Thanksgiving leftovers: they can be both a blessing and a challenge. After dinner, the fridge is usually packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. On one hand, it\u2019s nice to know you\u2019ve got easy meals ahead, but on the other, it can start to get a little repetitive. But what if you could give those leftovers a new life with just a little creativity?<\/p>\n
Enter savory turkey pot pies, crispy stuffing waffles, and mashed potato flatbreads\u2014and that\u2019s just the start. We’ve rounded up our 25 favorite recipes to help you repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into an entirely new feast that you\u2019ll actually want to eat. This year, you don\u2019t have to settle for sad turkey sandwiches. Instead, turn to these inventive, delicious meals that make the most of what\u2019s left in your fridge.<\/p>\n
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1. Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Burritos<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nKickstart your day with a burrito that\u2019s basically Thanksgiving in a tortilla. Wrap up leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and eggs for a filling breakfast, or even lunch.<\/p>\n
2. Turkey Bolognese<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis turkey bolognese is a great recipe if you\u2019re left with plenty of turkey but not as many sides. It also makes use of that half-empty bottle of wine that\u2019s likely hanging around, along with any leftover cream or herbs you might have on hand.<\/p>\n
3. Thanksgiving Leftover Potato Fritters<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese crispy little fritters are a genius way to use up mashed potatoes (if you have any left over, that is). With just a handful of ingredients, you get the perfect crunch on the outside, and soft potato goodness on the inside.<\/p>\n
4. Hanetsuki Gyoza<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nForget casseroles and sandwiches, this gyoza recipe is a total game changer for post-Thanksgiving meals. A little unexpected? Yes. But these hand-pressed, crispy dumplings are the perfect way to repurpose turkey and veggies into something new and delicious.<\/p>\n
5. Leftover Turkey Banh Mi<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you make this, you\u2019ll probably wonder why you didn\u2019t try it sooner. Pickled veggies, tangy mayo, and a fresh baguette come together to make this banh mi the ultimate way to give your leftovers a whole new life.<\/p>\n
6. Turkey and Potato Soup<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis soup channels all the comforting vibes of Thanksgiving in a bowl, with its tender pieces of turkey, potatoes, and mix of seasonal veggies. We\u2019ve also found that making this soup or this stock is the best way to use up every part of the bird\u2014neck, giblets, and all.<\/p>\n
8. Turkey Jambalaya<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSmoky, spicy, and packed with all the right seasonings, this Turkey jambalaya is a fun way to add some new flavors to your Thanksgiving leftovers and mix things up a bit.<\/p>\n
9. Mashed Potato Flatbread<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThree words: mashed potato flatbread. It’s a fool-proof recipe that makes a great base for pizzas or for dipping in any leftover sauces and gravy you might have.<\/p>\n
10. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you’ve got more than just one or two leftovers, these hand pies are a great way to use them all. While the recipe calls for the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, you can really get creative and toss in whatever leftovers you have\u2014the beauty of puff pastry is that it can transform anything.<\/p>\n
11. Turkey Birria Tacos<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother great recipe if you\u2019re tired of the usual soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit more involved than the other recipes here, but very much worth it. There\u2019s even a recipe for homemade cranberry salsa to serve on the side.<\/p>\n
12. Stuffing Waffles<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese waffles will make you wish you\u2019d made an extra batch of stuffing because they\u2019re that good. The waffle itself is mostly just stuffing and buttermilk, with a few extra seasonings to taste, but the real star of the show is the whipped cranberry butter.<\/p>\n
13. Turkey Curry<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
This turkey bolognese is a great recipe if you\u2019re left with plenty of turkey but not as many sides. It also makes use of that half-empty bottle of wine that\u2019s likely hanging around, along with any leftover cream or herbs you might have on hand.<\/p>\n
3. Thanksgiving Leftover Potato Fritters<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese crispy little fritters are a genius way to use up mashed potatoes (if you have any left over, that is). With just a handful of ingredients, you get the perfect crunch on the outside, and soft potato goodness on the inside.<\/p>\n
