Thanksgiving is over, but like every year, you're left with a ton of leftovers. Here are 29 Ways to Repurpose Thanksgiving Leftovers and turn them into new meals your family will love.
Ahh, Thanksgiving leftovers. We inevitably have them after EVERY holiday. Well, at least I always do. It's an inbred instinct that no matter how many people I'm cooking for; whether it be for four or twenty four, I fear I'm going to run out of food so I always make too much.
From appetizers to soup, salads to sandwiches, main entrees to sides, most leftovers taste even better when they are utilized in other ways. I know in our family, a turkey sandwich only goes so far as the next day; after that we're turkey'd out.
Here are 29 Ways to Repurpose Thanksgiving Leftovers and ways to create new recipes your family will love. ~Enjoy!
Soup
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (substitute leftover turkey)
Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup (substitute leftover turkey)
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup (you can use the turkey carcass also)
Salads & Sandwiches
Rosemary, Honey & Walnut Chicken Salad (substitute leftover turkey)
Greek Chicken Salad (substitute leftover turkey)
Napa Almond Chicken Salad (Panera Bread Copycat)(substitute leftover turkey)
Waldorf Chicken Salad (substitute leftover turkey)
Grilled Chicken Parmesan Sliders (substitute leftover turkey)
Grilled Chicken & Pesto Panini (substitute leftover turkey)
Honey BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad(substitute leftover turkey)
Main Entrees
Chicken Pot Pie (substitute leftover turkey)
Turkey & Wasabi Mashed Potato Croquettes
Leftover Turkey Stroganoff Casserole
Chicken & Rice with Zucchini (substitute leftover turkey)
Creamy Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Casserole (substitute leftover turkey)
Use leftover mashed potatoes to make Irish Cottage Pie
Use leftover stuffing to make Apple Cranberry Stuffed Pork Chops (or stuff inside boneless chicken breasts)
Sides
Corn & Cheddar Mashed Potato Fritters
Asiago & Basil Red Bliss Baked Potato Croquettes
Horseradish Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin
Turn leftover corn into Garlic & Herb Creamed Corn
Don't forget our furry friends with these Chicken & Wild Rice Dog Biscuits (substitute leftover turkey)
Sarh S says
My kiddos would love the Corn & Cheddar Mashed Potato Fritters! I bet I could get my picky eater to eat those!
Megan says
Lots of great ideas. I think my favourite is using the turkey in a dip.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thank you Megan and if you chop it up small you'll never tell the difference!
Auntiepatch says
So many good ideas! Thanks Carrie!
Beverley says
great selection of delicious recipes...oh I think I'm going to be using some of these. Thank you xoxo
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
You're very welcome Beverley! xoxo
Catherine says
Dear Carrie, so many marvelous ideas here. Thanksgiving leftovers may just be the best part of the holiday. Have a beautiful holiday with your family dear. xo, Catherine
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thank you so much Catherine and same to you and your family!