Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas! These fun and easy recipes will breathe new life into your holiday leftovers and make post-feast meals a breeze.
Leftover Turkey Recipe Ideas!
These easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes are perfect for busy cooks who want to make the most of their fridge without eating the same thing twice.
Here you will find Thanksgiving leftover casseroles, quick leftover turkey soups, easy turkey sandwiches, and unique twists on traditional dishes – everything you need to keep things fresh after the holiday.
Thanksgiving is full of great flavors, but when the holiday’s over, using up all those leftovers can feel overwhelming.
Nobody wants to waste food, but no one wants endless turkey sandwiches either!
I’ve put together a list of fun, creative recipes that you’ll want to make even after the leftovers are gone.
These easy post-holiday recipes are game-changers because they:
- Are quick and easy to prepare
- Use simple, affordable ingredients
- Turn leftovers into fresh new meals
From chili and turkey noodle soup to egg rolls and casseroles, there’s something for everyone here.
1. Thanksgiving Potato Skins
Baked Potato Skins are a must-try appetizer that delivers crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon in every bite!
Perfect for game day or gatherings, these skins are fun to customize with your favorite dips.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey or other ingredients!
Enjoy a delicious snack or side dish experience!
2. Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts
Turkey Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese is the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers!
This quick and easy sandwich features tender turkey, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce melted between golden, crusty bread.
It’s a comforting savory, sweet, and tangy dish that’s deliciously satisfying, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner any time of the year!
3. Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls are a fun and creative way to enjoy your holiday leftovers!
This easy 30-minute recipe combines all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors—turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce—into crispy, golden-brown rolls.
Serve them with leftover gravy for dipping and make them a new holiday tradition in your home.You’ll want to make them again and again!
4. Turkey Salad
The Best Leftover Turkey Salad is a quick and delicious way to transform your holiday leftovers!
This refreshing salad combines tender turkey with vibrant veggies and a zesty, and slightly sweet, dressing for a nutritious meal.
Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner that your family will love customizing!
5. Turkey Carcass Soup
Turkey carcass soup is a cozy, comforting way to make the most of Thanksgiving leftovers!
This one-pot soup is loaded with rich turkey flavor, fresh veggies, and hearty herbs.
Your family will love customizing their bowls with toppings, and you’ll love how budget-friendly and wholesome it is—perfect for savoring holiday flavors a little longer.
6. Thanksgiving Ring
The Thanksgiving Ring is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Packed with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese, it brings all the flavors of Thanksgiving in a warm, flaky crescent roll ring.
Perfect for sharing and easy to customize, this festive dish makes holiday prep a breeze—and disappears fast! Why stop celebrating on Thanksgiving when you can keep the party going!
7. CPK Italian Chopped Salad
Italian Chopped Salad (CPK Copycat) is a vibrant, restaurant-quality salad that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
With crisp romaine, savory salami, mozzarella pearls, and spicy pepperoncini, it’s all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Perfect as a meal or a side—and a great way to use leftover turkey for extra protein!
8. Turkey Casserole
Leftover Turkey Casserole is a simple and comforting dish that transforms your holiday leftovers like turkey, gravy, and cornbread, into a warm, hearty meal!
With just one pot, you’ll create a creamy casserole that the whole family will adore.
It’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings for a unique twist!
9. Monte Cristo Sandwich
This warm, crispy, and cheesy sandwich is the ultimate comfort food!
With layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and cheddar cheese stacked on honey wheat bread,
dipped in batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection, it’s sweet, savory, and crispy in every bite.
Serve with raspberry preserves for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing twist on a restaurant favorite!
10. Southern Collard Greens
Southern Collard Greens are a comforting side dish that brings rich Southern flavors to your table!
Tender collard greens are simmered with smoky bacon (or shredded Thanksgiving turkey for a delicious twist), aromatic onions, and garlic, creating a savory delight.
Perfect for pairing with your favorite main dishes, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftovers while adding nutrition!
11. Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
This easy recipe combines tender pasta with leftover turkey, a rich creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms.
Your family will love the hearty flavors, and you’ll appreciate the minimal cleanup.
It’s a delicious way to turn leftovers into a hearty and cozy dinner!
12. Turkey Chili
Healthy Turkey Chili is a cozy, flavor-packed one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Combining lean ground turkey (or using chopped leftover cooked turkey), beans, and spices, it’s a hearty and nutritious option that’s easy to make.
Customize with avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips, and enjoy a wholesome, protein-packed bowl that’s perfect for meal prep, game days, or a family dinner!
13. Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food!
This easy recipe transforms leftover turkey into a creamy filling packed with tender vegetables, all encased in a flaky crust.
Ready in just 35-40 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You can either make the pie crust yourself, or use store-bought pie crust for convenience.
Your family will love this hearty dish, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to make!
14. Club Sandwich
The classic Thanksgiving Turkey Club Sandwich is a fantastic way to use up your holiday leftovers!
Quick and easy to make, this sandwich features layers of juicy turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and rich cheddar cheese.
Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
15. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and healthy twist on Taco Night!
This quick recipe features tender roasted sweet potatoes filled with flavorful taco-seasoned beef (or leftover turkey).
Your family will love customizing their meals with favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and cheese, making it a perfect kid-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare!
16. Turkey Noodle Soup
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is a comforting and easy dish that transforms your holiday leftovers into a hearty meal!
With tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and wide egg noodles in a flavorful broth, this family-friendly soup can be ready in under 35 minutes so you can keep celebrating with family and friends.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy turkey long after the holiday feast!
17. Leftover Turkey & Rice Soup
Leftover Turkey Soup with Wild Rice is the perfect cozy, one-pot meal!
This easy 30-minute recipe transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into a warm, gourmet-looking, satisfying soup with tender turkey, wild rice, and fresh veggies.
Your family will love adding their favorite toppings, and you’ll love how quick it is to make this kid-friendly dinner extra delicious!
18. Turkey Lasagna
The Best Healthy Turkey Lasagna You’ll Ever Eat is a wholesome twist on a classic!
Perfect for using up leftover turkey, it’s packed with fresh veggies, creamy ricotta, and bold Italian flavors without the guilt.
Ideal for busy nights, this comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite is both hearty and healthy—you’ll never miss the original!
19. Disneyland’s Monte Cristo Sandwich
Copycat Disneyland Monte Cristo Sandwiches bring the magic of Disneyland to your kitchen!
This easy recipe features a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors,
with layers of turkey leftovers, ham, and Swiss cheese in a lightly sweet batter.
Fried to golden perfection, they’re an indulgent treat that your family will love, whether you dip them in a jam or not!
20. Turkey Stuffed Peppers with Pepper Jack
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal! Switch the ground turkey for chopped-up leftover turkey and give them new life!
These vibrant peppers are filled with a savory mixture of turkey leftovers, offering a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish.
They’re easy to prepare and customizable with your family’s favorite toppings for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!