Next Week’s Menu: Creative Thanksgiving Leftovers

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Thanksgiving is over, we’re all a few pounds heavier, and our fridges are full of glorious leftovers. You’ve gotta do something with all that food besides reheating the same old plate for the 5th time. I’ve scoured the internet for the most creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes to get you through the rest of this long weekend.

Turkey

My Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup is unlike any Thanksgiving leftover you’ve ever tried!

This all-in-one recipe from The Kitchn for Leftover Lasagna truly has a bit of everything. Customize it to fit what you’ve got.

Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas from Little Dairy on the Prairie combine the best of Mexican and Thanksgiving into one quick and easy dish.

Turkey Thai Curry by Simply Stacie is a super creative way to transform leftover turkey into Thai goodness.

OR

• Swap out the deli meat in your sandwich for some leftover roasted turkey.
• Use diced cooked turkey in enchiladas or tacos.
• Add some turkey into your pasta dish for some extra protein.

Cranberry Sauce

Try Leftover Cranberry Sauce Parfaits from Well Plated to turn your leftovers into breakfast.

Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas from Little Dairy on the Prairie use turkey and cranberry sauce, as mentioned above.

OR

• Spread on a sandwich.
• Substitute for jam in any recipe.
• Thin with water, warm, and use as syrup on pancakes or French toast.
• Add some into a cocktail.

Squash, Pumpkin, and Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Biscuits from Home Cooking Memories uses leftover mashed sweet potatoes, or even sweet potato casserole, and turns them into biscuits. It doesn’t get more creative than that!

Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can also be turned into Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Tuscan Kale and Bacon.

Add roasted or pureed squash to my Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

Leftover cans of pumpkin can be turned into Pumpkin Kibbeh, Thai Pumpkin Soup, or added to Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin.

 

OR

• For pureed squash or pumpkin
  • Thin it out to the consistency of soup. Voila! You have soup.
  • Add some to your morning pancake batter or baked French toast.
  • Spread a thin layer on your next sandwich for a healthier spread.
• For roasted/chunky
  • Toss cooled pieces of squash or sweet potato into salads or soups.
  • Puree, and then refer to the above list.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potato Cheese Bites from Tip Hero are cheese filled, fried potato goodness.

Loaded Mashed Potato Balls by Damn Delicious is another cheesy, fried mashed potato option.

OR

• Make shepherd’s pie, and top with leftover mashed potatoes.
• Make gnocchi.
• Shape into patties, and pan fry on each side to make breakfast hash browns.

Stuffing

Leftover Stuffing Waffles from Just A Taste combine one of my favorite sides with one of my favorite breakfasts into one crispy, carb-y waffle of goodness. She even has a video on her site!

OR

• Make a stuffing crust: press stuffing into muffin tins or pie plates, and bake until crispy. Fill with other leftovers.
• Press stuffing into a thin layer on a sheet pan. Cut into cubes, and bake until crispy for stuffing croutons.

Green Beans

Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms by Spicy Southern Kitchen are one of the most innovative ways to use leftover green bean casserole!

OR

• If the green beans are simply prepared (without a creamy sauce), add into salads or soups.
• If green beans are in a casserole, add ham or turkey and cooked rice or potatoes, and bake for a new all-in-one casserole.