25 Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

These easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes are perfect when your fridge is full of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

These are simple ways to turn them into meals everyone will be excited to eat again.

1. Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich

This is the kind of leftover recipe that never gets old.

It’s stacked with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, so it tastes like the best parts of Thanksgiving packed into one easy sandwich.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sliced bread
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup leftover stuffing
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon butter, optional for toasting

Directions

1. Lay the bread slices on a cutting board. If you want a warm sandwich, lightly toast the bread first in a toaster or in a skillet with a little butter.
2. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Layer the leftover turkey evenly over two slices of bread.
4. Add the leftover stuffing right on top of the turkey. If the stuffing is very cold, warm it for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave first so the sandwich tastes fresher.
5. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the stuffing, then top with the remaining bread.
6. Slice in half and serve right away.

2. Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

This is one of the coziest easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes because it turns turkey and extra vegetables into a creamy, comforting dinner that feels brand new instead of recycled.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 box refrigerated pie crust
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a pie plate or small baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Press one pie crust into the pie plate if you want a bottom crust.
4. Pour the turkey mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top with the second pie crust, then crimp the edges with a fork and cut a few slits in the top with a paring knife.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the filling thickens slightly.

3. Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

This one is incredibly practical because it layers several leftovers together in one pan. It is one of the easiest ways to use turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes all at once.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup gravy
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8x8-inch casserole dish.
2. Spread the leftover stuffing into the bottom of the dish as the first layer.
3. Top with the leftover turkey and spread it evenly across the stuffing.
4. Pour the gravy over the turkey so the casserole stays moist as it bakes.
5. Spoon the leftover mashed potatoes on top and gently smooth them out with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is hot all the way through and the cheese is melted.
8. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

4. Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas

These are one of the most fun easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes because they feel unexpected.

The sweet cranberry sauce with turkey and melted cheese gives you a really good sweet-savory combination.

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, shredded
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Lay the flour tortillas flat on a board.
2. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over half of each tortilla.
3. Add the leftover turkey evenly over the cranberry sauce, then top with the Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Fold each tortilla in half.
5. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook the quesadillas for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter and serve warm.

5. Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

This is one of the smartest ways to use up mashed potatoes because the outside gets golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and creamy. They work for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, egg, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
2. Stir until the mixture holds together well enough to form patties. If it feels too loose, add a little more flour.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
4. Scoop the mixture into the skillet and flatten into small pancakes with a spatula.
5. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp.
6. Serve hot.

6. Thanksgiving Leftover Soup

This is one of the easiest and most comforting ways to use up several leftovers at once.

It turns turkey, vegetables, and even a little gravy into a warm soup that feels completely different from the original meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 cup leftover green beans, chopped
• 1 cup leftover carrots, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup gravy
• 1 cup egg noodles
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Pour the chicken broth into a large soup pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk in the gravy so the broth becomes slightly richer and thicker.
3. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package time, usually about 7 to 8 minutes.
4. Stir in the leftover turkey, green beans, and carrots.
5. Season with the black pepper and simmer for 5 more minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Serve warm in bowls.

7. Turkey and Stuffing Waffles

This is one of the most creative easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes because it turns stuffing into something crispy and fun.

It works especially well for brunch or a casual lunch the day after the holiday.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 cup gravy
• Waffle maker

Directions

1. Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it if needed.
2. In a bowl, mix the leftover stuffing with the eggs until the stuffing holds together.
3. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the waffle maker and spread it out slightly.
4. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until crisp and browned on the outside.
5. Top with the warmed leftover turkey and drizzle with the warmed gravy.
6. Serve immediately.

8. Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These little sliders are easy to make and great for feeding a group with leftovers. The turkey and cranberry combo gives them that classic Thanksgiving flavor in a party-friendly form.

Ingredients

• 12 slider buns
• 2 cups leftover turkey, sliced
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the dish.
3. Layer the leftover turkey evenly over the buns.
4. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey and spread gently.
5. Top with the Swiss cheese, then add the top halves of the buns.
6. Brush the tops with the melted butter.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until warm and melty.

