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Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

Some people like Thanksgiving leftovers even more than the meal itself! Find some new ways to use yours in this list of Thanksgiving leftovers recipes.

When it comes to planning for Thanksgiving we always focus on the food. Traditionally it’s a big meal to share with friends and family so it only makes sense that a little planning is involved.

Today we’re going to take a look at what you can do with all of those leftovers from a big meal like Thanksgiving. These holiday leftovers recipes are also great to use any time you make a turkey and need meal prep ideas.

a pin showing thanksgiving recipes on a table ready to eat with title in block across the top.

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It’s almost the big day–are you ready for Thanksgiving? We are traveling locally to feast with friends this year so we’ll be cooking early Thursday morning and bringing some dishes with us.

We’re looking forward to a relaxing weekend together, and the best part of Thanksgiving: leftovers!

What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers:

There never seem to be enough now that the kids are so big. They’ll eat them for breakfast, too.

Even when we’re traveling to enjoy food with family or friends we usually end up making most of the usual recipes at home just so we have leftovers for recipes like these!

If you want to re-invent your leftovers into new meals, I’ve pulled together some great leftovers recipes to try this year. Thanksgiving leftovers recipes are a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste!

How long are Thanksgiving leftovers good for?

Most holiday leftovers will keep for at least a few days up to about a week in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer.

It’s important to get those dishes cleaned up and into the fridge within about 2 hours of serving. That will help keep them lasting longer and it will prevent bacteria from growing.

Freeze any leftovers that you are not planning to repurpose right away so that you can use them later! Once you use the leftovers in a new recipe they will be good for a few days but it’s important to keep in mind when the ingredients were first prepared. Don’t wait too long to use them or they will spoil.

If you make a ham instead of a turkey for Thanksgiving, try some of these 20+ leftover ham recipes.

What to make with Thanksgiving leftovers:

Here are some of my favorite side dishes that you can make with leftover veggies from Thanksgiving. Check out some of these easy ways to enjoy holiday vegetables in a new way!

Easy Garlic Green Bean Recipe With Tomatoes

Mexican Street Corn Salad | Elote Salad

Delicious Corn Salad With Bacon

Crustless Bacon Asparagus Quiche

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots

You don't have to travel to Mexico to enjoy the flavors of Elote! You can get all the delicious flavors and textures right here in this Mexican street corn salad recipe. My elote salad recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Makes a great side dish and stands out at any party or backyard BBQ! 

Thanksgiving Leftovers Soup from 4 Hats and Frugal

Turkey Cranberry Flatbread from Real: The Kitchen and Beyond

Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole from Mom It Forward

Slow Cooker Turkey Stock from GoodCheapEats

Slow Cooker Turkey Stock from GoodCheapEats

Heart Healthy Leftover Turkey Burritos from SoFabFood

Turkey-Cranberry Panini from Food Fun Family

Cajun Turkey & Sausage Andouille Bean Soup from 5 Dollar Dinners

Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese from LollyJane

Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from LollyJane

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup from A Year of Slow Cooking

Turkey Pot Pie from Stockpiling Moms

More Thanksgiving posts

 

Mother of 3

Tuesday 22nd of November 2016

These all look so yummy! We usually use our leftover to make a layered casserole.. turkey, gravy, stuffing, gravy, peas, gravy, butternut squash, gravy and ending with mashed potatoes. I HATE gravy but somehow this "leftover pie" is a huge favorite of mine. The gravy soaks into everything and makes a really savory sheppards pie type dish. I hope to remember to take photos and share the recipe on my blog this year.