As a child I never really cared for Thanksgiving. It just seemed like an excuse to stuff one’s self without much deeper meaning. I guess I really never coupled the story of the Pilgrims and Indians (we didn’t yet call them Native Americans) with a modern day opportunity to give thanks. As an adult it has become a favorite holiday. A celebration and reflection for all that is the bounty of our lives. No commercialism; just a chance to enjoy good food and company.
Having said that it never ceases to amaze me how many hours of work go into preparing a meal that usually is devoured in about 20 minutes leaving everyone stunned in a Tryptophan stupor until they have dozed enough for a second round of leftovers before the day is done. We usually try to take a walk after dinner but I’m still stuffed beyond comprehension.
Something magical however happens by the next day. Stomachs are emptied and with the cooking marathon out of the way the fridge full of leftovers is like greeting the meal anew. I find after a few plates of the original meal my wheels start turning over how I can change it up to use the leftovers in a fresh way.
In our family a ‘must do’ dish is Turkey Holiday Hash. It’s a soul-warming dish of leftover turkey, dressing/stuffing, gravy (or cream), crunchy toasted slivered almonds and other ingredients lightly browned on the stove top leaving it creamy with a bit of a crust. Perfect to top with an egg or to serve over a heaping portion of left over mashed potatoes (I loved it over Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes).
The hash is only the tip of the leftovers iceberg. I went on a hunt this year early to pull together 100 ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers. There most certainly will be at least a few things that appeal for enjoying your leftovers longer. From making soup stock, to savory main dishes, what to do with leftover Cranberry Sauce and even cute free printables to make guest take-home containers or those of your own. I hope this list will bring you some new favorites and a chance to enjoy the spoils of your culinary labors a bit longer!
NOTE for Gluten-Free eaters: this list is not exclusively gluten-free however the substitutions should be easy to keep it gluten-free.
100+ Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes
Slow Cooker Homemade Turkey Stock
Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Soup {gluten-free}
Thanksgiving Leftovers Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets
Turkey Cranberry-Chipotle Quesadillas
Southwestern Turkey Sheperd’s Pie
Thanksgiving Leftovers Nachos {Girl Versus Dough}
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie {Damn Delicious}
Leftover Turkey and Vegetable Curry {Food For My Family}
Cranberry Barbeque Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes {The Girl Chef}
Turkey Tamale Pie {Dinners, Dishes and Desserts}
Leftover Turkey Pho {Healthy Green Kitchen}
Turkey, Mushroom and Bacon Puff Pastry {Recipe Girl}
Turkey, Farro and Cranberries {The Reluctant Entertainer}
Hawaiian BBQ Turkey Flatbread Pizza {Damn Delicious}
10 Ideas for Leftover Turkey {Real Simple}
12 Creative Ways to Make a Turkey Sandwich {Real Simple}
23 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes. This has to be one of the most creative compilations using everything possible leftover in recipes from soups, sandwiches, cocktails and more. A perfect article for ‘no-wasters’! {Chow}
23 Ways to Use Leftover Pumpkin Puree {Simple Bites}
9 Ways to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce {Oh My Veggies}
Top 10 Recipes to Use Turkey Leftovers {Kalyn’s Kitchen}
Free Thanksgiving Leftovers Printables (to send guests home with cute labeled craft bags and containers of leftovers) {Pizzazzerie}
Oge @ healthy food delivery says
November 29, 2013 at 4:14 pmWhat a great list Toni! Thanks for putting it together and sharing! Can’t wait to try some of these.
Kitchen'r Jon says
November 28, 2013 at 7:48 pmAwesome list! Certainly one of the best things about Thanksgiving is how the eating just keeps on going! Can I add one to your list? Use up leftover sweet potatoes and pumpkin puree in an awesome cinnamon swirl bread: http://wp.me/p3e3tX-nv
Toni Dash says
November 28, 2013 at 10:52 pmThat sounds delicious Jon! Thanks for sharing the link.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
November 28, 2013 at 10:11 amGreat collection! We always make way too much because we so enjoy leftovers, and it’s nice to have some new recipes to try. Happy Thanksgiving!
Toni Dash says
November 28, 2013 at 12:33 pmHappy Thanksgiving to you John! We too always have tons of leftovers which is great at first but admittedly gets a bit ‘tired’ after repeat plates for a few days running. I’m excited about some of these unique dishes to try myself. Best you and your family for a delicious holiday!
Adri says
November 28, 2013 at 8:28 amWhat a terrific collection!
Toni Dash says
November 28, 2013 at 12:34 pmThank you Adri! I’m excited to try some of these recipes in the next days but outside the holiday season as well!
Liz says
November 28, 2013 at 8:31 amThank you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Toni Dash says
November 28, 2013 at 12:33 pmYou are most welcome and Happy Thanksgiving to you too Liz! I’m so thankful to have you as a regular readers and commenter.