Next Level Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

The Best Recipes to Transform Thanksgiving Leftovers

The real estate market slows in the fall and winter, often because buyers and sellers are taking time to enjoy the holidays with family. And as we all know, there's nothing like a Thanksgiving feast. 

From turkey to mashed potatoes, grandma's famous stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce (even right from the can), not mention warm pumpkin or apple pie, all your favorites make it to the table. It's no wonder that this usually results in leftovers that completely take over your fridge space.

For many, leftover turkey sandwiches with reheated sides are a go-to, but that can get pretty boring after a couple of days. Then it's time to transform those extra helpings into something totally unique and absolutely delicious.

The key is to see these prepared sides as recipe ingredients, not a finished dish. As building blocks for recipes, the opportunities are endless. It just takes a little imagination.

Right out of the gate Djalali Cooks offers three unique spins on turkey sandwiches:

Turkey Reuben

• 2 Slices Rye Bread
• Thinly Sliced Turkey, lightly browned in skillet with olive oil
• 2 Slices Provolone
• Sauerkraut
• Thousand Island Dressing

The Italian

• 1 Ciabatta Roll, sliced in half
• Thickly Sliced Turkey, lightly browned in skillet with olive oil
• Pesto
• 2 Tomato Slices
• Flaky Salt and Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 Slices Fresh Mozzarella
• Olive Oil for drizzling

The Super Special Grilled Cheese

• 2 Slices Crusty Italian Bread
• Thinly Sliced Turkey, lightly browned in skillet with olive oil
• Grated Gruyere Cheese
• Caramelized Onions
• Cranberry Sauce

Getting Creative with Thanksgiving Leftovers

To transform your leftovers, simply take inspiration from your favorite everyday dishes and cuisines. Turkey and veggies, even your green bean casserole, can be incorporated into a pot pie, shepherd's pie or breakfast quiche. Instead of a sandwich, make a cheesy turkey quesadilla. Here are a few recipes and ideas to get you started. 

Thanksgiving Pizza (Source)

Our featured recipe, this one uses just about all the leftovers you might find in your fridge. PorchLight tested, this one "slaps." One tip from our tester is to use a tart pan if you have one or a pizza pan to give you maximum surface area and a more aesthetic finished dish.

Ingredients
1 Puff Pastry Sheet, Thawed
1/2 Cup Mashed Potatoes
5 Tablespoons Gravy, More to Taste
1/4 Cup Corn 
1/4 Cup Green Bean Casserole
1/2 Cup Chopped Turkey
1/2 Cup Stuffing
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 Cup French Fried Onions
1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Basil Parsley, Or Thyme, For Garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Gently press the puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch tart pan (or pie pan). Trim the corners and use them to fill in any empty spaces along the sides of the pan.
3. Spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom and drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy.
4. Sprinkle with corn and green bean casserole.
5. Top with turkey, stuffing, and three tablespoons of gravy.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with French fried onions and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
9. Garnish with basil, parsley or thyme, and freshly ground black pepper

Leftover Stuffing Waffles (Source)

This super-simple recipe turns stuffing into a canvas for everything from sandwiches to eggs benedict. You can eat them like toast with a little cranberry jelly spread on top, or dip them in leftover gravy for a savory snack. No waffle maker? Form scoops into thin patties and fry them in a lightly oiled pan.

Ingredients
4 Cups Crumbled Leftover Stuffing
2 Large Eggs Lightly Beaten
1/4 Cup Chicken Broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the waffle iron and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the leftover stuffing and 2 eggs until combined. Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth and mix until incorporated and moist.
3. Scoop half of the stuffing mixture into the waffle iron and spread evenly until the entire iron is covered with a thin layer of stuffing. Close the lid and let the waffle bake until crispy golden brown and the egg is cooked throughout (follow manufacturer's instructions for accurate cook time).
4. Transfer waffles to a serving plate and repeat with remaining stuffing.

Turkey Potato Croquettes (Source)

Everything is better fried, right? These cheesy, crunchy morsels are a great way to get those final bits of turkey used up, and give your mashed potatoes a whole new life. Don't forget a side of gravy and/or cranberry sauce for dipping!

Ingredients

2 1/2 Cups Cold Mashed Potatoes 
2 Large Eggs, Whisked in Separate Bowls
1 Cup Roast Turkey, Chopped
1 Cup Shredded Cheese (Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Cheddar)
1 Cup Breadcrumbs 
Olive, Vegetable, or Canola Oil for Cooking

Instructions:

1. Stir the mashed potatoes and 1 whisked egg in a bowl until combined and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped turkey and shredded cheese.
3. Take 2 teaspoons of the turkey cheese mixture and form into 1-inch balls. You want to roll them tight so the turkey and cheese bind together.
4. Take 2 tablespoons of the potato egg mixture and form a patty in the palm of your hand, place a turkey cheese ball in the center and fold the potato mixture around the turkey cheese ball to make a larger ball.
5. Place the second whisked egg in a bowl and the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
6. Roll each potato croquette gently into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs covering them completely.
7. Add the oil to a heavy-bottomed pot over medium/high heat. The oil is hot enough if you put a few leftover breadcrumbs in and they sizzle immediately.
8. Add the croquettes to oil and fry for about 60 seconds, turning occasionally, until the outside is crispy. Alternatively, you can bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
9. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the croquettes to the paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt.

Pumpkin Pie Shake (Source)

This might sound like madness, but it's delicious madness for sure. With this concoction, you'll take a big 'ol slice of that leftover pumpkin pie (or any pie really) and throw it in a blender. Still reading? Good. Here's the recipe.

Equipment

Milkshake maker, standard blender, or immersion blender 

Ingredients

1 Cup Vanilla Ice Cream, About Four Good-Sized Scoops
1/3 Cup Milk, 2% Or Whole or Dairy-Free
1 Slice Pumpkin Pie, Good-Sized
2 Tablespoons of Caramel Sauce (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except caramel and blend on low, gradually increasing speed until fully blended, about 45 seconds. Less if you want more texture.
2. Drizzle caramel around the inside of your glasses and pour the milkshake into them.
3. You can top your shake with whipped cream, pie crust crumbs, and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.

Even More Inspiration for Thanksgiving Leftovers

A quick search can provide you with even more ideas and leftover recipes. Here are a few good lists:

• From Delish, 47 Ideas For Thanksgiving Leftovers That Go Beyond Simple Sandwiches
• From the Food Network, 61 Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas That Will Make Your Mouth Water
• From Ahead of Thyme, 25 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Whether you've just purchased a home and gotten settled in for Thanksgiving or continue to make memories in your forever home, hopefully these recipes give you a chance to make the most of your favorite feast. And if you still have leftovers, you can always freeze and forget about them until you have a holiday hankering at another time. Enjoy!