4. Hanetsuki Gyoza<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nForget casseroles and sandwiches, this gyoza recipe is a total game changer for post-Thanksgiving meals. A little unexpected? Yes. But these hand-pressed, crispy dumplings are the perfect way to repurpose turkey and veggies into something new and delicious.<\/p>\n
5. Leftover Turkey Banh Mi<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you make this, you\u2019ll probably wonder why you didn\u2019t try it sooner. Pickled veggies, tangy mayo, and a fresh baguette come together to make this banh mi the ultimate way to give your leftovers a whole new life.<\/p>\n
6. Turkey and Potato Soup<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis soup channels all the comforting vibes of Thanksgiving in a bowl, with its tender pieces of turkey, potatoes, and mix of seasonal veggies. We\u2019ve also found that making this soup or this stock is the best way to use up every part of the bird\u2014neck, giblets, and all.<\/p>\n
8. Turkey Jambalaya<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSmoky, spicy, and packed with all the right seasonings, this Turkey jambalaya is a fun way to add some new flavors to your Thanksgiving leftovers and mix things up a bit.<\/p>\n
9. Mashed Potato Flatbread<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThree words: mashed potato flatbread. It’s a fool-proof recipe that makes a great base for pizzas or for dipping in any leftover sauces and gravy you might have.<\/p>\n
10. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you’ve got more than just one or two leftovers, these hand pies are a great way to use them all. While the recipe calls for the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, you can really get creative and toss in whatever leftovers you have\u2014the beauty of puff pastry is that it can transform anything.<\/p>\n
11. Turkey Birria Tacos<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother great recipe if you\u2019re tired of the usual soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit more involved than the other recipes here, but very much worth it. There\u2019s even a recipe for homemade cranberry salsa to serve on the side.<\/p>\n
12. Stuffing Waffles<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese waffles will make you wish you\u2019d made an extra batch of stuffing because they\u2019re that good. The waffle itself is mostly just stuffing and buttermilk, with a few extra seasonings to taste, but the real star of the show is the whipped cranberry butter.<\/p>\n
13. Turkey Curry<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
Forget casseroles and sandwiches, this gyoza recipe is a total game changer for post-Thanksgiving meals. A little unexpected? Yes. But these hand-pressed, crispy dumplings are the perfect way to repurpose turkey and veggies into something new and delicious.<\/p>\n
5. Leftover Turkey Banh Mi<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you make this, you\u2019ll probably wonder why you didn\u2019t try it sooner. Pickled veggies, tangy mayo, and a fresh baguette come together to make this banh mi the ultimate way to give your leftovers a whole new life.<\/p>\n
6. Turkey and Potato Soup<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis soup channels all the comforting vibes of Thanksgiving in a bowl, with its tender pieces of turkey, potatoes, and mix of seasonal veggies. We\u2019ve also found that making this soup or this stock is the best way to use up every part of the bird\u2014neck, giblets, and all.<\/p>\n
8. Turkey Jambalaya<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSmoky, spicy, and packed with all the right seasonings, this Turkey jambalaya is a fun way to add some new flavors to your Thanksgiving leftovers and mix things up a bit.<\/p>\n
9. Mashed Potato Flatbread<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThree words: mashed potato flatbread. It’s a fool-proof recipe that makes a great base for pizzas or for dipping in any leftover sauces and gravy you might have.<\/p>\n
10. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you’ve got more than just one or two leftovers, these hand pies are a great way to use them all. While the recipe calls for the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, you can really get creative and toss in whatever leftovers you have\u2014the beauty of puff pastry is that it can transform anything.<\/p>\n
11. Turkey Birria Tacos<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother great recipe if you\u2019re tired of the usual soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit more involved than the other recipes here, but very much worth it. There\u2019s even a recipe for homemade cranberry salsa to serve on the side.<\/p>\n
12. Stuffing Waffles<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese waffles will make you wish you\u2019d made an extra batch of stuffing because they\u2019re that good. The waffle itself is mostly just stuffing and buttermilk, with a few extra seasonings to taste, but the real star of the show is the whipped cranberry butter.<\/p>\n
13. Turkey Curry<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
This soup channels all the comforting vibes of Thanksgiving in a bowl, with its tender pieces of turkey, potatoes, and mix of seasonal veggies. We\u2019ve also found that making this soup or this stock is the best way to use up every part of the bird\u2014neck, giblets, and all.<\/p>\n
