What’s on the menu after Thanksgiving is over? Thanksgiving leftovers, of course. It’s a common tradition and an unspoken rule that the food remaining after Thanksgiving becomes the main priority for the week ahead. That means turkey sandwiches, plate lunches, and endless reheated trays are the only things in sight in every kitchen. But redundant meals can become boring, and bland–fast.
This year, try incorporating your leftovers into meal ideas that are not only unique, but delicious, thus breaking the usual reheating routine. These fresh takes will bring new excitement to your leftovers and might even make you forget they’re leftovers at all.
Turkey Quesadilla & Tacos
Ditch the turkey sandwiches and switch things up with Mexican-inspired cuisine like turkey quesadillas and tacos. Add taco seasoning to shredded turkey, sprinkle it onto a tortilla or into a taco shell, and finish with your favorite cheese and toppings. It turns into a delicious, flavor-filled surprise.
Fried Potato Cakes
Just like a hash brown, you can turn your leftover mashed or scalloped potatoes into fried potato cake. Mold the potatoes into small patties, dip them in egg wash and flour, and fry them in oil. Your leftovers will go from basic to brilliant in minutes, and your kiddos will be extra-eager to eat them.
Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites
If you’re frying potatoes, you might as well fry the mac ‘n’ cheese too! Shape cold leftover mac ‘n’ cheese into bite-sized balls, dip them in egg wash and flour, and fry them in oil. Talk about warm, cheesy-goodness.
Turkey Chili
Take your favorite chili recipe and simply switch out the ground beef with shredded turkey. It’s perfect for winter days and freezes well for later.
Savory Stuffing Waffles with Gravy
Switching up the shape and presentation of stuffing can make it more fun to eat, even if it tastes the same. To create a batter-like consistency, mix your stuffing with a few eggs and some chicken broth (adjusting based on how much you’re making). Scoop the mixture into a waffle maker, spread it thin, and cook until crisp. Serve with leftover gravy to top off the experience.
Turkey Pot Pie
A pot pie is one of the best ways to combine all your leftovers– rolls, turkey, gravy, stuffing, veggies, and potatoes. Layer everything in whatever combination you like best and pop it in the oven. This savory dish will make the leftovers disappear fast.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Casserole
With layers of stuffing, turkey, cheese, eggs, milk, and cream of mushroom soup, this makes a delicious breakfast dish. For mouthwatering results, follow the Tastes of Lizzy T recipe.
Sweet Potato Pancakes w/ Cranberry Syrup
Use your leftover sweet potatoes to make a flavorful pancake. Add mashed sweet potatoes to your usual pancake batter and season with cinnamon and nutmeg. Top with warmed cranberry sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Whether you try these ideas or feel inspired to create your own, tackle your Thanksgiving leftovers this year with new ways to enjoy the food from the day we celebrate gratitude and togetherness.