How To Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving is all about the big meal, but the leftovers can be just as important. Instead of letting extra turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce pile up, put them to good use in simple, creative ways.

With a little creativity, those leftovers can turn into meals that keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive. Think turkey sliders, mashed potato cakes, and more — simple ways to enjoy your holiday favorites all over again while cutting down on food waste.

🍴 Why it’s important to use up those leftovers

Thanksgiving is a celebration of togetherness and gratitude. However, it’s also one of the biggest food waste days of the year. According to ReFED, a nonprofit working to combat food waste based in the United States, Americans will waste approximately 316 million pounds of food during Thanksgiving in 2024 alone. “This represents more than $556 million worth of groceries thrown away in a single day — a sharp contrast to the spirit of gratitude the day is meant to embody,” said Selena Mao, manager at ReFED.

With millions of pounds of uneaten food tossed annually, finding creative ways to repurpose leftovers isn’t just practical — it’s a small step toward cutting down on food waste. By giving your Thanksgiving staples a second life, you can help minimize waste while continuing to enjoy your holiday feast in fresh and delicious ways. Here’s how to use every last bit of your Thanksgiving leftovers.

🍗 Turkey

Turkey is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, and there are plenty of ways to repurpose it into inventive dishes. A classic turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce on multigrain bread is a quick way to use up leftovers while keeping things fresh. It’s perfect for lunch or an easy dinner when you’re not in the mood to cook.

Consider making turkey cranberry sliders, a sweet and savory option that pairs leftover turkey with cranberry sauce on soft Hawaiian rolls. These sliders make for a perfect snack or light meal.

Adding leftover turkey to soups is also an easy way to repurpose this Thanksgiving staple. Turkey and rice soup or turkey noodle soup are both classics that are easy to prepare and ideal for cozy nights.

Make turkey enchiladas to give your leftovers a Mexican-inspired makeover. For taco lovers, leftover turkey tacos are a quick and delicious option that brings a bit of spice to the table.

If you love traditional chicken pot pie, switch things up by using turkey for a fresh twist on this classic comfort food. Simply combine your leftover turkey with a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables, then stir in a creamy sauce made from a butter and flour roux, milk and broth. Top the mixture with a buttery pie crust, bake until golden and bubbly, and you’ve got an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for repurposing leftovers.

Finally, don’t forget about the turkey carcass. Use it to whip up a flavorful turkey stock that can be a base for future soups and stews. Simply toss your turkey bones in water with some herbs and veggies — chopped onion, carrots, garlic, celery and thyme are favorites — and allow to simmer for about three to four hours over the stove for a flavorful homemade stock. 

🎃 Pumpkin

Pumpkin isn’t just for pies — it’s easy to turn it into new meals. A savory pumpkin quiche makes a great breakfast or brunch. Mix it with eggs, cheese, and whatever vegetables you have around.

Stir pumpkin into oatmeal or yogurt for a quick flavor boost. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re in the mood.

For dinner, blend it into mac and cheese for a creamy texture or add it to a pumpkin chili. It’s a simple way to make a filling meal that still feels like fall.

🥔 Mashed potatoes

Basic mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and there are tons of ways to repurpose them. Fried mashed potato balls are a fun way to take your leftovers to the next level. These crispy, cheesy bites are always a hit and a great app if you’re hosting any football parties on Thanksgiving weekend. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a mashed potato chocolate cake. Believe it or not, adding a cup of mashed potatoes to your favorite chocolate cake recipe can add moisture and richness to this decadent dessert. Plain mashed potatoes work best here.

🔴 Cranberry sauce

Cranberries might not always get the attention they deserve, but they’re one of the most versatile leftovers on the Thanksgiving table. Beyond spreading it on toast or pairing it with yogurt, cranberry sauce can be transformed into a completely new dish.

For a sweet and spicy appetizer, try using it in jalapeño cranberry dip. Simply substitute your leftover cranberry sauce for the fresh cranberries in the recipe. Blend the cranberry sauce with jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and sugar until combined, then layer it over a creamy base of softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Serve it with crackers, tortilla chips, or veggies for a holiday appetizer that’s sweet, tart, spicy, and creamy — perfect for entertaining or snacking.

This dip is just the start. Stir leftover cranberry sauce into quick bread or muffin batter for a simple breakfast upgrade, or even use it in cocktails to add a festive flair. And don’t forget dessert: cranberry shortcake is an easy way to pair the sauce’s tartness with something sweet.

🍞 Stuffing

Stuffing may be one of the most versatile Thanksgiving leftovers. Instead of just reheating it, try making savory stuffing waffles. They’re quick and easy to whip up — simply mix your leftover stuffing with a couple of eggs and cook for about five minutes in your waffle maker. These crispy waffles are brunch perfection, and they’re a great treat if you have weekend guests staying over.

Still have more stuffing? Try frying it into crispy stuffing fritters, using it as a filling for egg rolls, or stirring it into a casserole. If you’ve got leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, why not layer the stuffing into a turkey shepherd’s pie for an extra layer of comfort?

🌽 Creamed corn or canned corn

Leftover creamed corn or canned corn can be put to good use in simple, practical ways. Turn it into Jiffy corn casserole for a quick side dish that works with just about any leftovers.

For something heartier, use it in chicken corn soup — a no-fuss way to create a warm, filling meal with minimal effort.

If you’re looking for a quick snack, mix creamed corn into a fritter batter and pan-fry for an easy side or appetizer.

🥖 Bread

Lastly, don’t forget about leftover bread. Whether it’s rolls or loaves, that bread can easily be transformed into something special. Try making an overnight blueberry French toast casserole, which is perfect for a weekend brunch. It’s an easy way to turn stale bread into a delightful, sweet breakfast treat.

🍽️ Don’t let those leftovers go to waste

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or celebrating Friendsgiving, don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. From sliders and soups to cakes and fritters, there are plenty of ways to turn extra turkey, sides, and cranberry sauce into something fresh and great. These ideas help stretch your holiday feast into meals you’ll enjoy for days.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.