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By Cathy

16 Delicious & Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Ideas

Leftover Turkey Quinoa Salad


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As we all know, the day after Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with copious amounts of leftover turkey. In an effort to help alleviate this conundrum, I’ve come up with a simple yet satisfying recipe that turns yesterday’s feast into a nutritious and flavorful next-day meal. This leftover turkey quinoa salad is a game-changer, combining the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the savory essence of turkey. To take it to the next level, feel free to add some crispy Brussels sprouts, roasted squash, and dried cranberries for an added burst of flavor. This recipe is more than just a clever way to repurpose leftovers – it’s a standalone Thanksgiving meal in its own right.

Grilled Turkey Sandwich Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe


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The day after Thanksgiving often finds our fridges stocked with an abundance of leftover turkey, a staple many of us adore. If you find yourself standing in front of the open door, staring down at the remnants of yesterday’s feast, fear not! We’ve got a solution to breathe new life into those leftovers. Why not transform them into mouth-watering grilled turkey sandwiches? This innovative recipe, courtesy of thebusybee.co, takes the traditional leftover sandwich and gives it a thrilling twist. Not only are these sandwiches delectable and easy to prepare, but they’re also perfect for a casual brunch gathering with friends. Simply fire up your grill, assemble the ingredients, and get ready to delight in the flavors and textures of this creative turkey sandwich.

Easy 30-Minute Turkey Noodle Soup


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The Thanksgiving leftover recipe from averiesunshine is surprisingly mouthwatering, considering it’s a leftover dish. In fact, this turkey-infused noodle soup is reminiscent of the classic traditional version, with the added bonus of being easy and quick to prepare the next day. This comforting bowl of goodness serves as another satisfying lunch option, filling and perfect for a chilly November afternoon when a warm, nourishing meal is just what you need.

Creamy Turkey Stew


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If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers, look no further than this creamy turkey stew recipe from The Millennial Kitchen. Not only does it warm the soul, but it’s also incredibly versatile – simply toss in your favorite veggies and spices to create a flavor profile that’s all your own. And the best part? This stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch later on. Simply thaw overnight and reheat in the morning for a satisfying start to the day. With the added bonus of creamy texture from the included cream, this recipe is sure to make even the most skeptical turkey lover fall head over heels.

Cranberry Tartine Recipe


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If you’re craving something more than just turkey this Thanksgiving, consider whipping up a cranberry tartine using leftovers. These sweet and healthy treats offer a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, allowing you to add your own twists with ingredients like sweet potatoes, sprouts, or even a bit of turkey. The result is a light and satisfying breakfast option that’s perfect for a lazy morning, as per Goop’s excellent recipe.

Greek Salad Meal Dinner Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe


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This Thanksgiving, consider transforming your leftover turkey into a deliciously healthy Greek salad, courtesy of Redwine Olive Oil. This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, combining the savory goodness of roasted turkey with the freshness of an abundance of green veggies – think cucumber, tomatoes, artichokes, arugula, capers, olives, pickled cabbage, and red peppers. The added crunch and nutrition are further elevated by the tangy feta cheese, providing a satisfying and filling dinner that’s as light as it is flavorful. Paired with some crusty grilled homemade bread on the side, this dish is sure to be a Thanksgiving leftover recipe you’ll revisit year after year.

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe for Soup


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The savory recipe by savethefood is a testament to the versatility of Thanksgiving leftovers. Despite the chaos that often accompanies the holiday, many people cherish the warmth and camaraderie shared with loved ones during the evening’s festivities. For those who experience this sense of togetherness even after the meal has concluded, this comforting soup serves as a delightful reminder of the previous night’s joy. By incorporating your preferred vegetables and herbs, you can customize the dish to suit your taste buds. As you take a spoonful of this hearty soup for lunch, it will surely bring back fond memories while warming your spirit from within.

Herbed Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Butternut Squash and Cranberry Jam


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If you’re looking for a way to revitalize your Thanksgiving leftovers, look no further than this delightful recipe. With cranberry juice and roasted veggies from your Turkey Day feast still lingering in the fridge, you can whip up these herbed bruschettas in no time. A perfect snack option to round out your meal, this dish offers a lovely balance of flavors and textures. The addition of roasted butternut squash not only adds visual appeal but also boosts the nutritional value of each bite. Simply spread a generous amount of goat cheese on toasted bread, followed by a drizzle of cranberry juice. Top it off with some crunchy roasted almonds for added depth, and finish things off with a sweet touch from a drizzle of honey. Be warned: one slice won’t be enough to satisfy your cravings!

