turkey. In our household, these roll sandwiches are a big hit, and we can’t get enough of them!
Bite Sized Little Cranberry Walnut Tarts
Perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce from the holiday season, these bite-sized Cranberry Walnut Tarts are a simple and delicious dessert recipe. Made with just a few ingredients, this tart recipe is ideal for anyone looking to create a tasty treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply check out our recipe by clicking on the link at the end of this post.
Turkey Tacos with Cranberry Salsa – Flavorful Holiday Leftovers Recipe
Everyone has a different approach when it comes to managing Thanksgiving leftovers. While many people try to find ways to give them away, I have to admit that I’m not exactly enthusiastic about passing on the extra food either. In fact, I love having all the delicious leftovers from our family’s big feast lingering around the house for days afterwards. Of course, there’s only so much turkey and mashed potatoes one can eat before it starts feeling like a chore.
That’s why I’ve been experimenting with creative ways to repurpose these leftovers into something entirely new, which is where this collection of healthy leftover taco meat recipes comes in.
Turkey Broccoli Alfredo Quesadillas for Thanksgiving Dinner
Creating weeknight dinners that are quick, easy, and enjoyable has become a top priority for many families as the back-to-school season is in full swing. With homework, sports, appointments, dinner, chores, and church all vying for our attention, meal prep time needs to be minimized to avoid spending hours in the kitchen. As someone who enjoys cooking, I appreciate recipes that not only satisfy my family’s taste buds but also save me from excessive meal planning and cleaning.
By opting for efficient yet delicious meals, I can focus on what truly matters – quality time with my loved ones.
Try to Make Turkey Pot Pie Turnovers
Unlock the full potential of your leftover turkey by transforming it into delicious Turkey Pot Pie Turnovers. These innovative creations bring a fresh twist to the classic pot pie, marrying all the hearty flavors of a homemade turkey dinner in a convenient, handheld package.
Regardless of whether you’re using leftovers from a monthly roast chicken or last week’s post-Thanksgiving turkey, these turnovers pair beautifully with traditional accompaniments like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. Check out our recipe to discover how easy it is to make this tasty treat at home.
Layered Leftover Turkey Tacos with Blueberry Sauce
Unlock the full potential of your leftover turkey with these innovative Leftover Turkey Tacos, a game-changing twist on traditional taco night. Begin by browning some succulent turkey meat with crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms until all the ingredients are perfectly cooked and infused with an abundance of flavor. The crowning glory of this recipe lies in its use of crunchy taco shells wrapped around soft tortillas, creating a delightful textural contrast that elevates the dish to new heights.
To add an extra layer of depth to your tacos, drizzle some aioli mixed with a sweet blueberry sauce over the top. This harmonious combination of flavors brings together the rich, savory notes of the turkey and bacon, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the blueberry sauce. The result is a truly mouthwatering dish that breathes new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers in a fun and delicious way!
Tasty Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Taking comfort food to the next level, this homemade chicken pot pie is made with ease thanks to a rotisserie chicken as its starting point, accompanied by savory roasted vegetables and rich homemade chicken stock. The crowning glory is a tender, flaky herbed pie crust that adds an extra layer of warmth and coziness to this already inviting dish, making it perfect for any family dinner occasion.
Delightful Chicken Crepes With Leek And Mushrooms
Giving new life to leftover poultry has never been more delicious than in these scrumptious crepes filled with sautéed leeks and mushrooms. This mouthwatering dish is a masterful blend of creamy textures, gooey cheese, and warm, comforting flavors, making it an exceptional choice for a refined yet effortless meal.
Turkey Leftovers, Stuffing and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Often, we struggle with ways to repurpose the abundance of food left over from special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. However, these delectable sausage rolls provide a creative solution by cleverly incorporating leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into flaky puff pastry. The resulting flavor combination is nothing short of magical, balancing the savory and sweet notes in perfect harmony to evoke the essence of holiday meals in one delightful bite.
Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas with Mexican Flavors
Spruce up your Thanksgiving leftovers by transforming them into these scrumptious enchiladas, infused with the bold flavors of Mexico. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this recipe is remarkably easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Easy to Make Funeral Sandwiches
Zestfully surprising those who encounter them for the first time, funeral sandwiches have won over hearts with their mouthwatering flavors. These delectable sliders consist of a harmonious blend of turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese, all held together by a rich Dijon butter glaze that adds a tangy twist to each bite.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing option or simply want to indulge in some comfort food, funeral sandwiches are the perfect choice, requiring minimal effort to prepare yet guaranteeing maximum satisfaction.
Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe – Leftover Turkey Soup
Fresh from your holiday feast, this homemade turkey noodle soup is the ideal way to repurpose leftover turkey into a nutritious and satisfying meal. Made with tender chunks of poultry, a variety of mixed vegetables, and egg noodles cooked in a rich homemade turkey stock, this comforting soup is sure to hit the spot.
Sweet Potato and Turkey Tacos for Fall
Elevate your taco game this fall season by giving traditional recipes a creative twist. By incorporating seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes and leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, you can create a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that’s perfect for a casual get-together or weeknight dinner. To make these sweet potato and turkey tacos, simply follow the recipe provided on our website.
Leftover Turkey Chili with White Beans
One of the best ways to breathe new life into post-holiday meals is by repurposing leftover turkey in creative recipes. In this case, our hearty turkey chili featuring white beans offers a delicious and innovative approach that stays true to traditional Thanksgiving flavors while introducing something fresh and exciting at the dinner table. Check it out here.
Elegant Brie Toasts with Cranberry Appetizer
Make this holiday season even more special with the help of these elegant Brie toasts, topped with cranberries. These perfect party starters are ideal for your next gathering, combining the rich texture of creamy Brie cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh or dried cranberries, resulting in a deliciously festive appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to any holiday celebration. You can check out the recipe by visiting this link.
Turkey and Cranberry Filo Tarts – Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe
Vibrant with the essence of the holidays, Turkey and Cranberry Filo Tarts offer a creative way to breathe new life into leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. By combining these classic Christmas flavors in a single bite-sized tart, you can enjoy a crunchy, satisfying snack that’s both visually appealing and deliciously flavorful. The delicate filo pastry wrapping each tart adds an irresistible crunch, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special post-Christmas indulgence.
Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew
Versatile leftovers are always a delight to work with, especially when they can be transformed into a delicious and comforting stew. This particular dish showcases chunks of turkey, crispy bacon, sautéed leeks, carrots, and potatoes, all perfectly balanced in a rich and satisfying broth. To give it an extra touch of indulgence, you can add a splash of cream, or enjoy it as is for a cozy and warming meal on a chilly evening.
Sweet Chocolate Cranberry Sauce Cookies
Get ready to indulge in a deliciously seasonal treat that’s perfect for the holiday season: Chocolate Cranberry Sauce Cookies. These cookies are a masterclass in contrasting flavors, blending the deep richness of chocolate with the tart, fruity zest of cranberry in a delightful dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking for a sweet indulgence to enjoy on your own, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling merry and bright.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
