Thanksgiving often leaves you with a fridge full of leftovers. While those pounds of turkey and mountains of mashed potatoes might look intimidating right now, a few exciting culinary secrets and steps will help you manage the post-festive avalanche.
This is your guide to creative, flavorful, and downright delicious ways to put those leftovers to good use. Grab your airtight containers, and start whipping up can’t-miss recipes after the holiday!
1. The All-in-One Leftover Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Especially when it’s packed with all your Thanksgiving favorites. Here’s how to put that towering pile of leftovers to good use.
Start with two slices of your favorite bread. Try hearty, toasted sourdough to hold up all the goodies you’ll be packing inside. Smear a layer of cranberry sauce on one side of the bread, followed by a spread of leftover gravy on the other.
Layer on thin slices of turkey, mound on stuffing, greens, and top with slices of brie or leftover cheese. Arrange, press, slice, and enjoy! It’s like diving right back into Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Comforting Turkey Noodle Soup
Transform leftover turkey into a comforting bowl of noodle soup. For a nutritious, hearty soup, add turkey bones to water with carrots, onions, and celery to a large pot. Simmer to make stock. Strain the stock, pick out the turkey meat, and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions. Add your fresh stock, leftover turkey, and egg noodles. Let it simmer until the noodles are cooked. Season to taste and garnish with fresh parsley. Voilà, a comforting, heart-warming bowl of turkey noodle soup!
3. Fresh and Crunchy Salad
Rejuvenate your palate with a fresh salad, using the remnants of your Thanksgiving feast. Toss mixed greens with shredded leftover turkey and roasted vegetables. Add tanginess with cranberry sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or your favorite vinaigrette for the dressing.
Throw in some goat cheese or blue cheese for a creamier texture and more flavor depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, add walnuts or almonds for an added crunchy twist.
4. Leftover Pie Milkshake
Transform your leftover pies into an indulgent milkshake? Yes, please! There’s room for creativity here: pumpkin pie will lend itself to a more traditional fall flavor, while apple pie offers a fruity twist.
In a blender, combine a slice of leftover pie, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a cup of milk. Blend until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk. If you desire more sweetness, drop in a scoop of ice cream. Pour it into a glass, garnish with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg, and serve!
5. Thanksgiving Pizza Variation
Up for a pizza night with a Thanksgiving twist? Turn your leftovers into a delightful pizza topping. Use store-bought pizza dough or make your own. Roll it into your desired thickness.
Then, spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce or gravy as your base. Mashed potatoes can also add a creamy layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded turkey, followed by stuffing and vegetables. Top it off with cheese such as mozzarella or leftover brie. Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Stuffed Tomatoes With Leftover Turkey
Transform your roasted turkey into a healthy, delicious meal. Cut off the tops of large, firm tomatoes. Scoop out the insides. Combine leftover turkey, diced veggies, and cooked quinoa or rice.
Season the mixture as per your liking, maybe some Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stuff the tomatoes with the mixture and bake until the tomatoes are soft. You can add shredded cheese to the top for the final few minutes of baking.
7. Leftover Eggrolls
Put an exciting twist on your leftovers. Leftover egg rolls are a unique way to make the most of your leftovers.
Chop turkey and veggies into bite-sized pieces. Soften rice paper or eggroll wrappers, place your chopped leftovers along with some stuffing in the middle, then fold and roll securely. Deep fry until golden brown or bake for a healthier version. Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping and enjoy an innovative take on your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Reduce, Repurpose, and Rejoice
Great meals don’t have to end once Thanksgiving is over. All it takes is a little creativity and a bit of effort to transform common leftovers into exciting new meals.
The next time you peer into your fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers, see it as an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Each dish you repurpose or donate is a small step toward sustainability and a testament to the spirit of Thanksgiving: gratitude, sharing, and repurposing plenty for many more delightful days to come.
