How should we use our Thanksgiving leftovers?
If you want easy, delicious ways to transform your leftovers, you’re in the right place. Here are my favorite ideas to turn turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce into breakfasts, lunches and dinners that feel brand new.
Start the night of Thanksgiving by prepping a simple breakfast: cranberry dark chocolate overnight oats. They’re effortless to assemble, keep well in the fridge, and give you a bright, fruity start to the day.
One of my go-to dishes is turkey tortilla soup. Hearty and comforting, it breathes new life into leftover turkey and is perfect for chilly days.
Another favorite: turkey ramen. Use the turkey bones and scraps to build a rich broth, then add shredded turkey and noodles for a deeply satisfying bowl.
For comforting, cozy dinners, try turkey and mushroom dumplings. They’re warming and luxurious; if you prefer, you can make a creamy chicken-and-dumpling version instead.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them sit. Turn them into potato waffles—add crumbled bacon and blue cheese for a salty, crispy upgrade that’s great for brunch or a fun dinner side.
Sandwich lovers: try a potato chip BLAT for crunch and contrast, or assemble a stacked Thanksgiving leftover breakfast biscuit for a decadent, savory morning meal.
Pizza is an easy canvas for leftovers. Top a pizza with turkey, bacon, avocado and a drizzle of ranch for a flavor-packed slice that’s quick to make.
Stuffing makes a fantastic base for a breakfast hash. Fry it up with onions and an egg on top for a satisfying morning or brunch dish.
Mashed potato pancakes are a classic for a reason. Crisp them in a skillet until golden, then top with sour cream, chives or leftover gravy for a quick, comforting bite.
For something sweet, use leftover cranberry sauce in a Greek yogurt coffee cake. It adds a bright sweetness and keeps dessert simple while you tackle holiday to-dos.
These ideas cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, and help you enjoy your holiday food all over again without feeling repetitive. What are you making with your leftovers this year?