16 Creative Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

By Leslie Kelly

September 09, 2020

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Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

If you're like many of us, one of your favorite things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Honestly, after all that cooking, you'd better have more to show for it than just one meal. And while there's nothing wrong with a simple reheat-and-eat approach, you might also want to get a bit more inventive. So, for all of you leftover-lovers, here are some of our top-rated dishes that give new life to leftovers from your Thanksgiving spread. Enjoy!

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Thanksgiving Quesadilla

Credit: bd.weld

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Tucked into a flour tortilla, this leftover turkey makeover delivers all the great flavors in one easy package.

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Thanksgiving Leftovers Monkey Bread

Credit: SunnyDaysNora

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Because you didn't get enough carbs on Turkey Day! Watch this short video on how to make this tasty Thanksgiving Leftovers Monkey Bread.

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Stuffing Bites

Credit: SunnyDaysNora

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Turn leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing into these crispy creations. "These crispy, gooey, crunchy stuffing balls take Thanksgiving leftovers to the next level," says RusticJoyfylFood.

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Turkey Burrito

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"I've been making this for years, and use whatever I have left over from Thanksgiving dinner. No one cares about the turkey dinner. They make me do the turkey so I will make the burritos," recipe creator Marcy Crossman says.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

Credit: Kooking Kim

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"Using gravy as a sauce, this pizza is a one-stop shop for using all T-Day leftovers. There are any number of topping combinations you can make depending on what your favorite leftovers are. Stuffing, veggies, sweet potato casserole, etc. can also be used. Leftover cranberry sauce or spinach dip make a great dip for the crust as well!" —coldstar37

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Thanksgiving in a Dish

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Take the kitchen sink approach by combining all the greatest hits in one satisfying dish.

17 Clever Uses for Leftover Mashed Potatoes

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Leftover Thanksgiving Salad

Credit: bd.weld

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You may want to consider serving turkey *and* ham on Thanksgiving just so you can make this delicious mayo-based salad afterward.

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Thanksgiving Won Tons

Credit: Baking Nana

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"Surprisingly good! I even tried a variation of using leftover stuffing in place of the turkey. My only suggestion is I baked mine for 15-20 instead of frying them," VORCHA says. "Also, try using the cranberry sauce as a dipping sauce or even gravy."

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Baked Turkey Croquettes

Credit: lutzflcat

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"What a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers," writes lutzflcat. "They crisped up nicely on the outside and were plenty tender with those mashed potatoes and stuffing inside." These taste delish dipped in gravy or cranberry sauce, as well.

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Dad's Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Credit: larkspur

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Depending on how much you have leftover, make two of these pot pies, and put one in the freezer for later.

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Leftover Thanksgiving Wedge Pies

Credit: Snacking in the Kitchen

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Stuff leftover mashed potatoes, shredded turkey meat, and cranberry sauce into pre-made double-crust pies for a fun pocket sandwich.

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Savory Thanksgiving Cupcakes

Credit: Allrecipes

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The muffin may be the perfect vehicle for delivering leftover Thanksgiving dinner to your mouth. "This is a great way to get the taste of everything you love about Thanksgiving in a perfect little bite and without all the mess!" says NicoleMcmom.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Shepherd's Pie

Credit: fabeverydayblog

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"Need to use up those leftovers from Thanksgiving? Check out this shepherd's pie made with leftover turkey, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. You can layer in cranberry sauce and stuffing, if desired." —Who Has the Thyme

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Leftover Turkey Spring Rolls with Cranberry Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

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Give those leftovers an Asian twist. Be sure to make extra dipping sauce — it's that good!

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Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Credit: amandak23k

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When you've stripped off all the meat from your turkey, you can still make warm and comforting soup from the carcass. This easy recipe makes a batch big enough to stash some away in the freezer.

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Thanksgiving Sandwich

Credit: bd.weld

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"This is something my 11-year-old daughter made after Thanksgiving; it is the best sandwich you will ever taste," recipe submitter Nichol says. It calls for nothing more than leftover turkey, sliced ham, and mashed potatoes. Dip it in gravy, or dress it with some combination of cranberry sauce, mustard, and mayo.

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By Leslie Kelly