Thanksgiving might be over, but your scrumptious leftovers are waiting, just begging to be transformed into exciting new don’t! Don’t let your perfectly cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing go to waste. Give them a new life with these creative and satisfying recipes that will extend the wonderful flavors of Thanksgiving all weekend long. From comforting soups to sides and sandwiches, we’ve got you covered with fresh ideas to use up every last bite.
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Probably my favorite use for leftover turkey. This wonderfully rich and creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is warm and comforting, and a very welcome meal during a busy holiday weekend.
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Turkey Cranberry & Boursin Grilled Cheese
2024 seems to be the year for crazy sandwiches to go viral, so it's time for this decade's old recipe to get some air. This Turkey Cranberry & Boursin Grilled Cheese is a terrific and decadent way to enjoy your T-Day leftovers. Be warned: it's messy. In all the best ways.
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Turkey White Bean Soup
Another soup that's fabulous with leftover turkey — and fast to the table — Turkey White Bean Soup is a healthy option here in the middle of the holidays, when you could some extra nourishment from a lovely bowl of hearty soup.
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Easy Mashed Potato Salad
Normally a summer dish at Casa SoupAddict, leftover holiday mashed potatoes are the perfect base for this fast easy side. Just a few mix-ins are all that's required to create a unique and super tasty Mashed Potato Salad that's elite alongside a juicy steak or a creamy chicken dish.
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Leftover Stuffing Pinwheels
Frozen puff pastry is practically a miracle product, in my book. There's so much you can do with it, including making easy Leftover Stuffing Pinwheels. Spread on a few ingredients, roll it up, and slice and bake for savory rolls that are the perfect sides to leftover turkey soup!
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Avgolemono Turkey Soup
Normally made with chicken, Avgolemono Turkey Soup is a delicious twin to the famous Greek recipe, and another great leftover turkey soup. Egg yolks and lemon are the secret to the lusciously creamy broth, and the pre-cooked turkey means everything will come together quickly.
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Mac and Cheese Beer Soup
Is there such a thing as leftover mac & cheese? Lol. Maybe your Friendsgiving potluck had some accidental dish duplication and you miraculously have some leftover. I gotchu. Just skip the preparation of the elbow pasta in this recipe and spoon the mac & cheese right in there at the end. Pure Mac and Cheese Beer Soup comfort food.
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Cranberry Avocado Salsa
If your family is a fan of the fresh cranberries version of cranberry sauce, you might have leftover cranberries with no particular place to go. This unique Cranberry Avocado Salsa is my salute to the flavors of the holiday season.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Stock
Roasting the turkey this year? Don't waste the carcass! Use the leftover turkey meat for the soups above, and make a big batch of homemade turkey stock in your slow cooker with the bones. Slow Cooker Turkey Stock can be used interchangeably with chicken broth, and can be frozen for use throughout the winter.
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Cranberry Quinoa Kale Salad
If you need a little salad respite from the rich foods of Thanksgiving, leftover cranberries add a unique, bright tartness to otherwise bland quinoa.
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I hope you’ve discovered some inspiration for using up all of those beautiful Thanksgiving foods to extend the taste of the holiday. Cheers!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
Friday 28th of November 2014
I also am grateful for the first potato roaster who turned into a potato smasher and----laughing. This is a wonderful roster of delectable dishes that don't look or taste like leftovers at all!