Creative ways to repurpose your Thanksgiving feast
Savoring the leftovers
Story by Gregory P. Thomas
The joy of Thanksgiving doesn’t end when the meal is over; it continues with the delightful prospect of leftover dishes. While reheating the same plate from the day before can be satisfying in its own right, there are countless ways to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers into new culinary adventures. So savor those leftovers, and relish the continuation of the holiday feast.
Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich
Layer turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce between slices of bread for the ultimate Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich. It’s a handheld feast!
Cranberry turkey quesadillas
Add a twist to your turkey leftovers by making cranberry turkey quesadillas. Spread cranberry sauce on a tortilla, add turkey, spinach and gouda cheese, then cook until it’s crispy and melty.
Turkey pot pie
Transform your leftovers into a comforting pot pie. Combine diced turkey with vegetables, gravy and a flaky pie crust for a hearty and delicious meal.
Turkey and cranberry pizza
Get creative with a Thanksgiving-themed pizza. Use cranberry sauce as the base, top it with turkey, cheese, and perhaps some caramelized onions for a unique and delicious meal.
Stuffing-stuffed mushrooms
Use your leftover stuffing as a filling for stuffed mushrooms. Scoop out the mushroom caps, fill them with stuffing, and bake until golden brown.
Sweet potato pancakes
Turn your leftover sweet potatoes into sweet potato pancakes. Simply mix them with flour, eggs and a touch of cinnamon, then cook them like regular pancakes.
Turkey fried rice
Give your leftover turkey a makeover by incorporating it into a turkey fried-rice recipe. Combine it with cooked rice, veggies and soy sauce for a quick and satisfying dish.
Pumpkin pie milkshake
Don’t forget dessert! Blend a slice of leftover pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream and a dash of milk for a delightful pumpkin pie milkshake.
Leftovers salad
Create a fresh salad using leftover turkey, apples, cranberries and greens. Top it with a homemade vinaigrette for a healthy post-Thanksgiving meal.
Cranberry muffins
Use cranberry sauce to make cranberry muffins or scones. The tartness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of baked goods.
Turkey and gravy poutine
Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a Canadian favorite: poutine. Pour leftover gravy over a plate of french fries, and add chunks of turkey and cheese curds for a rich and indulgent treat.
Brussels sprout hash
Sauté leftover roasted Brussels sprouts with diced turkey, bacon and potatoes to make a delicious hash. Top it with fried or poached egg for an extra layer of flavor.