Whether you stuff your rolls with slices of turkey and ham, or dollops of green bean casserole and creamy mashed potatoes – the Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich is as classic as the bird itself. But even tried-and-true favorites can become a little stale; there are only so many sandwiches you can stomach.
Instead, turn your turkey into a pho or a pot pie. Add spoonfuls to the cake batter to soft and rich slices. Puree roasted roots into soups and whisk sauce Or actions in vinaigrettes. Even leftover pumpkin can make silky soft spreads.
1. Action
First on the to-do list: make turkey stock. This recipe below is for chicken, but turkey will work just as well.
2. Deconstructed Turkey and Brie Sandwich
most festive charcuterie board this autumn has never seen! Cheeseboard extraordinaire Marissa Mullen makes hers with deli turkey, but feel free to swap leftovers Thanksgiving turkey in its place. Candied garlic, apple slices, grapes, fresh brie, assorted nuts and fig jam complete the look.
3. Curried smoked turkey salad
Have you smoked a turkey this year? Repurpose it in the form of this Garlic Balsamic Blend turkey salad which is inspired by Amanda Hesser’s favorite meal at the now-closed Iris Cafe in Brooklyn Heights.
4. Turkey Pot Pie
What’s better than enjoying a creamy, buttery, flaky pot pie afterwards Thanksgiving? Not a lot.
5. Silver Palate Turkey Hash Salad
“This salad is just what you’ll want to eat (and cook) the day after Thanksgiving and also includes a clever tip for roasting garlic faster,” according to our editors. This is the perfect recipe for using up Thanksgiving leftovers as roasted potatoes, cooked sliced turkeyand green salads.
6. Leftover Turkey Soup
The best part of Thanksgiving is getting together with loved ones to share a delicious meal. But the leftovers are a close second! They can get a little boring on their own, so recipe developer Rachel Gurjar turned cooked turkey meat and homemade turkey stock into one cozy soup How’s it going keep you warm for the cold days ahead.
7. Leftover Thanksgiving Breakfast “Burritos”
For a delicious variation on a morning after Thanksgiving breakfast, fill a large flour tortilla with all the fixins – a spoonful of leftover mashed potatoesa ball of leftovers cranberry saucediced roast turkey and Padding.
8. Turkey empanadas
Turkey empanadas are, yes, perfect little pockets for your Thanksgiving leftovers.
9. Turkey tetrazzini
Did you know that “turkey tetrazzini” is one of the most searched phrases on Google the day after Thanksgiving? Who knew?
ten. “Grateful for Leftover Turkey” Jambalaya
This leftover turkey jambalaya gives us something to be thankful for.
11. Turkey Quiche
Your quiche would be very, very happy if you fed it leftover turkey. Bonus points if you also give him potatoes and green beans.
12. Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffed Bread to Separate
You know throw cakes? Well, this one is leftover turkey bread. Throw them away, little birds!
13. Best Turkey Chili Ever
This recipe calls for ground turkey, but if you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey lying around, simply fold it up for a comforting bowl of chili.
This article was updated in November 2023 to include more of our favorite products.
What do you like to do with your leftovers? Share your favorite ways to use your Thanksgiving turkey below!