9. Leftover Stuffing Muffins

This is a great way to make stuffing feel completely new. The edges get golden and crisp, and the individual portions are easy to grab for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Nonstick spray

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray.
2. Mix the leftover stuffing with the eggs and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups and press it down gently.
4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until set and lightly crisp on the edges.
5. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

10. Turkey Leftover Pizza

This one is especially fun because it feels so different from the original meal. Turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on pizza sounds unusual, but it really works.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pizza crust
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, chopped
• ⅓ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

Directions

1. Preheat the oven according to the pizza crust package, usually 425°F.
2. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
3. Spread the cranberry sauce lightly over the crust in a thin layer.
4. Top with the leftover turkey, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Slice and serve warm.

11. Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

This is one of the fastest ways to use turkey in a way that does not feel remotely Thanksgiving-like.

It is savory, simple, and especially useful when you want a low-effort dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice, chilled
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Directions

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the eggs and scramble them quickly, then push them to one side of the pan.
3. Add the peas and carrots and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and the leftover turkey.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together for 4 to 5 minutes until hot and evenly seasoned.
6. Serve immediately.

12. Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Hash

This is one of the best morning-after recipes because it uses turkey and potatoes in a way that feels hearty and filling without requiring much planning.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the bell pepper and onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the leftover potatoes and cook until lightly crisped, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the leftover turkey and heat through.
5. Make 4 small spaces in the hash and crack the eggs into them.
6. Cover the skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the egg whites are set.
7. Serve hot.

13. Cranberry Turkey Salad Wraps

This recipe is light, quick, and really good when you want something cold instead of another reheated plate.

The cranberry adds a little sweetness that keeps it from tasting like basic turkey salad.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup cranberry sauce
• ½ cup diced celery
• 4 flour tortillas
• 4 lettuce leaves

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the leftover turkey, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and celery.
2. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Lay out the flour tortillas and place one lettuce leaf on each.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture down the center of each tortilla.
5. Roll up tightly, slice in half if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

14. Leftover Green Bean Casserole Bake

This is a really easy way to freshen up leftover green bean casserole and make it feel like a warm side dish again instead of just a reheated scoop.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover green bean casserole
• ½ cup fried onions
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a small baking dish.
2. Spread the leftover green bean casserole evenly in the dish.
3. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the fried onions.
4. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Serve warm.

15. Turkey and Mashed Potato Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe makes leftovers feel especially comforting. It is a great dinner option when you have both turkey and mashed potatoes to use up.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup gravy
• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a small casserole dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the leftover turkey, peas and carrots, and gravy.
3. Spread the turkey mixture into the casserole dish.
4. Spoon the leftover mashed potatoes on top and smooth them over with a spatula.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until hot and lightly golden.

16. Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas

This is one of the best ways to make turkey feel completely different from the original meal. Rolling it into enchiladas with sauce and cheese turns leftovers into a totally new dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• ½ cup sour cream, optional for serving

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spoon a thin layer of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish.
3. Lay each of the flour tortillas flat and fill with some leftover turkey and a little shredded Mexican cheese.
4. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and melted.
7. Serve with sour cream if desired.

17. Leftover Stuffing Breakfast Bake

This one is especially useful the morning after Thanksgiving when you want something hearty without starting from scratch.

Stuffing works surprisingly well as the base for a savory breakfast casserole.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 6 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the leftover stuffing across the bottom of the dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

18. Cranberry Turkey Flatbread

This recipe feels a little more modern and snacky, which is great when you want something quick but still flavorful.

The flatbread crisps up nicely and makes leftovers feel a lot more intentional.

Ingredients

• 2 flatbreads
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, chopped
• ⅓ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 oz goat cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the flatbreads on a baking sheet.
2. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over each flatbread.
3. Top with the leftover turkey, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled goat cheese.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.
5. Slice and serve warm.

19. Turkey Noodle Casserole

This is a classic comfort-food option and a very practical way to stretch leftover turkey into a full dinner. It’s creamy, filling, and very family-friendly.

Ingredients

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a medium casserole dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, leftover turkey, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and frozen peas.
4. Spread the mixture into the casserole dish.
5. Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

20. Leftover Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls

This is a simple but really satisfying breakfast option. It works especially well when you have extra sweet potatoes and want something different from all the savory turkey dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover sweet potatoes
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup granola
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Warm the leftover sweet potatoes slightly in the microwave if desired.
2. Spoon the sweet potatoes into bowls.
3. Top with the Greek yogurt and granola.
4. Drizzle with the maple syrup and sprinkle with the cinnamon.
5. Serve right away.

