What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving is a feast to remember, and the leftovers can be just as exciting as the main event. But instead of just reheating leftovers, or making the standard post-Thanksgiving sandwich, why not transform them into creative, flavorful meals that keep the holiday spirit alive!

 Here are three recipes to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers.

1. Turkey Noodle Soup with Stuffing Croutons

This simple soup gets tons of flavor from your leftovers. Egg noodles are classic, but rice works too. Add mashed potatoes for a heartier, creamier version or finish with fresh grated Pecorino or Parmesan.

Ingredients

• Turkey carcass or leftover meat

• 2 large carrots

• 3 celery stalks

• 1 medium onion

• 5 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)

• Leftover herbs and/or a few bay leaves

• 12 oz egg noodles

• Fresh dill or parsley if available

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce*

• Salt & black pepper

• 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• Optional: garnish with grated Parmesan or Pecorino

*Soy sauce boosts umami without tasting distinctly Asian.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté carrots, celery, onion, and garlic for 4–5 minutes until just starting to sweat.

3. Add turkey carcass, any leftover meat, dried herbs, and stock. Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes.

4. While soup simmers, spread 1–2 cups leftover stuffing on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and toast at 375°F until crispy around the edges.

5. Remove the turkey carcass from the soup and let cool slightly. Shred meat with a fork.

6. Add noodles to the pot and simmer for about 12 minutes until cooked.

7. Stir in shredded turkey, season with soy sauce, fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

8. Serve topped with toasted stuffing croutons and optional Parmesan.

2. Shepherd’s Pie

Turn your Thanksgiving dinner into a single, comforting dish. Layer leftovers in a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake.

Ingredients

• 1 onion

• 2 stalks celery

• 1 medium carrot

• 2–3 cups leftover cooked veggies (green beans, sweet potatoes, greens, or frozen corn/peas)

• 1 cup stock or gravy

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2 Tbsp flour

• 1 tsp fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage)

• 2 cups turkey, cut into small pieces

• 4 cups mashed potatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Melt butter in a large pan. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot for 5 minutes until soft. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper.

3. Stir in leftover or frozen veggies, herbs, and flour; cook for 4–5 minutes (skip flour if using gravy).

4. Pour in stock or gravy and mix in turkey. Simmer for a couple of minutes.

5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Spread mashed potatoes on top, creating small peaks, and sprinkle with cheese.

6. Bake for about 30 minutes until cheese melts and top is golden.

3. Turkey Birria

For a full transformation, make a birria-inspired dish using leftover turkey. Great for tacos or served over rice.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey

• 1 large yellow onion

• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 chipotle plus 2 Tbsp sauce (from a can of chipotle in adobo)

• 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes

• ½ tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1-inch cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 cup chicken stock or water

• 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Olive oil

• 2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and smashed garlic. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until onions are translucent with slight color.

2. Add oregano, paprika, and cumin; cook 1 minute more.

3. Pour in chipotles, crushed tomatoes, stock, and vinegar. Blend with an immersion blender or in a processor until smooth.

4. Return to pot and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20–30 minutes.

5. Add turkey pieces and simmer gently for another 15 minutes. Adjust spices and salt as needed.

6. Serve over rice with condiments (sour cream, lime, chopped onion, cilantro) or as quesabirria tacos: dip tortillas in sauce, add turkey and cheese, pan-fry until crispy.

Other Leftover Ideas

• Stuffing Waffles: Mix 4 cups stuffing with 2 eggs and ¼ cup stock/water. Optional: green onions, cheddar. Cook in a greased waffle maker until crispy. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.

• Potato Pancakes: Mix 2 cups mashed potatoes with 1 egg, seasonings, herbs, cheese, and ½ cup flour. Form patties, coat in panko, refrigerate 20–30 minutes if sticky, and pan-fry until golden.

• Leftover Sliders: Slice a pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls into one large top and bottom. Spread top with mustard, bottom with cranberry, turkey, and Swiss. Brush with butter, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then slice into individual sliders.

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