25 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes That Will Make You Thankful All Over Again

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Thanksgiving leftovers can be so much more than just reheated plates of turkey and sides. With a little creativity, you can turn those extras into tasty new meals your family will love. Transforming leftovers is a great way to save money, reduce food waste, and enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving for days to come.

From cozy turkey pot pies to zesty turkey enchiladas, there are so many yummy options to try. You can make hearty soups, sandwiches, casseroles and more. Get ready to give your Thanksgiving leftovers new life with these fun and easy recipes!

Leftover Turkey Recipe

You’ll love this tasty way to use up your Thanksgiving turkey! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped leftover turkey
1 cup cranberry sauce
4 slices bread
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter one side of each bread slice.
Mix the turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese in a bowl. Add salt and pepper.
Spread mayo on the unbuttered sides of two bread slices.
Put the turkey mix on the mayo sides and top with the other slices, butter side up.
Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Cut diagonally and enjoy your gooey, savory-sweet turkey melt!

This easy recipe turns plain leftovers into a warm, comforting meal. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Try different cheeses or add some crispy bacon!

Leftover Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover stuffing
2 eggs
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup cranberry sauce
Oil for frying

Directions:

Mix the leftover stuffing with one beaten egg in a bowl. Shape the mixture into small patties.
In a shallow dish, beat the remaining egg. Put the breadcrumbs in another dish.
Dip each patty in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with cranberry sauce for dipping.

You can make these tasty bites in just 15 minutes! They’re perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. The crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside will make you forget you’re eating leftovers.

Leftover Mashed Potato Recipe

Got extra mashed potatoes? Let’s turn them into tasty potato pancakes!

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

Mix mashed potatoes, egg, flour, and green onions in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with a spatula.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with sour cream or applesauce on the side.

Enjoy your crispy potato pancakes! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe

You’ll need:

1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
1/2 cup apple cider
2 frozen bananas
1 cup yogurt
Dash of cinnamon
Ice cubes

Directions:

Grab your blender and toss in the cranberry sauce, apple cider, frozen bananas, and yogurt.
Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
Pour the mixture over the ice, dividing it equally between the glasses.
Give it a quick stir and enjoy your refreshing cranberry smoothie!

This recipe turns your leftover cranberry sauce into a yummy drink. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

Leftover Pumpkin Recipe

Hey there! Got some leftover pumpkin puree? Let’s turn it into a yummy treat!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup leftover canned pumpkin puree
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, egg, and milk.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Enjoy your tasty pumpkin muffins! They’re perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
1 cup mixed frozen veggies
1/2 cup diced onion
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Now let’s make your tasty pot pie!

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook until soft.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add broth and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Mix in turkey and frozen veggies. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the filling into a pie dish.
Cover with pie crust, making a few slits for steam to escape.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious leftover turkey pot pie!

Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

You’ll need these ingredients:

2 cups shredded leftover turkey
1 can (15 oz) green enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 small onion, diced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

Here’s how to make them:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix turkey, 1 cup cheese, sour cream, and green chiles in a bowl.
Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, fill with turkey mixture, and roll up.
Place rolled enchiladas in a baking dish, seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with leftover cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melty and bubbly.
Top with cilantro and serve hot.

You can add some diced onions or extra cheese on top for more flavor. Enjoy your tasty turkey leftovers in a new, exciting way!

Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Here’s a tasty way to use up your Thanksgiving turkey! This soup is easy to make and so comforting.

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
6 cups turkey or chicken broth
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup egg noodles
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles, thyme, and rosemary.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
Stir in the chopped turkey and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Ladle into bowls and enjoy your warm, comforting turkey soup!

This recipe is perfect for a chilly day after Thanksgiving. You can add other leftover veggies too!

Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz spaghetti
4 cups leftover turkey, cubed
1/4 cup butter
1 onion, diced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until soft.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked turkey, peas, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Mix well.
Combine the sauce with the cooked spaghetti in a large baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Your Turkey Tetrazzini is ready! This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for using up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

You’ll need:

3 cups cooked turkey, diced
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup leftover gravy
1 cup mixed vegetables
1 cup stuffing
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in turkey, gravy, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
Spread stuffing over the turkey mixture.
Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious leftover turkey shepherd’s pie!

Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
2 cups leftover stuffing
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup leftover vegetables (mixed or single type)
1 cup leftover gravy
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crispy fried onions

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the stuffing evenly in the bottom of the dish. This forms your base layer.
Mix the chopped turkey with the leftover vegetables and spread this mixture over the stuffing.
Pour the gravy over the turkey and vegetable layer.
In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with milk until smooth. Spread this over the previous layers.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
Bake for 30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Top with crispy fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving leftovers in a new, tasty way!

Leftover Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups leftover mac and cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Spread the leftover mac and cheese evenly in the prepared dish.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your revamped mac and cheese!

This recipe gives your leftover mac and cheese new life. The crispy topping adds a nice crunch to the creamy pasta. You can also add some cooked bacon or diced vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

Leftover Sweet Potato Recipe

You can turn your leftover sweet potato casserole into a tasty pie! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 cup sweet potato casserole
1 pre-made pie crust
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the sweet potato casserole evenly over the pie crust in a baking dish.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans and brown sugar on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pie is set.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious leftover sweet potato pie!

Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

You’ll need:

12 Hawaiian rolls
8 oz thinly sliced leftover ham
8 oz Swiss cheese slices
4 oz cheddar cheese slices
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon chopped chives

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the ham, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese on the rolls. Put the top half of the rolls on.
Mix the melted butter, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
Pour this mixture over the rolls, making sure to coat them evenly.
Sprinkle poppy seeds and chives on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden brown.
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!

Leftover Thanksgiving Egg Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup leftover turkey, chopped
1 cup leftover stuffing
1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
12 egg roll wrappers
Vegetable oil for frying
Leftover gravy for dipping (optional)

Directions:

Mix the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes in a bowl.
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you.
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
Wet the top corner with water and roll tightly to seal.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve with leftover gravy for dipping if desired.

Enjoy your tasty Thanksgiving leftover egg rolls!

Leftover Thanksgiving Tacos Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded leftover turkey
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 can green chilies
2/3 cup turkey or chicken stock
1 teaspoon each: salt, pepper, cumin
8 taco shells or tortillas
Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese

Directions:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in green chilies and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add turkey, stock, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Warm your taco shells or tortillas in the oven or microwave.
Fill each shell with the turkey mixture and add your favorite toppings.
Serve and enjoy your tasty leftover turkey tacos!

This recipe is a fun way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings!

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl, mix milk, oil, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and egg until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your tasty leftover cranberry sauce muffins! They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Leftover Stuffing Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover stuffing
1 cup ground turkey or chopped leftover turkey
1/2 cup mashed potatoes
1 egg
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for hands)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, egg, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve hot with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

You can freeze any extra meatballs for later. Just pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simmer the frozen meatballs in marinara sauce for about 20 minutes.

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Mix your cold mashed potatoes, egg, and a pinch of pepper in a bowl.
Shape the mixture into small patties about 3 inches wide.
Put the flour in one shallow dish and the breadcrumbs in another.
Coat each patty in flour, then dip in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Place cooked pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Sprinkle with a bit of salt while still hot.

You can serve these yummy pancakes with sour cream or applesauce. They’re a great way to use up those leftover mashed potatoes from your Thanksgiving feast!

Feel free to get creative! Try adding some shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even crumbled bacon to the mix for extra flavor.

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice Recipe

Here’s a tasty way to use up your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers! This fried rice is quick, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked turkey, diced
3 cups cooked rice, chilled
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
Toss in the frozen veggies and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
Push everything to one side of the pan. Add beaten eggs to the empty space and scramble.
Mix in the cold rice and turkey. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
Pour in soy sauce and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Sprinkle green onions on top before serving.

Enjoy your tasty leftover turkey fried rice! It’s a great way to transform your Thanksgiving extras into a whole new meal.

Leftover Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Here’s a tasty way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers! This pumpkin chili is warm, cozy, and perfect for chilly fall days.

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, diced
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in chili powder, paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add turkey, pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

You can easily adjust this recipe to your liking. Add more broth if you want a thinner chili, or let it simmer longer for a thicker consistency. Enjoy your leftover turkey in a whole new way!

Leftover Potato Skins Recipe

You’ll love this tasty way to use up leftover Thanksgiving potatoes! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

4 leftover baked potatoes
1 cup stuffing
1 cup chopped turkey
1/2 cup shredded cheese
2 tbsp oil

Directions:

Cut potatoes in half. Scoop out most of the inside, leaving a thin layer.
Brush skins with oil and place on a baking sheet.
Fill each skin with stuffing, turkey, and cheese.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts.
Let cool for a few minutes before eating.

This recipe turns your leftovers into a whole new meal! You can mix it up by adding cranberry sauce or gravy on top. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy potato skins!

Leftover Thanksgiving Hash Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups diced leftover turkey
2 cups diced cooked potatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)

Directions:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften.
Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the diced potatoes to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until they begin to crisp up.
Mix in the leftover turkey and cook for 5 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using herbs, sprinkle them in now.
Keep cooking until everything is heated through and the potatoes are crispy on the outside.
Serve hot and enjoy your tasty leftover hash!

This easy recipe turns your Thanksgiving extras into a yummy breakfast or quick dinner. It’s a great way to use up what’s left in your fridge!

Leftover Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

You’ll need:

Leftover cranberry sauce
Crescent roll dough
Brie cheese
Chopped turkey (optional)
Mini muffin tin
Cooking spray

Let’s make these tasty bites!

Heat your oven to 375°F. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
Open the crescent roll dough and pinch the seams together. Cut it into 24 small squares.
Press each square into a muffin cup.
Cut the brie into small chunks. Put a piece in each dough-lined cup.
Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Add some turkey if you like.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before you take them out.

These bites are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. You can make them in no time with your Thanksgiving leftovers. Enjoy the mix of creamy brie, tart cranberry, and flaky crust!

Leftover Sweet Potato Croquettes Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover mashed sweet potatoes
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme)
1 lime, juiced and zested
Extra breadcrumbs for coating
Oil for baking

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking tray.
Mix the sweet potatoes, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, and grated garlic in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
In another bowl, combine ricotta, herbs, lime juice, and zest.
Form the sweet potato mixture into small balls or cylinders.
Roll each croquette in extra breadcrumbs to coat.
Place the croquettes on the prepared baking tray.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Serve your croquettes warm as a tasty appetizer or side dish. They’re crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside!

Leftover Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
2 cups stuffing
1 cup shredded cheese
12 eggs
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Spread the stuffing evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle the chopped turkey over the stuffing layer.
Add the shredded cheese on top of the turkey.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mushroom soup, milk, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour this egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This casserole is a great way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. You can even prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.