If you’re still hanging out with friends and family long after the Thanksgiving feast wraps up, everyone’s bound to be ready for another round of eats. With a fridge full of leftovers, using up the remains and making any late-night food prep easier at the same time are sure to be two top priorities. But there’s no need to settle for a simple turkey sando. With these 15 recipes, you’ll be whipping up waffled creations, multilayer sandwiches and even a few pumpkin-free sweets in no time. Your guests will swoon and go home with great memories and full bellies, all without you ever breaking a sweat.
1. Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla: It won’t be hard to find takers for this quesadilla oozing with cheese, cranberry sauce and turkey. (via The Cookie Rookie)
2. Potato Croquettes: You’ll want to make sure you save some mash to make these croquettes. Coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust then deep fried, textural contrast is packed into every bite. (via Martha Stewart)
3. Sweet Potato Turkey Hash: Overindulge in a few too many? Nip any potential hangovers in the bud with this colorful hash. (via Around My Family Table)
4. Roasted Turkey Queso: Your friends and family won’t need any convincing to gather around a bowlful of this hearty queso. (via Brit + Co)
5. Mashed Potato, Cheddar and Chive Waffles: Get your waffle iron out. You definitely won’t want to miss out on these plain ol’ mashed potatoes doctored up with cheese, chives and a few other enhancements. (via Joy the Baker)
6. Leftover Turkey Bahn Mi: You can count on a cilantro, jalapeño and Sriracha-spiced sando to wake up leftover turkey and your taste buds. (via The Food Charlatan)
7. Thanksgiving Leftover Nachos: Now, this may not be your grandma’s casserole, but she’s sure to enjoy nibbling on these nachos just as much as everyone else. (via Girl Versus Dough)
8. Turkey, Avocado, Cranberry, Brie + Mashed Potato Waffle Melts: There are so many different filling options here that a DIY assembly setup is definitely encouraged. (via Half Baked Harvest)
9. Spicy Turkey Tacos: Here it is: Taco Night, Thanksgiving Edition. (via POPSUGAR)
10. Leftover Poultry and Power Greens Risotto: Risotto may seem like too much work for late-night eats, but if everyone gives the pot a stir, you’ll be digging into a creamy bowlful of carbs without lifting all 10 fingers. (via A Sage Amalgam)
11. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders: These tiny baked sandwiches are perfect for your next tailgating party. If you don’t gobble them up beforehand that is… (via Confections of a Foodie Bride)
12. Stuffing Waffles: Breathe new life into your stuffing by sticking it in a waffle iron. Crisp on the outside, soft and steamy in the middle, simply finish it all off with a drizzle of gravy and enjoy. (via Serious Eats)
13. Leftover Dough Apple Galette: It couldn’t be easier to transform pie dough scraps into a rustic galette. Your pastry may be small in size, but the caramel-apple topping creates a full-flavored treat. (via The Pancake Princess)
14. Cranberry Sauce Brownies: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds both moisture and the occasional burst of tart flavor to these rich chocolate brownies. Too stuffed to go HAM in the kitchen post-dinner? Whip these up with a boxed mix — we won’t tell if you let us lick the spoon! (via Confections of a Foodie Bride)
15. Cinnamon Sugar Pie Sticks: These spiced sticks are a sweet way to use up leftover pie dough in a snap. (via Krissy’s Creations)
What’s your favorite way to fuel up and keep the Thanksgiving festivities going? Let’s share our best recipes for late-night eats below!