26 Easy Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Get quick and easy recipes and ideas for your Thanksgiving Leftovers, such as soup, turkey pot pie, salads, casseroles, sandwiches, and more! Simple ways to turn delicious Thanksgiving recipes into savory meal ideas you’ll love!
Some believe the best part of Thanksgiving begins the night of … or, at the very least, the following day. I’m not sure I agree with them. I love Thanksgiving dinner — the food, of course, but all of the other intangibles that go along with it… the customs and traditions. However, because the feast is so tantalizing, it only stands to reason that Thanksgiving turkey leftovers are equally amazing.
Traditions, however, can also extend to the night of, or the morning after. My mom would be in that bunch. Her favorite tradition is a bite of pumpkin pie… Friday morning. Do you have any leftover traditions?
I’m still working on mine. But I will tell you I always make a big pot of Turkey Leftover Soup. What’s your favorite way to use Thanksgiving leftovers?
Chefs weigh in on Turkey Leftovers
If you’ve ever wondered how chefs use leftovers, the editorial staff of Cooking Light Magazine weighed in with some of their leftover traditions:
“I always make a turkey stock and leave my parents with a nice turkey minestrone soup.”
– Mary Kay Culpepper, Editor in Chief.
“I make stock and freeze it in ice cube trays. Then it’s ready to go when I need it later.”
– SaBrina Bone, Test Kitchens Professional
“My aunt does that and makes gumbo.”
– Mike Wilson, Test Kitchens Professional
“Since Thanksgiving is so American, it’s fun to go international.”
– Julie Grimes, Associate Food Editor
“I like to do jook. It’s a rice porridge dish, and you can just throw in a turkey wing.”
– Kathy Kitchens Downie, Associate Food Editor
Imaginative and Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers
Here are a few ideas we found that are both imaginative and delicious.
Healthy Turkey Tetrazzini
“Easy turkey tetrazzini from scratch! Made without canned soup, this healthy version opts for leftover turkey, peas, and lowfat cream cheese.”
Easy Turkey Pho
“Just an extremely flavorful (understatement of the century) Easy Turkey Pho that starts with a turkey-based broth with heaps upon heaps upon heaps of steamy rice noodles and every possible topping in the universe including but not limited to heavy-handed dousing of sriracha even if that’s not totally authentic.”
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
“Turkey Pot Pie is the perfect way to enjoy leftover roast turkey! A creamy filling loaded with turkey and veggies is tucked inside a flaky pie crust and baked until golden and bubbly!”
Leftover Turkey Spring Rolls
“These are phenomenally delicious, and such a nice, crunchy contrast to all the rich Thanksgiving food. It’s only 8:34, we’re heading out to work calves, but I’m craving one of these for breakfast right now.”
Turkey Noodle Soup
If you have leftover turkey, this is my all-time favorite way to use it. This bowl of comfort food, packed with healthy vegetables and wide noodles, makes every day better. And the flavors? Its reminiscent flavors will remind you of your feast. In other words… it’s just perfect! Turkey Noodle Soup full of tender egg noodles, fresh veggies, and tender shredded turkey in just 35 minutes.
Turkey, Brie and Cranberry Mustard Panini
“After Thanksgiving comes Thanksgiving sandwiches, which is possibly the best part of Thanksgiving. Or even better, Thanksgiving turkey paninis! All the work is done. Everything is clean and put away. And there are all those leftovers to eat. That’s the time to pull out a few slices of turkey, grab some leftover cheese, and make a simple cranberry mustard to put it over the top. A quick flip in your grill pan, then relax and eat and think about that slice of pie you are going to have next.”
Leftover Turkey Gumbo
“I know rice is traditional with gumbo, but this is a Thanksgiving Gumbo, and a Thanksgiving Gumbo needs mashers! You could obviously do rice if all your mashed potatoes get eaten, OR you could also use leftover wild rice. That would be delish as well!”
Turkey Cobb Salad
“You can mix and match the listed ingredients to create your own version of this salad. We used store-bought roasted turkey, but chicken also works well.”
Turkey Barley Soup
“Use that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner to make a comforting barley soup. Make broth from the turkey carcass, and herbs that you already have on hand. A light and healthy soup to help you recover from your mashed potato coma. I know you.”
Homemade Turkey Stock
When a turkey holiday meal is complete, don’t throw away the carcass. Instead, make a flavorful Homemade Turkey Stock that will keep in the freezer all winter long.
Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers Recipe Ideas
Easy Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
This Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole is an undeniably delicious way to begin your day! This easy-to-make meatless egg casserole is packed with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and incredible spices that combine all the flavors beautifully! Not only is it outstanding for breakfast… but for snacks too!
Turkey or Chicken and White Bean Soup
This Chicken and White Bean Soup is a comforting, healthy bowl of deliciousness. Simple to make in 30 minutes, it’s filled with a handful of wholesome ingredients and tender chicken. It’s an easy meal to warm up with on chilly days!
Leftover Turkey Fried Rice
www.aheadofthyme.com
Leftover turkey fried rice with lean and delicious cooked turkey, light and fluffy rice, perfectly scrambled eggs, colourful vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings, is just what your healthy meal planning menu needs. Plus, it’s made in one skillet in just 10 minutes. Hello new favourite easy weeknight dinner!
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
www.favfamilyrecipes.com
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole combines all the flavors of the big meal in a simple, easy to make, never dried out dish. This is the best way to use up those leftovers!
Turkey Pot Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
www.skinnytaste.com
“This Turkey Pot Pie with Sweet Potato Topping screams comfort food! A delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers.”
Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potato Frittata
www.skinnytaste.com
“Leftover turkey, sweet potato, spinach and Gruyere cheese frittata– trust me, you’ll want to save some Thanksgiving turkey because this breakfast frittata is SO good!”
Turkey Enchiladas Verdes
www.tasteofhome.com
“These authentic-tasting enchiladas in spicy green sauce will please the whole family and you’ll be thankful for turkey leftovers.”
Turkey Curry with Rice
www.tasteofhome.com
“When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice.”
Leftover Roasted Turkey Ramen.
www.howsweeteats.com
“Leftover roasted turkey ramen is going to make this upcoming weekend a whoollllle lot better.”
Tortellini Soup with Chicken (Turkey) and Spinach
Tortellini Soup with Chicken and Spinach is a creamy and delicious soup you’ll make time and time again. In fact, it’s one of the easiest and quickest soups I make!
(Turkey) or Chicken Perloo
(Turkey) or Chicken Perloo is a South Carolina classic one pot chicken and rice dish that’s smokey, a little sweet, hearty, and so delicious. It’s Southern comfort food at its best. And — easy to make, with simple ingredients and amazing flavor… even for weeknight dinners.
15 Minute Chicken Taco Salad Recipe (or leftover turkey)
This Chicken Taco Salad recipe is quick, hearty, and delicious! Packed with taco flavors, chicken, juicy tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese, and an easy, easy Taco Dressing. It’s healthy, protein-rich, and so wonderfully yummy– in 15 minutes!
Easy Instant Pot Turkey Vegetable Pasta Soup
Instant Pot Turkey Vegetable Pasta Soup has become a delicious weeknight mainstay in our kitchen. Everyone seems to love this soup! It’s quick and simple, packed with veggies, and simmered in a fragrant herb and spice broth.
Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza
Hungry for pizza? How about a simple, homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with super fresh ingredients, tailor-made just for you, and ready in 20 minutes or less?
Easy One Pot Jambalaya
Easy Jambalaya recipe is a delicious one-pot, mild or spicy chicken and rice dish with andouille sausage, vegetables, and Cajun seasonings.
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