15 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Every year after Thanksgiving, I find myself staring at a fridge full of leftovers—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more—wondering how many sandwiches I can really eat before getting bored.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday classics, but I also love finding fun, creative ways to give them new life. That’s when the real kitchen magic happens!
From hearty casseroles and comforting soups to savory breakfast ideas and even a few unexpected twists, Thanksgiving leftovers can easily become meals you’ll look forward to just as much as the big feast itself.
That’s why I’ve rounded up 15 delicious Thanksgiving leftover recipes that will help you waste less, enjoy more, and keep the holiday flavors going strong.
1. Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A cozy comfort-food casserole that repurposes classic Thanksgiving leftovers into a warm, hearty dish. Tender turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and stuffing come together in a rich layered bake. It’s an easy way to transform scraps into something that tastes completely new.
Perfect for a cold-weather dinner the day after a big feast.
2. Empanadas ~ Turkey Leftover Recipe
These savory empanadas turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a handheld treat. Mix turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and even leftover ham for a flavorful filling.
Wrapped in golden pastry, they’re crispy outside and soft inside. Great for snacking, lunches, or freezing for later.
3. Turkey Thai Curry
A quick 20-minute curry that gives leftover turkey bold new life. The dish uses creamy coconut milk, Thai spices, and tender turkey to create a meal that tastes like an all-day simmer. It’s fragrant, warming, and perfect for a no-stress weeknight dinner.
A wonderful change of pace from traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
4. Thanksgiving Leftovers Gravy Balls
These fun appetizer-style bites combine turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into soft, savory balls. They’re lightly crisp on the outside and perfect for dipping in warm gravy.
A playful way to repurpose leftovers while still enjoying familiar holiday flavors. Ideal for parties or snacking the next day.
5. Leftover Turkey Nachos
A quick and easy nacho platter topped with shredded turkey and your favorite Thanksgiving extras. Crisp tortilla chips pair perfectly with melted cheese, toppings, and savory turkey bites. It’s a great way to reinvent leftovers with minimal effort. Perfect for casual grazing or game-day food.
6. Easy Leftover Turkey Soup with Egg Noodles and Vegetables
Are you looking for a tasty leftover turkey recipe? If you love the comfort of the typical chicken noodle soup, this leftover turkey soup with egg noodles and vegetables will be right up your alley.
Making Turkey Soup with Vegetables or Making Plain Turkey Noodles Soup What I love about this turkey noodle soup is how versatile it is. As you can see by the images, I have made this with fresh veggies.
Other times, if I don’t have the veggies, I just make a plain Jane turkey noodle soup with the Amish egg noodles. This is a perfect pantry
7. Delicious Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
These egg rolls wrap up turkey, stuffing, and other leftovers into a crispy, fun finger food. They’re especially delicious dipped in warm gravy. A playful twist that transforms familiar ingredients into something totally new. Great for parties or easy snacking.
8. Easy Leftover Turkey Casserole
A layered, hearty casserole that blends stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey, veggies, and gravy into an all-in-one meal. Everything bakes into a creamy, savory dish with comforting holiday flavors.
It’s one of the easiest ways to clean out the fridge after Thanksgiving. A simple, family-friendly leftover solution.
9. Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie (Alternate Version)
Another take on the classic shepherd’s pie using leftover roasted turkey. This version layers turkey with vegetables and a generous topping of mashed potatoes. Everything bakes together into a warm, deeply comforting dish. Perfect for turning holiday scraps into a complete meal.
10. Turkey Quinoa Soup
A nutritious and gluten-free soup filled with vegetables, quinoa, and tender turkey. It’s light yet hearty, making it ideal for lunch or a simple dinner. The quinoa adds protein and a satisfying texture. A wholesome way to refresh leftovers with brighter, cleaner flavors.
11. Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
A gooey, sweet-savory sandwich that uses leftover cranberry sauce. Brie melts beautifully alongside the tart cranberries, creating a rich and comforting flavor combo. It’s simple but feels a bit gourmet. Perfect for a quick lunch after the holiday rush.
12. Turkey Sliders
Mini sandwiches packed with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, Asiago cheese, and herbs. They’re flavorful, easy to assemble, and perfect for a fast dinner or party tray. The sweet-tart cranberry pairs beautifully with the savory turkey. An elevated but effortless leftover idea.
13. Cinnamon Roll Waffles With Maple Cranberry Sauce
A fun breakfast-dessert mashup using canned cinnamon rolls pressed into waffles. The maple-cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart finish that ties it all together. It’s festive, creative, and great for holiday brunch. A perfect treat for using up leftover cranberry sauce.
14. Turkey Pasta Salad (Without Mayo)
A fresh and vibrant pasta salad featuring leftover turkey, vegetables, and a light dressing. It’s great for picnics, barbecues, or easy lunches. The flavors are bright and not heavy, making it a refreshing way to use holiday leftovers. A nice contrast to richer Thanksgiving dishes.
15. Old-Fashioned Ham and Beans Soup with Ham Hock
Are you looking for an easy ham and beans with leftover ham? This old fashioned ham and beans with ham hock and leftover ham recipe is for you! This soup uses a 15 bean soup mix to yield a delicious ham hock and beans recipe!
Use this recipe for leftover ham after Easter or leftover Thanksgiving ham or Christmas ham! Overall, the ingredients in a 15-bean soup may vary depending on the recipe, but the key component is a blend of dried beans.
For our recipe, we are obviously adding in an extra protein (and flavor boost) of ham. Ingredients
Tips for Using Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep everything safe and fresh.
- Refresh Flavors: Add fresh herbs, citrus, or spices to brighten reheated dishes.
- Repurpose Wisely: Use turkey in soups or sandwiches, stuffing in casseroles, and mashed potatoes in patties or bakes.
- Freeze for Later: Turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce freeze well and can be used weeks later.
- Mix and Match: Combine leftovers creatively—like turkey, veggies, and gravy in pot pies—to reduce waste and maximize flavor.
FAQs
Q1: How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last?
Most leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in airtight containers. If you don’t plan to use them quickly, freeze items like turkey, gravy, and vegetables for longer storage.
Q2: Can I freeze cooked turkey?
Yes! Cooked turkey freezes very well. Store it in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q3: How can I prevent leftovers from drying out?
Reheat foods with a splash of broth or water and cover them to trap moisture. Low and slow heating keeps textures soft and flavors intact.
Q4: What’s the best way to reuse mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes work well in patties, shepherd’s pie, gnocchi-style dumplings, or baked casseroles. Adding cheese or herbs enhances flavor and texture.
Q5: Are there healthy ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers?
Absolutely. Turn turkey into veggie-packed soups, use sweet potatoes in grain bowls, or repurpose roasted vegetables in salads for lighter meals.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving leftovers offer a wonderful chance to get creative in the kitchen, transforming familiar holiday dishes into new comfort-food favorites. Whether you’re turning turkey into a hearty soup, stuffing into savory waffles, or mashed potatoes into crispy patties, each recipe brings fresh life to classic ingredients.
These inventive ideas help reduce waste while adding variety to your post-holiday meals. With a little inspiration and a few pantry staples, your leftovers can become dishes just as exciting as the original feast.
Enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again—this time with a delicious twist.
