Leftovers don’t have to be boring or go to waste. With just a little creativity, you can turn those extra bits of food into great meals that taste just as good the second time around. Whether you’re looking for something quick or need to stretch your groceries a little further, these recipes make the most of what you’ve got and bring fresh flavor to your leftovers.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Fried rice is a quick meal made with day-old rice and fridge leftovers, ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a simple way to turn extra ingredients into a flavorful lunch or dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Baked Samosas
A baked or air-fried samosa repurposes leftover mashed potatoes into a snack or appetizer with a crisp exterior and tender center. Made with six pantry staples, it’s an easy option for reusing leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Baked Samosas
Ham, Broccoli and Cheese Crescent Cups
Ham, broccoli, and cheese crescent cups repurpose leftover ham into a bite-sized breakfast, brunch, or snack. With just a few ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and work well for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Ham, Broccoli and Cheese Crescent Cups
Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Thanksgiving leftovers casserole combines turkey and holiday side dishes into a single, comforting dish. It’s a no-hassle way to enjoy holiday flavors again without the need for extra preparation.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A leftover turkey shepherd’s pie layers turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegetables into a hearty meal that’s simple to make. This dish is perfect for turning holiday leftovers into a satisfying family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Turkey Stew
Turkey stew turns mashed potatoes, turkey, and other leftovers into a comforting and easy meal. It’s a great way to transform extra Thanksgiving ingredients into a dish that feels fresh and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
A wild rice casserole transforms leftover turkey into a hearty dish with wild rice and pantry staples. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s an easy and practical meal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
Southern Mash Potato
Southern mashed potatoes with garlic, onion, and cream cheese give leftover mashed potatoes a rich and creamy upgrade. This side dish is perfect for serving a crowd and making leftovers feel new.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash Potato
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
A turkey sweet potato skillet mixes leftover turkey with sweet potatoes, black beans, greens, and peppers for a colorful dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup
Creamy mushroom and kale turkey soup uses leftover turkey to create a hearty, aromatic meal. Garlic, white wine, and mushrooms enhance the flavors, making it an easy way to elevate leftovers into something special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup
Turkey à la King with Puff Pastry
Turkey à la King uses leftover turkey in a creamy sauce served in a puff pastry shell. It’s a simple way to turn holiday leftovers into a nostalgic, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King with Puff Pastry
Turkey Dumpling Soup
Turkey and dumplings turn leftover turkey into a hearty and cozy meal that’s easy to prepare. This simple recipe makes a comforting family dinner from ingredients you already have.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Dumpling Soup
Smoked Turkey Quesadilla
A Texas-style smoked turkey quesadilla fills tortillas with leftover turkey and cheese for a fast, satisfying meal. Paired with salsa and sour cream, it’s a quick way to enjoy your holiday extras.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Quesadilla
Easy Turkey Casserole
Turkey casserole uses leftover turkey, fresh vegetables, and cheese to create a comforting and flavorful dinner. It’s a practical way to clear out the fridge and make something satisfying for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Casserole
Turkey Fried Rice
Turkey fried rice combines leftover turkey, rice, and vegetables into a quick, flavorful dish. It’s a family-friendly option for making use of leftovers on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Turkey And Rice Casserole
Cheesy turkey and rice casserole blends leftover turkey with fresh vegetables to create a creamy, satisfying meal. It’s a practical and flavorful way to use up leftovers while feeding the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Turkey And Rice Casserole
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet potato pancakes are a creative way to use leftover sweet potatoes by mixing them with chocolate chips. They make a comforting breakfast that’s easy to prepare on cooler mornings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pancakes
Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini
Turkey and noodles tetrazzini turns leftover turkey into a creamy, pasta-based dinner that’s both hearty and simple to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers in a completely new dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini
Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits
Leftover ham pot pie pairs a flaky crust with a creamy filling made from ham and vegetables. This comforting dish can also be frozen for an easy meal later.
Get the Recipe: Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing mixes leftover turkey with stuffing and other sides to make a dish that’s both filling and versatile. It’s an effortless way to repurpose Thanksgiving ingredients into a main or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing
Turkey & Apple Panini
The Turkey & Apple Panini pairs leftover turkey with sweet apples and melted cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful sandwich. This recipe works well for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Maple Bacon Turkey Sliders
Turkey sliders combine leftover turkey with bacon, melted cheese, and onions, making them perfect for a quick bite or casual gathering. They’re a fun and tasty way to repurpose holiday extras.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Turkey Sliders
Mashed Potato Fritters
Crispy mashed potato fritters turn leftover mashed potatoes into golden, spiced snacks. They’re perfect for gatherings or as a quick snack for unexpected guests.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters
Thanksgiving Stuffing, Turkey, Mashed Potato Patties
Stuffing, Turkey, and Mashed Potato Patties combine Thanksgiving leftovers into savory, satisfying patties. These are an effortless way to transform holiday dishes into a new meal with familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Stuffing, Turkey, Mashed Potato Patties
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
The leftover turkey cranberry chaffle sandwich combines crispy chaffles with tangy cranberry sauce and turkey for a creative take on leftovers. It’s a quick and fun way to enjoy post-holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Boxty Irish potato pancakes make use of leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them into pancakes with a crispy outside and fluffy inside. They’re versatile enough to work as a breakfast or dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Leftover mashed potatoes can be made into crispy mashed potato pancakes in just 15 minutes. Add a fried egg on top for an easy breakfast or brunch using ingredients already on hand.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Leftover turkey pot pie wraps turkey and vegetables in flaky puff pastry, creating a cozy and effortless meal. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers while keeping preparation simple.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Hot Turkey Sandwich
A diner-style hot turkey sandwich transforms leftover turkey and gravy into a hearty meal with green peas and crusty bread. It’s a practical way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers without wasting any ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Hot Turkey Sandwich
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