What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers?
When it comes to hosting celebrations and get-togethers, it is so easy to get a little overboard when it comes to preparing food. This is especially applicable to Thanksgiving dinners and meals. This, in turn, becomes into a yearly problem: Thanksgiving leftovers. And what is usually the most common dish during this holiday? Turkey.
Well, I know it may actually not sound like a problem because let’s be real, some foods taste even better as leftovers. However, if there is a large number of leftovers, then you will most likely waste or spoil half of it. So what you need to do is to cook or meal prep some dishes with your leftover turkey. These dishes range from salads, sandwiches, to soups and casseroles which you and your family will still enjoy!
Some dishes you can do with your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers are:
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Turkey Quesadilla
- Turkey Panini
- Turkey Salad
- Turkey Stew
- Turkey Enchiladas
- One Pot Turkey and Rice
- Turkey Chowder
- Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
- Turkey Noodle Casserole
- Turkey Salad
- Creamed Ham (or Turkey)
- Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- Grilled Turkey Cranberry Cream Cheese Sandwich
- Orzo with Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potatoes
How long will Thanksgiving leftovers keep?
Leftovers are quite a common thing after each celebration and holiday. And Thanksgiving is a much more consistent occurrence than some. And no, you do not have to feel bad by throwing your leftovers all away because you won’t have to! Instead, you can store them and eat them the next day or after a few days. However, do note that some food can only last long in your fridge before it can give you food poisoning.
When it comes to Thanksgiving leftovers, you have three to four days to eat them once you store it in the refrigerator. If you stored your leftovers in a freezer, it can still last to three to four months. But to be safe, you can always put a label or mark the food with an expiration date when you store it.
It is also safe to know that your leftovers should be put away quickly – it should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. If you have a lot of Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, then the easiest way to store them is to slice it and store it in an airtight sealed container in your refrigerator.
Turkey Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Believe again if you think your Thanksgiving dinners would only last one day! You may still eat your favorite Thanksgiving turkey, but in a variety of delectable recipes like casseroles, sandwiches, soups, and more! With that in mind, here is a collection of delicious turkey leftover Thanksgiving recipes that you and your family will enjoy.
See also Delicious Leftover Steak Recipes.
15. Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal
Leftover turkey alfredo skillet meal is the answer for your post-Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey, bacon, peas, and penne pasta are coated in a creamy alfredo sauce. Made in a single pan and ready in 30 minutes.
Check it here.
14. Air Fried Mac and Cheese Balls + Tutorial {Vegetarian}
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort food! And just 3 ingredients are all that’s needed to whip up this totally crave-worthy appetizer, snack, or side. Instructions for making Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Balls also included.
Check it here.
13. Potato Pancakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes {7 Ingredients, GF}
Potato Pancakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes is the perfect dish to make when your fridge is full of leftover mashed potatoes, or when you want to make a fun twist on standard mashed potatoes.
Check it here.
12. Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup
This delicious Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup recipe is the perfect way to use up shredded, cooked turkey. Use your Instant Pot or the stovetop.
Check it here.
11.
Easy Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe: Fancy and delicious 15-minute holiday appetizer your guests would love. Creamy, gooey, runny-centered baked brie topped with cranberry sauce, roasted pecans and thyme.
Check it here.
10.
Healthy Cinnamon Sweet Potato Rolls recipe, perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch. These rolls are delicious, moist, fluffy and easy to make!
Check it here.
9. Thanksgiving Leftovers Potato Skins
Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite food holiday! These Thanksgiving Leftovers Potato Skins are a great way to use up all of your leftovers in a fun and unique way when you are sick of the sandwiches and soups.
Check it here.
8. Leftover Turkey Apple Salad
This Leftover Turkey Apple Salad is a twist on the classic chicken salad and a great way to use up that leftover turkey! Ready in just 10 minutes.
Check it here.
7. Thanksgiving Leftovers Risotto
Thanksgiving is coming! It is my absolute favorite food holiday. My family has a traditional menu that we make with only a few tweaks or changes each year. This always includes a Honeysuckle White turkey no matter what. We strive for excess food, because leftovers, and when it all said and done, we experiment with new recipes to use these leftovers.
Check it here.
6. Leftover Turkey Hand Pies
These Leftover Turkey Hand Pies are an easy way to repurpose your leftover turkey! These Leftover Turkey Hand Pies makes for a great snack and freezes well!
Check it here.
5.
Take your leftover Thanksgiving turkey to the next level with this best ever Turkey Salad! With just 5 ingredients, this simple sandwich spread is going make you look forward to the leftovers!
Check it here.
4. Creamed Ham (or Turkey) – Just Five Simple Ingredients!
Creamed Ham (or turkey) is the perfect way to use leftover ham or turkey after a big holiday meal! Easy to make, with just 5 ingredients, this delicious meal can be on your table in no time!
Check it here.
3.
This Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is so easy to make and freezes like a dream! If you’ve had enough turkey for a few days, pop a few of these in the freezer and thaw them out when you’re short on time and looking for some quick and delicious comfort food!
Check it here.
2.
This Grilled Turkey Cranberry Cream Cheese Sandwich is the perfect light meal after a decadent Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Creamy and tart on the inside, toasty on the outside. It’s worth cooking chicken for all on its own!
Check it here.
1. Orzo with Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes combined with savory turkey and cheese in a delicious orzo pasta dish. A wonderfully delicious way to use that leftover turkey!
Check it here.
Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes | What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers?
Your Thanksgiving meals don't need to end in just one day! Here is a list of tasty turkey Thanksgiving leftover recipes you need to try!
Ingredients
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Turkey Quesadilla
- Turkey Panini
- Turkey Salad
- Turkey Stew
Instructions
- Choose any turkey Thanksgiving leftover recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best turkey Thanksgiving leftover recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.