Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes: Make the Most of Your Feast at Home

A couple of weeks ago, I told you all about being selected to participate on a project with Redfin/Rent.Blog https://www.rent.com/blog/ in my post Using Up Those Thanksgiving Leftovers https://ajeanneinthekitchen.com/2024/10/10/using-up-those-thanksgiving-leftovers/. I just received notification that my recipe for turkey enchiladas Thanksgiving Leftovers Transformed into Turkey Enchiladas with a Pumpkin Cream Sauce was accepted and has been published. WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!! This is very exciting news.

I am featured in the article along with eight other people who also have some fantastic ideas about how to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.

Here is the article, written by Allie Drinkward. You can read it here, but also, please check it out on the Rent.Blog website too, at Rent.Blog https://www.rent.com/blog/

Allie Drinkward

10.29.2024 Lifestyle

Once Thanksgiving dinner comes to an end, many of us are left with a bounty of delicious leftovers—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more. Instead of letting these culinary treasures languish in the fridge, why not transform them into exciting new Thanksgiving leftover recipes?

In this article, we’ll explore creative ways to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers, turning them into mouthwatering meals that keep the holiday spirit alive. So, whether you’re hosting the holiday at your new home in Moreno Valley, CA, have a full fridge in your apartment in Auburn, AL, or are attending a late Friendsgiving celebration at a rental in Orem, UT, let’s dive into the art of reusing leftovers and discover how to make the most of this festive bounty.

1. Turn your turkey into soup

Transforming your Thanksgiving turkey into a hearty soup is a delicious way to savor every last bite of the feast. It’s the perfect combination of extending the holiday spirit while minimizing waste and meal-prepping soup for the upcoming sick season.

Amy Davis, a registered dietitian nurse and owner of Amy Davis Nutrition, shares her favorite way to reuse her leftovers, “I love using turkey in an immune-supporting turkey and veggie soup.”

Need inspiration for a recipe? Davis recommends, “Start by sauteing some onions, carrots, celery, ginger, garlic, and spices of choice in a large stock pot. Once those are translucent, add the leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stock (bonus if you use the turkey carcass to make turkey stock) and let simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve with leftover rolls and enjoy the immune-boosting benefits while avoiding food waste.”

Turkey soup not only breathes new life into your leftovers but also brings the family together for a cozy meal. Embracing this tradition ensures that the flavors of Thanksgiving linger long after the holiday is over.

2. Use up the potatoes

Once you’ve taken down your Thanksgiving table decor, leftover potatoes from your feast can be transformed into a comforting and delectable cheesy puff recipe. For a dish that not only makes the most of your leftovers but also brings a warm, homey flavor to the table, Tina DiLeo, chef and blogger at Cheftini shares her go-to recipe to use up those potatoes.

“In my Italian family, Thanksgiving side dishes are the main event. Leftovers are a given, so I love repurposing them into dishes like potato croquettes,” says DiLeo. “These puffs are a delicious and creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.”

The chef continues with the puff-making process, “To make these, I take any leftover mashed potatoes and add veggies like broccoli or peas, grated cheese, egg, and seasonings. Then I roll them into balls, coat them in a crushed cornflake and panko breadcrumb mixture, chill, and bake for about 25 minutes.”

What could possibly be more comforting and satisfying than a recipe that beautifully combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheese with the hearty, beloved flavors of potatoes?

The full recipe for Tina’s potato croquettes can be found on Cheftini.

3. Create a pumpkin turkey enchilada

Reusing leftover turkey to make pumpkin turkey enchiladas is a creative way to reinvent your Thanksgiving feast. Jeanne Jones, blogger at A Jeanne in the Kitchen, crafted together a few fantastic Thanksgiving leftover recipes that are hard to not indulge in. Her pumpkin turkey enchiladas are not only a delightful fusion of flavors, but the creamy pumpkin combined with savory turkey and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

“I am still using up the leftovers from our Thanksgiving feast. This time, I made turkey enchiladas with a pumpkin cream sauce. The whole meal was re-created from leftovers, and believe it or not, I still have a lot more to go through too,” states Jones. 

“Enchiladas in general are a great way to use up leftovers, but why not make them festive as well? I had just enough pumpkin puree for this dish, and then also used up some of the turkey and vegetables to make very tasty enchiladas. Then I served them over some leftover corn and rice.”

The full recipe for the pumpkin turkey enchiladas can be found on Jeanne’s food blog, A Jeanne in the Kitchen. Thanksgiving Leftovers Transformed into Turkey Enchiladas with a Pumpkin Cream Sauce

4. Craft a gumbo classic

“A post-Thanksgiving classic in South Louisiana is turkey and andouille gumbo,” state Tom and Mary Ann Fitzmorris, food writers at The New Orleans Menu and hosts of The Food Show.

To truly savor the autumnal flavors from the holiday, turkey gumbo is an excellent way to make use of Thanksgiving leftover recipes. It transforms simple leftovers into a rich, comforting dish that loved ones can enjoy.