Cranberry Muffins


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This year, consider repurposing that leftover cranberry juice to create a delicious batch of homemade cranberry muffins. Baking might seem like an overwhelming task after the grand feast from the previous night, but it’s better than letting those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. The best part is that these muffins can be stored and enjoyed at a later time. Savethefood’s simple yet tasty recipe is a true classic, evoking memories of traditional gatherings and cozy moments.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole


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The aroma of a warm, comforting casserole is hard to resist, especially when it’s made with Thanksgiving leftovers. This turkey casserole recipe from sprinklesandseasalt is a game-changer – it’s so good that you’ll be hooked after just one serving. The next day, you might think you’ve had your fill of casseroles for a while, but the irresistible scent will have you craving more. To take it to the next level, consider adding some green peas and carrots to give it an extra boost of flavor. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your lunch routine.

Turkey and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders


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This Thanksgiving leftover recipe is a creative way to repurpose the abundance of food that tends to accumulate in our fridges during the holiday season. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on the leftovers you have on hand. For instance, start by layering sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, and cranberry juice into Sweet Hawaiian rolls. Then, add a zesty butter sauce to give it a rich glaze and a burst of savory flavor. Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or flavors to make it your own. As an added bonus, this dish is perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go, offering a satisfying start to the day.

Thanksgiving Hand Pies


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Thanksgiving leftovers can be a treasure trove of culinary creativity, especially when transformed into delectable handmade pies. As a gluten-free chef, I’m delighted to share a simple recipe for stuffed hand pies that utilizes the very best of your Turkey Day scraps – think sweet potatoes, turkey, and cranberry juice. If you’re fortunate enough to have some leftover cranberries, they’ll add an extra layer of flavor to the filling. Simply assemble the pies, pop them in the oven, and let them cool before storing them for up to 30 days. This way, you can satisfy your cravings whenever the mood strikes, without having to start from scratch.

Easy Turkey Casserole


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When it comes to repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers, bitzniggles’ easy turkey casserole recipe is another delicious option worth considering. Casseroles are an excellent way to breathe new life into leftover ingredients, and the added bonus of this particular recipe is that it can be stored for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.

Mashed Potato on Toast


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Indulge in the creamy goodness of lilybubbletea’s mashed potato toasts, a culinary delight that seamlessly blends flavor and nutrition. This impressive dish is not only effortless to prepare but also packed with wholesome benefits. By dedicating mere minutes of your day, you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying snack that will keep you fueled until lunchtime. To create this masterpiece, simply spread a generous helping of garlicky mashed potato onto a sourdough toast, then add a sprinkle of purple shiso furikake for an added burst of flavor. Feel free to take it to the next level by topping with a hard-boiled egg or poached counterpart, and finishing with a sprinkle of chives if you so desire. The beauty of toasts lies in their customizability – the perfect canvas for your creative culinary expressions.

Stuffed Acorn Squash


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This year’s Thanksgiving leftover recipe is a personal favorite of mine, and I’m excited to share it with you. The visually appealing squash dish from eat.wellwithmel is so impressive that it could easily take center stage at your Turkey Day dinner table too. To make the stuffing, simply combine whatever leftover ingredients you have on hand in the fridge. Feel free to get creative by using ground turkey, sausage, or even chickpeas – just be mindful of any cooking time variations. Once you’ve cooked the turkey, add some diced apples and quinoa for added texture and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some herbs to bring everything together.

Leftover Turkey Tortellini Soup


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Start your winter mornings with a warm, comforting bowl of turkey soup packed with nutrient-rich veggies from sonshinekitchen. This hearty soup makes for a satisfying lunch or a leisurely brunch option when sharing with friends who are still reeling from the Thanksgiving celebrations. While it may require some extra time in the kitchen, the end result is well worth the effort. As you enjoy these Thanksgiving leftover recipes, don’t forget to share your thoughts and feedback in our comment section! With a little creativity, even the most daunting leftovers can be transformed into delicious meals that delight both the palate and the senses. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors of the season, and explore more ways to repurpose your Turkey Day remnants. For further inspiration, check out our collection of Thanksgiving dessert recipes, or simply click on the image below to pin this article for future reference.

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