thanksgiving leftovers

Thanksgiving Leftovers Reinvented: Creative Recipes for the Weekend

Posted by Angie Surratt

As the Thanksgiving feast wraps up and everyone’s feeling all warm and grateful, there’s always that one burning question: What the heck do we do with all these amazing leftovers? Well, don’t panic! I gotchu covered with this seriously awesome guide on how to transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into some drool-worthy treats that’ll have your family begging for more.

1. Turkey Pot Pie Perfection

Let’s kick off the weekend with a classic comfort food – turkey pot pie! Take that leftover turkey, mix it up with some veggies and savory gravy, then throw it all in a delicious pie crust. Trust me, it’s a dish that brings together simplicity and heartiness in the most epic way. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll leave you gobbling up seconds!

2. Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas

Give your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce a spicy Tex-Mex twist! Slather some cranberry sauce on tortillas, add turkey, cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Fold those bad boys up and grill ’em until they’re golden brown and the cheese is all melty and gooey. The sweet and savory combo is gonna have your taste buds doing the cha-cha!

3. Stuffing Waffles with Maple Syrup

Who says waffles are just for breakfast? Get creative with that leftover stuffing and create some seriously tasty stuffing waffles. And here’s the secret ingredient – drizzle ’em with maple syrup. It’s a mind-blowing blend of sweet and savory that’ll totally blow your mind. Get ready for a Thanksgiving side dish that’ll have you waffling between disbelief and pure deliciousness!

4. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Time to take those mashed potatoes to a whole new level! Turn ’em into crispy delights by making mashed potato pancakes. Mix in some grated cheese, chopped chives, and a dash of garlic powder. Form ’em into patties and pan-fry ’em until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve those bad boys with a dollop of sour cream for a twist on a classic that’ll make your taste buds breakdance with joy!

5. Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Get ready for the ultimate leftovers sandwich, my friends. Stack up that turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a little bit of gravy between slices of bread. It’s like a whole Thanksgiving feast in the palm of your hand! And don’t forget to add a slice of cheese for an extra kick of indulgence. Trust me, it’s gonna be mind-blowingly epic, it’ll make your taste buds drop the mic!

6. Sweet Potato Hash

Let’s start the day off right with a hearty breakfast hash made from leftover sweet potatoes. Sauté ’em up with diced leftover turkey, onions, and bell peppers. Top it all off with a fried egg for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast that’ll give you all the energy you need to kickstart your day. It’s the breakfast of champions, baby, and it’ll have you ready to conquer the world like a Thanksgiving superhero!

7. Leftover Gravy Poutine

Time to take those leftovers to the Great White North, eh? Throw some leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese curds on top of a plate of crispy fries. Then drizzle warm leftover gravy all over that bad boy. Boom! You’ve got yourself a Thanksgiving poutine that’ll satisfy all your savory cravings and have you saying “Oh, Canada!” in pure delight. It’s comfort food at its finest, no doubt aboot it!

8. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Okay, let’s not forget about dessert, my friends! Take that leftover pumpkin pie and blend it up with some vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk. What do you get? A delectable pumpkin pie smoothie that’s gonna rock your taste buds and have you doing a happy dance. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite dessert in a whole new form that’ll have you singing “Smoothie Operator”!

9. Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Craving something warm and comforting? Whip up a wholesome and hearty soup by simmering leftover turkey with some veggies and broth. And if you’ve got any leftover roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, throw those in too for some added thickness. It’s a bowl of pure warmth and coziness that’s perfect for those chilly post-Thanksgiving days. Soup’s on and it’s bringing the flavor party to your taste buds!

10. Leftover Cranberry Parfait

Okay, last but not least, a little something for all you health-conscious peeps out there. Layer that leftover cranberry sauce with some yogurt and granola to create a festive and healthy parfait. It’s a refreshing and guilt-free way to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries after your Thanksgiving feast. You deserve it, my friends, so dig into this parfait like there’s no tomorrow!

So there you have it, the post-Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t have to be all about reheated leftovers. With a little bit of creativity and these awesome recipes, you can bring new life to the remnants of your Thanksgiving feast. From savory pot pies to sweet parfaits, these ideas will not only reduce food waste but also bring some excitement to your weekend menu. Embrace the spirit of reinvention and savor the extended joy of Thanksgiving flavors all weekend long. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them! Happy feasting! 🍗🥧🍽️

Author

  • Angie Surratt

    I'm the founder and publisher of My Family Guide. I'm a wife and mother of two. I've managed to visit all 50 states and travel to over 25 countries. Sharing my experiences, tip and tricks about my adventures.

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