When it comes to Thanksgiving Day, we always abide by the mantra that it’s better to have too much than too little. It’s an American tradition to stuff ourselves silly, after all, so if we’re cut short it’s kind of a total disaster.
One would think that would be enough to give us our fill of T-day food for an entire year, but we all know that isn’t the case — because there’s really nothing better than a cold turkey, cranberry and stuffing sandwich. Leftovers, dear friends, are like God’s gift to the universe. Well, leftovers and stretchy pants.
The only problem is, those leftovers start to feel a little repetitive if you don’t take the time to fancy them up a little. We love the classics, just not 10 days in a row.
If you’re still lovin’ the leftovers — but want some new ideas beyond the traditional sando — read on for inspiration to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving food.
Originally published November 2015. Updated November 2017.
Thanksgiving leftovers bread pudding
Perfect for brunch, this savory bread pudding is a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Leftover stuffing waffles
Savory stuffing waffles drenched in cranberry sauce and gravy are perfect morning, noon or night.
Leftover turkey miso ramen
Sauté your leftover turkey with lots of garlic, then make this comforting miso ramen.
Thanksgiving leftovers torta
Layers upon layers of Thanksgiving leftovers fill this decadent baked torta.
Thanksgiving egg rolls
Stuff egg roll wrappers with your favorite leftovers, then fry and dunk in a cranberry dipping sauce.
Morning-after Thanksgiving eggs Benedict
Gravy is a perfect hollandaise stand-in for this Thanksgiving eggs Benedict recipe.
Loaded mashed potato crunch
Is it a pizza? A flatbread? A casserole? I’m not sure, but this crispy, cheesy dish looks great.
Slow cooker turkey-mashed potato chowder
It doesn’t get much easier (or tastier) than this slow cooker turkey and mashed potato chowder.
Brussels sprouts and cranberry grilled cheese
Sweet-tart cranberry is the perfect foil to cruciferous Brussels sprouts in this grilled cheese recipe.
Thanksgiving leftovers “Pop-Tarts”
Try cran-apple with orange-sage icing or masala turkey with bourbon-orange glaze — you’ll love them.
Thanksgiving lasagna
Thanksgiving lasagna gives your leftovers an Italian bent in this easy recipe.
Thanksgiving leftovers pizza
Topped with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, this Thanksgiving pizza is the perfect way to use up leftovers.
Thanksgiving leftovers quesadilla
Turkey, cranberries and cheese, oh my! These quesadillas are the perfect recipe for your leftovers.
Savory crepes with turkey and stuffing
Topped with cranberry sauce and filled with turkey and stuffing, these mashed potato crepes are pretty perfect.
Cranberry sauce smoothie
A simple smoothie is the perfect use for all that leftover cranberry sauce.
Turkey and stuffing wontons
Crispy turkey wontons and cranberry dipping sauce will revolutionize how you think of leftovers.
Thanksgiving leftovers croque-madame
Chock-full of leftovers, this fried egg-topped croque-madame is the best Thanksgiving sandwich ever.
Sushi-inspired turkey rolls
Thinly sliced turkey is rolled around stuffing and veggies in this unique recipe.
Shredded turkey taquitos
Your leftover turkey will be unrecognizable as a Thanksgiving leftover in these tasty taquitos.
Leftover mashed potato crust quiche
Mashed potatoes make for a crispy and soft crust in this quiche — toss in leftover roast veg and turkey too.
Thanksgiving pizza
Loaded with mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing and gravy, this Thanksgiving pizza will change your life.
Mashed potato waffle melts
Mashed potatoes make light and fluffy waffles that are the perfect vehicle for a leftover turkey melt.
Caramelized pear and cranberry sauce panini
Tart cranberry and sweet pear are a perfect match for savory Swiss cheese in this recipe.
Thanksgiving leftovers nachos
During the big game, wow your guests with these unique Thanksgiving leftovers nachos.
Thanksgiving leftover eggs Benedict
Put those leftover dinner rolls to good use in this recipe for Thanksgiving eggs Benedict.
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