21. Turkey Grilled Cheese with Cranberry

This is one of those leftover recipes that feels like instant comfort food. The gooey cheese and tart cranberry sauce make it taste much more special than a regular grilled cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 cup leftover turkey, sliced
• ¼ cup cranberry sauce
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Lay the sourdough bread slices on a board.
2. Spread the cranberry sauce on two slices.
3. Layer with the leftover turkey and the sharp cheddar cheese.
4. Top with the remaining bread and spread the outsides with the butter.
5. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and melted.
6. Slice and serve warm.

22. Stuffing Crusted Turkey Patties

This recipe is a smart way to combine turkey and stuffing into something that feels completely different. They come out crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups leftover stuffing
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the leftover turkey, leftover stuffing, and egg.
2. Shape into small patties.
3. Press the patties into the breadcrumbs to coat lightly.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the patties for 4 minutes per side until crisp and browned.
6. Serve warm.

23. Leftover Thanksgiving Nachos

This is one of the most fun easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes because it turns leftovers into a snacky, shareable dinner. The combination sounds unusual, but it works surprisingly well.

Ingredients

• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 cup leftover stuffing
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup cranberry sauce
• ½ cup gravy, warmed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan or oven-safe platter with parchment paper.
2. Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer.
3. Scatter the leftover turkey and leftover stuffing over the chips.
4. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Drizzle with the cranberry sauce and the warmed gravy before serving.

24. Turkey Alfredo Pasta

This is a creamy, easy dinner that uses leftover turkey in a way that feels totally separate from Thanksgiving.

It is especially helpful when you want comfort food but not another traditional holiday plate.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water, then drain.
2. Warm the Alfredo sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the leftover turkey and stir until warmed through.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta and the Parmesan cheese.
5. Top with the parsley and serve warm.

25. Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies

These are a fun way to wrap up several leftovers into something portable and golden and crisp.

They feel a little more special, which makes them great when you want one last creative leftover meal.

Ingredients

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 ½ cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 cup leftover stuffing
• ½ cup gravy
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles using a bowl or biscuit cutter.
3. In a small bowl, mix the leftover turkey, leftover stuffing, and gravy.
4. Spoon some filling onto half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
6. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and cut a small slit in each pie with a paring knife.
7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

FAQ

What are the easiest Thanksgiving leftover recipes to make?

Some of the easiest Thanksgiving leftover recipes are turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and soup, because they use ingredients you already have without requiring much extra prep.

Leftovers like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce are especially easy to mix into new meals.

The best easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes save time while still making leftovers feel fresh.

How long is leftover Thanksgiving turkey good for?

In general, leftover turkey is best used within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in airtight food storage containers in the refrigerator.

If you do not think you will use it quickly, freezing it in smaller portions can make Thanksgiving leftover recipes even easier later on.

Always reheat turkey thoroughly before serving it in hot dishes.

What can I do with leftover stuffing besides reheating it?

Leftover stuffing works really well in waffles, muffins, casseroles, breakfast bakes, and hand pies.

It can be crisped up in a waffle maker, packed into a muffin tin, or layered into baked dishes for a totally different texture.

Easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes often get much more interesting when stuffing is used as more than just a side.

Can I freeze Thanksgiving leftovers for later recipes?

Yes, many Thanksgiving leftovers freeze very well, especially turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and some casseroles.

Using freezer-safe freezer containers or bags makes it easier to portion leftovers for future meals.

That way, easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes are still an option weeks later instead of only right after the holiday.

What are the best leftover recipes for turkey?

Some of the best easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes for turkey are pot pie, enchiladas, soup, sliders, wraps, pasta, and fried rice.

Turkey is one of the easiest leftovers to transform because it works in both cozy comfort foods and quick weeknight meals.

Keeping basics like tortillas, pasta, and broth on hand makes it even easier.

How do I make leftovers taste less repetitive?

The easiest way to make leftovers taste less repetitive is to change the format, texture, or flavor profile completely.

Instead of reheating leftovers as-is, try turning them into casseroles, sandwiches, wraps, soups, or skillet meals using tools like a skillet, waffle maker, or baking dish.

Easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes work best when they feel like a new meal, not just the same plate again.

Thanksgiving Recipes

These easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes are the perfect way to make the most of everything you cooked for the holiday without getting tired of eating the same thing over and over. F

From casseroles and hearty soups to crispy stuffing waffles, sliders, wraps, and hand pies, there are so many easy ways to turn leftovers into meals that actually feel fresh and exciting.

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