After Thanksgiving, the deliciousness doesn’t have to stop! Holiday feasts leave plenty of opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Instead of simply reheating plates of turkey and stuffing, transform your meal remnants into exciting new dishes that your family will love. Here are 12 inventive recipes to give your Thanksgiving extras a tasty makeover.
1. Thanksgiving Waffles
Turn stuffing into a savory breakfast! Press it into a waffle iron until crispy and golden. Top your “waffles” with turkey, a fried egg, and a drizzle of reheated gravy for a hearty morning meal. Bonus points if you sprinkle on some herbs for garnish.
2. Turkey Noodle Soup
Give your turkey a second life by simmering it into a comforting soup. Use the bones to create a flavorful broth, then add shredded turkey, roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans, egg noodles, and a dash of thyme. It’s the ultimate soul-warming dish for chilly fall days.
3. Mashed Potato Croquettes
Transform mashed potatoes into crispy, golden bites of joy. Mix them with shredded cheese, diced turkey or ham, and chopped green onions. Form the mixture into small patties, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until crisp. These croquettes are perfect for dipping into cranberry sauce or gravy.
4. Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders
For a tangy delight, mix cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce to create a unique glaze. Pile turkey onto slider buns, top with the cranberry BBQ sauce, and add a layer of coleslaw or greens for crunch. It’s sweet-and-savory perfection!
5. Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
Turn stuffing into the perfect appetizer or side dish. Hollow out large button mushrooms, fill them with the stuffing, and sprinkle with Parmesan or shredded cheese. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is bubbly. Bite-sized and delicious!
6. Turkey Pot Pie
Transform your feast into a warm, savory pot pie. Combine turkey, gravy, vegetables, and a splash of cream in a pie dish. Finish it off with mashed potatoes or a sheet of puff pastry, and bake until golden. It’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
7. Sweet Potato Pancakes
Leftover sweet potatoes or casserole can be whipped into fluffy pancakes! Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with pancake batter, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook as usual, and top with syrup or a dollop of cranberry sauce for a breakfast that tastes like dessert.
8. Turkey Fried Rice
Use turkey in this quick and easy fried rice recipe. Sauté diced meat, roasted vegetables, and day-old rice in a skillet with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a scrambled egg. Add chopped scallions for a fresh finish.
9. Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits
Turn cranberry sauce into a sweet breakfast treat. Layer it with yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a quick parfait. This simple dish is a refreshing way to enjoy Thanksgiving’s palate in a whole new light.
10. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Take a slice of pumpkin pie (crust included) and blend it with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt and a splash of milk for a decadent milkshake. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
11. Turkey Tacos
Give taco night a festive spin. Shred turkey and sauté it with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Fill tortillas with the spiced meat, cranberry sauce and finish it off with diced jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro for a flavorful fusion dish.
12. Gravy Poutine
Make this Canadian classic with a Thanksgiving twist. Layer French fries or roasted potatoes with shredded turkey and cheese curds or shredded cheese. Drizzle generously with hot gravy and bake until the cheese is melty.
Thanksgiving meals don’t have to feel like a repeat of the holiday. With these creative recipes, you can enjoy entirely new dishes that keep the flavors of Thanksgiving alive in exciting ways. What’s your favorite way to reinvent holiday fare? Let us know in the comments!