“When the bird has become a carcass, it goes into a pot submerged in water until the meat falls off the bones. The Trinity (onion, bell pepper, and celery) is chopped and added to a roux until the vegetables are translucent,” the Fitzmorris’ share. “The broth and bone meat are added to a roux with chunks of spicy andouille (preferably smoked first). Simmer these together and you’ll never view turkey bones the same way again.”

Turkey gumbo is sure to become a staple on Thanksgiving checklists for years to come.

5. Make Thanksgiving waffles

Creating an interactive leftover dish for the kids is a fun way to involve them in the kitchen while minimizing food waste. A fun hands-on experience encourages creativity and allows them to personalize their meals, making it a delightful and engaging way to enjoy leftovers together as a family.

“The morning after Thanksgiving, we love a hearty breakfast in our house to fuel up for a day of shopping,” says Crystal D’Urso, blogger at Treasure Coast Mom. “Our favorite is taking leftover stuffing and mixing in an egg. We then crisp it up in a waffle maker and top with all of the fixings (brie cheese, gravy, turkey slices, cranberry, and even green beans).”

D’Urso concludes, “You can’t go wrong with any of the sides and it makes it fun for the kids to ‘decorate’ their Thanksgiving waffle.”

6. Steep leftover fruits into a syrup

Liz Crain, author and co-organizer of Portland Fermentation Festival, shares her suggestion for how to use up those beautiful leftover Thanksgiving fruits. “There are often a lot of tasty fall fruits on the table, and after the big feast, I love to chop, simmer, and steep them into various DIY fruited syrups and shrubs.”

Crain continues, “I often add them to my fizzy water kefirs that I home-ferment, splash them into soda water, and all different cocktails and mocktails. It’s a fun way to extend the holiday with something tasty and festive.”

These fruity syrups not only add a sweet touch to post-holiday drinks but also elevate your Thanksgiving leftover recipes, transforming simple drinks into delightful treats that celebrate the flavors of the season.

7. Tackle turkey taquitos

Another way to savor those holiday flavors in a new form is by crafting turkey taquitos. As you shred the turkey and mix it with spices, the warm, comforting aroma fills the kitchen, making it feel festive all over again.

“One of my favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes is turkey taquitos,” states LaToi Storr, lifestyle and wellness blogger, content creator, and podcaster at ToiTime. “You combine as many of the fixings like shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and even cranberry sauce with cheese inside of a tortilla. Then you close it with a toothpick and fry it.”

Storr assures that it’s a quick and easy-to-grab on-the-go food, perfect for when you want to relax or begin your holiday preparations.

8. Squash it up

Spaghetti squash is a true autumn delight, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the season. As the weather cools, roasting it brings out its natural sweetness, creating a warm, comforting dish.

“Roast your halved spaghetti squash (cut in half, seeds removed, drizzled with olive oil and salt) at 350 degrees FT for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly,” shares Lily Stark, development and communications associate at Pilot Light, a chef-founded nonprofit that brings food education into classrooms. “Next, fill each half with leftovers. Shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole are our favorites, but anything you have left over will do.”

To finish off the delectable squash, Stark concludes, “Then, lightly cover each half with foil and broil for 5-10 minutes to reheat. Top with reserved gravy and enjoy your holiday meal with an extra helping of veggies.”

Incorporating spaghetti squash into your fall meals adds both flavor and nutrition to your plate. With its delightful taste and versatility, it’s sure to become a beloved seasonal staple.

9. The turkey roundup

The turkey truly takes center stage during Thanksgiving, captivating everyone with its savory aroma and golden-brown skin. Once the feast is over, the fun continues with a bounty of delicious ways to create Thanksgiving leftover recipes.

“My family loves making turkey sandwiches the day after. Another delicious way to reuse turkey is by throwing it in a crockpot for a cozy soup,” recommends Amber Bowie, owner of Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia, a children’s boutique with handmade clothing. 

From hearty soups and flavorful casseroles to zesty tacos and comforting sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. Each dish offers a unique way to celebrate the star of the show, ensuring that the joy of Thanksgiving lasts long after the last slice is served.

Creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes: Savor every bite

Reusing leftovers is not only a practical way to reduce food waste but also an opportunity to spark culinary creativity. By utilizing creative Thanksgiving hacks to transform your festive fare into new recipes, you can extend the joy of the holiday season well beyond the dinner table. So, next time you find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers, remember: with a little imagination, you can create delicious meals that keep the spirit of gratitude alive long after the last bite has been taken.

Thank you so much Allie for including me and my recipe for Turkey Enchiladas in this fun and creative project. Happy thanksgiving to you and yours and everyone at Redfin/Rent.Blog.

Allie is a Content Marketing Coordinator at Redfin and resides in beautiful North Idaho. When she’s not working, she enjoys walking her dog at the lake, spending quality time with her family, and cheering on the Red Sox. Her dream home is a ranch-style farmhouse on acreage in the Idaho countryside.