It’s normal to concentrate on the large meal as you get ready for Thanksgiving. However, have you considered how you’ll manage the pile of leftovers that frequently follows Thanksgiving? Why not turn leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce into inventive, tasty new recipes instead of throwing them away?
Thanksgiving may be extended long after the feast is over by repurposing those leftovers into new dishes with a little imagination. These recipes, which range from mashed potato cakes to turkey sliders, can help you repurpose your leftovers from the Thanksgiving meal into a variety of delectable dishes that preserve the flavors of the holiday while cutting down on food waste.
Why it s important to use up those leftovers
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and community. But it’s also one of the most significant days for food waste each year. In 2024 alone, Americans will throw away almost 316 million pounds of food at Thanksgiving, according to ReFED, a U.S. group dedicated to reducing food waste. According to Selena Mao, manager at ReFED, this amounts to about $556 million worth of goods wasted in a single day, which is a stark contrast to the spirit of thankfulness the day is supposed to promote.
Finding inventive methods to recycle leftovers is not only practical, but it’s also a small step toward reducing food waste, as millions of pounds of uneaten food are thrown out each year. You may continue to savor your Thanksgiving feast in new and delectable ways while reducing trash by repurposing your essentials. Here’s how to make the most of your leftover Thanksgiving food.
Turkey
Thanksgiving’s centerpiece is unquestionably turkey, which may be used in a variety of creative and delicious ways. A tasty and sweet way to use leftover turkey is to make turkey cranberry sliders, which are served on soft Hawaiian buns with cranberry sauce. These sliders are the ideal light lunch or snack. Another simple method to recycle this Thanksgiving favorite is to add leftover turkey to soups. Classics like turkey and rice soup or turkey noodle soup are simple to make and perfect for chilly evenings.
To add a Mexican flair to your leftovers, try making turkey enchiladas. For those who enjoy tacos, leftover turkey tacos are a tasty and easy way to add some spiciness to the meal.
If you enjoy traditional chicken pot pie, try making it with turkey for a new take on this comforting favorite. Just mix the leftover turkey with a variety of frozen or fresh vegetables, and then toss in a creamy sauce consisting of milk, broth, and a butter and flour roux. Put a buttery pie crust on top of the mixture, bake it until it’s brown and bubbling, and you’ll have a simple, tasty dinner that’s great for using leftovers.
Last but not least, remember the turkey carcass. Make a tasty turkey stock with it to use as a foundation for soups and stews in the future. For a tasty homemade stock, just mix the turkey bones in water with some herbs and vegetables (chopped onion, carrots, garlic, celery, and thyme are favorites) and let it boil for three to four hours over the stove.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin may be used in a variety of inventive ways and isn’t just for pies. Remaining pumpkin can be blended into a creamy mac and cheese, stirred into cereal or yogurt for a flavor boost, or turned into a savory pumpkin quiche. It’s also a success when added to a hearty pumpkin chili for a warm, filling, and fall-flavored supper.
Mashed potatoes
Thanksgiving staples like basic mashed potatoes can be used in a variety of ways.A creative approach to make the most of leftovers is to make fried mashed potato balls. These cheesy, crunchy morsels are a terrific addition to any football party you’re throwing during Thanksgiving weekend.
Try creating a chocolate cake with mashed potatoes if you’re feeling very daring. Unbelievably, you can give your favorite chocolate cake recipe a cup of mashed potatoes to give it more moisture and richness. This is best served with plain mashed potatoes.
Cranberry sauce
Cranberries, an unsung hero of the Thanksgiving feast, are frequently left in the refrigerator. But this sweet sauce can be used in a variety of ways. For a zesty morning treat, sprinkle it over Greek yogurt. For a delicious breakfast treat, you can also include your leftover cranberry sauce into your preferred quickbread recipe.
Add a few teaspoons of leftover cranberry sauce to your favorite cocktail for a holiday-themed drink for a more festive twist. Don’t pass up the chance to prepare cranberry shortcake for dessert, as the sweetness of the cake and the tartness of the sauce go well together.
Stuffing
One of the most adaptable Thanksgiving leftovers is probably stuffing. Consider creating savory filling waffles rather than reheating it. Simply combine your leftover stuffing with a few eggs and cook in your waffle maker for approximately five minutes to produce these quick and simple treats. If you have visitors staying over for the weekend, these crispy waffles are the perfect treat for brunch.
Do you still have stuffing? Try adding it to a casserole, frying it into crispy stuffing fritters, or using it as a filling for egg rolls. For an additional layer of comfort, why not stuff leftover turkey and mashed potatoes into a turkey shepherd’s pie?
Bread
Finally, remember to use any leftover bread. You may simply turn that bread into something spectacular, whether it’s loaves or rolls. For a weekend brunch, try preparing an overnight blueberry French toast casserole. It’s a simple technique to make a delicious, sweet breakfast out of stale bread.
Don t let those leftovers go to waste
Don’t be overwhelmed by the leftovers from your Thanksgiving dinner, whether it’s your first Thanksgiving or you’re hosting a large family gathering. Thanksgiving leftovers may be used in a variety of inventive ways, so there’s no reason to throw any food away. These recipes provide tasty ways to maximize your holiday feast, from cakes to fritters, sliders to soups. If you give them a try, you’ll have tasty meals well after Thanksgiving.
Front Range Fed’s blogger is Sarah Jenkins. She, her husband, two boys, and her cherished dog daughter, Maya, reside in Bouler, Colorado.
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