12 Creative Ways to Continue the Gobble, Gobble
Thanksgiving is many American’s favorite holiday, simply because the food is so good, and because most of us give ourselves a free pass to indulge each year on this particular Thursday. But, with so much great food on the table, you’re bound to have leftovers that will last through the weekend. And sure, you can just reheat them as-is and enjoy a delicious meal, but there are also many ways to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and creative. Here are a dozen ways to get more gobble out of your holiday feast.
Turkey Soup
Use up every last bit of your bird by picking all the meat off the carcass, then simmering it in a stock pot with water or vegetable stock. Then, remove the bones, add in the turkey meat, veggies and wild rice, quinoa or a small pasta, and enjoy!
Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/bird-to-the-last-drop-recipe-1937879
Mashed Potato Bread
This moist, fluffy bread is perfect for making sandwiches, avocado toast, or just slathering with butter; whatever suits your post-holiday fancy!
Recipe: https://www.vitacost.com/blog/how-to-use-leftover-mashed-potatoes/
Thanksgiving Frittata
Take your leftover turkey, veggies and potatoes and turn them into a frittata that can be eaten for breakfast or as a dinner with a fresh, green side salad. Leave out the turkey for a vegetarian option!
Recipe: https://www.litehousefoods.com/livinglitehouseblog/recipe/thanksgiving-leftovers-frittata
Cranberry Sauce Pancakes
Whip a batch of these beauties for the morning – or several mornings - after. There is leftover cranberry sauce in the batter, and more on top along with a drizzle of maple syrup and some chopped pecans.
Recipe: https://www.kitchentreaty.com/leftover-cranberry-sauce-pancakes-with-pecans/
Thanksgiving Hash
Chop up your leftover turkey, stuffing and potatoes and sauté into a breakfast hash, with the addition of some fresh veggies and chicken stock. Serve with poached or fried eggs.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
OK, so it’s not the healthiest re-do, but there’s no denying the deliciousness of these crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, bites of cheesy goodness.
Recipe: https://www.justataste.com/cheesy-leftover-mashed-potato-muffins-recipe/
Cranberry Baked Brie
If you’re having company over again over the holiday weekend, this sweet, tart and creamy cranberry brie is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you’re feeling extra fancy, wrap it in filo dough before baking.
Recipe: https://www.averiecooks.com/cranberry-baked-brie/
Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms
Repurpose your leftover veggies with these one-bite (OK, maybe two-bite) wonders! The recipe works great with creamed spinach as well.
Recipe: https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/green-bean-casserole-stuffed-mushrooms/
Sweet Potato Muffins
Bake your leftover mashed sweet potatoes into a batch of muffins that will last all weekend. This one also works with honey or brown-sugar glazed carrots.
Recipe: https://www.food.com/recipe/thanksgiving-leftover-sweet-potato-muffins-197850
Buffalo Turkey Wraps
Add totally new flavor and packaging to your leftover turkey with by tossing them in a spicy, garlicky buffalo sauce and rolling them in a tortilla with lettuce and cheddar cheese. Try them cold, or hot on a griddle or in a sandwich press.
Recipe: aheadofthyme.com/buffalo-turkey-wraps/
Birds in a Blanket
To put a Thanksgiving spin on pigs in a blanket, wrap your leftover turkey, and any other leftovers that tickle your fancy, in puff pastry and serve with a side of gravy for dipping.
Recipe: https://thecuriousplate.com/thanksgiving-leftovers-in-a-blanket/
Sweet Potato Smoothie
Mashed or roasted sweet potatoes can be added to the blender with your choice of milk, maybe some vanilla protein powder or Greek yogurt and a variety of fruits – think banana, apple or mango – to make a yummy shake. Add extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to boost the flavors. Pumpkin pie filling also works great in smoothies!
Recipe: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/cinnamon-sweet-potato-smoothie/