10 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Fall

10 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Fall

Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches

thanksgiving turkey cranberry sandwiches

Turkey and cranberry sandwiches are a delightful way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. This simple yet satisfying dish combines the savory flavors of turkey with the sweet, tangy kick of cranberry sauce, all nestled between slices of your favorite bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or a snack, these sandwiches can be customized with additional ingredients like cheese or greens to suit your taste.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey slices 1 cup
Cranberry sauce 1/4 cup
Bread (your choice) 2 slices
Lettuce (optional) A few leaves
Cream cheese (optional) 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Lay out the two slices of bread on a clean surface.
  2. If using, spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread.
  3. Layer the sliced turkey on top of one slice of bread.
  4. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey.
  5. Add lettuce if desired, then top with the second slice of bread.
  6. Cut the sandwich in half and serve with any additional sides you prefer. Enjoy!
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Stuffing-Stuffed Peppers

thanksgiving leftover stuffed peppers

Stuffing-stuffed peppers are a creative and delicious way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers! This dish combines the savory flavors of stuffing with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner, allowing you to enjoy the essence of Thanksgiving in a unique form.

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4 large
Leftover stuffing 2 cups
Cooked turkey, shredded 1 cup
Cheese (shredded, optional) 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper To taste
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, optional) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  3. In a bowl, mix the leftover stuffing with the shredded turkey and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture, packing it down gently.
  5. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. If using, sprinkle cheese on top.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious stuffing-stuffed peppers!
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Turkey Pot Pie

comforting turkey pot pie

Turkey pot pie is a hearty and comforting dish that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious meal packed with flavor. With a creamy filling of turkey and vegetables, all encased in a flaky crust, turkey pot pie is the epitome of cozy dining. It’s perfect for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers while providing a warm, satisfying dish for the whole family.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, cubed 2 cups
Frozen mixed vegetables 1 cup
Cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz)
Chicken or turkey broth 1/2 cup
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 (9-inch)
Onion, diced 1 small
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste
Fresh herbs (thyme or sage, optional) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add cooked turkey and mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and broth, mixing well. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
  5. Pour the turkey mixture into a pie crust in a pie pan, then cover with a second pie crust. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top for ventilation.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting turkey pot pie!
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Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet potato casserole recipe

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved holiday dish that highlights the natural sweetness and creaminess of sweet potatoes, creating a rich, comforting side perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Topped with a crunchy pecan or marshmallow layer, this casserole adds a delightful contrast to savory dishes and is a great way to use those leftover sweet potatoes.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 cups
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Butter 1/4 cup (1/2 stick)
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Pecans, chopped (optional) 1/2 cup
Mini marshmallows (optional) 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash in a large bowl.
  3. Add brown sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon to the mashed sweet potatoes; mix until smooth.
  4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish.
  5. If desired, top with chopped pecans or mini marshmallows.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the top is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy your sweet potato casserole!
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Thanksgiving Pasta Salad

thanksgiving leftover pasta salad

Thanksgiving Pasta Salad is a vibrant and revitalizing dish that utilizes leftover turkey, veggies, and holiday seasonings to create a delicious side or main course. This salad combines cooked pasta with seasonal ingredients, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover Thanksgiving fixings into a new and exciting meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked pasta (e.g., rotini or bowtie) 4 cups
Leftover turkey, shredded 2 cups
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Cucumber, diced 1 medium
Red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup
Olive oil 1/3 cup
Red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded turkey, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to combine until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Pasta Salad!
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Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

cranberry bbq turkey sliders

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders are a delightful and easy way to transform leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal. These sliders combine the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with zesty barbecue flavors, creating a perfect handheld treat for both adults and kids. They’re great for game day, casual gatherings, or a simple family dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Leftover turkey, shredded 2 cups
Cranberry sauce 1/2 cup
Barbecue sauce 1/2 cup
Slider buns 12
Sliced cheese (optional) 6 slices
Fresh arugula or spinach 1 cup
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix shredded turkey with cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce until fully combined.
  2. Toast slider buns lightly, if desired, and place them on a serving platter.
  3. Spoon the cranberry BBQ turkey mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
  4. If using, add a slice of cheese on top of the turkey mixture, followed by a handful of arugula or spinach.
  5. Place the top halves of the buns on top to complete the sliders and serve immediately. Enjoy your Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders!
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Pumpkin Risotto

creamy pumpkin risotto recipe

Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that beautifully showcases the seasonal flavors of pumpkin and spices. This risotto is perfect for using up leftover pumpkin puree from Thanksgiving or simply enjoying the cozy flavors of fall. It’s a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course that can impress guests and warm your family on chilly evenings.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Vegetable or chicken broth 4 cups
Onion, finely chopped 1
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Sage, chopped (optional) 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the broth and keep it warm on low heat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
  4. Gradually add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and allowing the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more.
  5. Once the rice is tender and creamy (about 18-20 minutes), stir in the pumpkin puree and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and sage if using.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and sage if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Risotto!
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Mashed Potato Cakes

crispy leftover mashed potatoes

Mashed Potato Cakes are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes from your Thanksgiving feast into crispy golden treats. These savory cakes are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a comforting side dish or a tasty appetizer. With their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, they make for a perfect way to use up those leftovers while adding a hint of creativity to your meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Leftover mashed potatoes 2 cups
Egg 1 large
All-purpose flour 1/2 cup
Green onions, chopped 1/4 cup
Cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Olive oil or butter (for frying) As needed

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine leftover mashed potatoes, egg, flour, green onions, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  2. Form the mixture into small patties or cakes, about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Cook the potato cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Mashed Potato Cakes!
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Turkey and Veggie Soup

hearty turkey veggie soup

Turkey and Veggie Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey and vegetables from your Thanksgiving meal. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal way to warm up during the chilly fall days. It’s a simple and satisfying recipe that can easily be customized to include your favorite veggies or spices.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Chicken broth 6 cups
Carrots, diced 1 cup
Celery, diced 1 cup
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the cooked turkey, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Turkey and Veggie Soup!
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins

delicious pumpkin spice muffins

Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a delightful fall treat that perfectly capture the warm flavors of the season. These moist, spiced muffins are made with leftover pumpkin puree from your Thanksgiving celebrations and are ideal for breakfast or as a quick snack. With a simple recipe, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible muffins that will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Baking powder 2 teaspoons
Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon
Ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Eggs 2 large
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Vegetable oil 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Chopped nuts (optional) 1/2 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt; whisk to blend.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined; fold in chopped nuts if using.
  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving. Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Muffins!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.