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After a delicious Thanksgiving feast, you may find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers. While turkey sandwiches are a classic, there are so many other creative ways to turn those extra mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into exciting new dishes. Here are some fun and flavorful recipes to help you transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious meals everyone will love.
1. Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas
Why not use that leftover turkey and cranberry sauce for a quick and tasty meal? Layer shredded turkey, a bit of cranberry sauce, and cheese between two tortillas. Toast in a skillet until golden brown and crispy. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory turkey, and the melted cheese adds a gooey, comforting touch. Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping!
2. Stuffing Waffles
Yes, you can make waffles with stuffing! Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with cooking spray. Scoop your leftover stuffing into the waffle iron, pressing it down gently. Cook until the waffles are golden and crispy. Serve them with turkey or gravy, or even drizzle with some maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist.
3. Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Turn your leftover turkey into a comforting pot pie. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a pan, then stir in chopped turkey and frozen peas. Add a little flour to thicken, and pour in some chicken broth and a splash of cream. Spoon the mixture into a pie crust and top with another layer of crust. Bake until golden and bubbly, and enjoy this warm, hearty meal!
4. Cranberry Sauce Smoothie
For something a little different, blend your leftover cranberry sauce into a smoothie. Combine a couple of spoonfuls of cranberry sauce with yogurt, frozen fruit (like banana or strawberries), and a splash of juice or milk. Blend until smooth for a refreshing breakfast or snack.
5. Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
Take your stuffing to the next level by using it to stuff mushrooms. Remove the stems from large mushroom caps and fill them with leftover stuffing. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. These make a great appetizer or side dish!
6. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden pancakes. Simply mix your mashed potatoes with a beaten egg, flour, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Heat a little oil in a pan, then spoon the potato mixture into the skillet, pressing it down to form pancakes. Cook until each side is crispy and browned. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or gravy for an extra treat.
7. Thanksgiving Fried Rice
Give your leftover vegetables, turkey, and stuffing a makeover by making fried rice. Heat up some oil in a pan and stir-fry leftover turkey, vegetables, and rice. Add soy sauce, a scrambled egg, and green onions for an easy and flavorful fried rice dish.
8. Sweet Potato Toasts
If you have leftover sweet potatoes, slice them thinly and toast them in your toaster or on a baking sheet in the oven. Once they’re crispy, top with your favorite toppings. Try mashed avocado and a poached egg for a savory option, or cream cheese and a drizzle of honey for something sweet.
9. Leftover Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
If you still have some pumpkin pie, turn it into a milkshake! Scoop a piece of pie into a blender, add vanilla ice cream, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon, and blend until smooth. It’s like enjoying dessert in a whole new way!
10. Turkey Tacos
Tacos are a fun way to enjoy turkey leftovers. Shred your leftover turkey and heat it up with some taco seasoning. Serve in soft or hard taco shells and top with your favorite taco fixings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. A side of cranberry sauce can add a nice sweet kick to these tacos.
With a little creativity, your Thanksgiving leftovers can become exciting, mouthwatering meals that will make you look forward to the post-feast days even more. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, these recipes are sure to help you make the most of your leftovers and reduce waste. Happy cooking!