8. Turkey Jambalaya<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSmoky, spicy, and packed with all the right seasonings, this Turkey jambalaya is a fun way to add some new flavors to your Thanksgiving leftovers and mix things up a bit.<\/p>\n
9. Mashed Potato Flatbread<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThree words: mashed potato flatbread. It’s a fool-proof recipe that makes a great base for pizzas or for dipping in any leftover sauces and gravy you might have.<\/p>\n
10. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you’ve got more than just one or two leftovers, these hand pies are a great way to use them all. While the recipe calls for the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, you can really get creative and toss in whatever leftovers you have\u2014the beauty of puff pastry is that it can transform anything.<\/p>\n
11. Turkey Birria Tacos<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother great recipe if you\u2019re tired of the usual soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit more involved than the other recipes here, but very much worth it. There\u2019s even a recipe for homemade cranberry salsa to serve on the side.<\/p>\n
12. Stuffing Waffles<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese waffles will make you wish you\u2019d made an extra batch of stuffing because they\u2019re that good. The waffle itself is mostly just stuffing and buttermilk, with a few extra seasonings to taste, but the real star of the show is the whipped cranberry butter.<\/p>\n
13. Turkey Curry<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
Three words: mashed potato flatbread. It’s a fool-proof recipe that makes a great base for pizzas or for dipping in any leftover sauces and gravy you might have.<\/p>\n
10. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nIf you’ve got more than just one or two leftovers, these hand pies are a great way to use them all. While the recipe calls for the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, you can really get creative and toss in whatever leftovers you have\u2014the beauty of puff pastry is that it can transform anything.<\/p>\n
11. Turkey Birria Tacos<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother great recipe if you\u2019re tired of the usual soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit more involved than the other recipes here, but very much worth it. There\u2019s even a recipe for homemade cranberry salsa to serve on the side.<\/p>\n
12. Stuffing Waffles<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese waffles will make you wish you\u2019d made an extra batch of stuffing because they\u2019re that good. The waffle itself is mostly just stuffing and buttermilk, with a few extra seasonings to taste, but the real star of the show is the whipped cranberry butter.<\/p>\n
13. Turkey Curry<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
Another great recipe if you\u2019re tired of the usual soups, sandwiches, and stews. These birria tacos are a bit more involved than the other recipes here, but very much worth it. There\u2019s even a recipe for homemade cranberry salsa to serve on the side.<\/p>\n
12. Stuffing Waffles<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThese waffles will make you wish you\u2019d made an extra batch of stuffing because they\u2019re that good. The waffle itself is mostly just stuffing and buttermilk, with a few extra seasonings to taste, but the real star of the show is the whipped cranberry butter.<\/p>\n
13. Turkey Curry<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nAnother way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
Another way to transition your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new cuisine\u2014this turkey curry is the perfect swap. The coconut milk, ginger, and spices create a super flavorful sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
14. Cranberry Cookie Bars<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nSince most of the other recipes are savory, we had to throw in at least one dessert\u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not another pie. If you\u2019re still craving something sweet and all the other desserts have disappeared, these cranberry cookie bars are the way to go.<\/p>\n
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd\u2019s Pie<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nThis Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n
16. Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Relish<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nWe said no more sad turkey sandwiches, and this one is anything but. Revive dried turkey by gently warming it in a buttery, almost caramel-like maple glaze. Then, top with cranberry relish, brie (or any leftover cheese you\u2019ve got), and a few butter pickles for an actually exciting turkey sandwich.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/h3>\n
This Thanksgiving shepherd\u2019s pie, topped with sweet potatoes, is the ultimate cold-weather as December approaches. There’s plenty of room for customization, but it\u2019s primarily packed with leftover vegetables which is always welcome after a big feast.<\/p>\n