15 Ways to Eat Thanksgiving Leftovers That Aren’t Just Sandwiches
Turkey, cheese, mustard, bread, repeat. It’s the same-old-same-old when it comes to Thanksgivingleftovers. Well, not this year. Move beyond the lowly sandwich and upgrade your leftovers. From turkey tetrazzini to cranberry-infused oatmeal, these recipes will inspire you to make extra food this year because you’ll *want* to make each and every one. Read on for some fresh new takes on dishes featuring your holiday staples like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and (of course) turkey all week long.
1. The Thanksgiving Leftovers Croque Madame: *This* is the sandwich you need if you want to stay fueled up for Black Friday shopping. Start with the traditional French Croque Madame on a croissant instead of sandwich bread and layer on your leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and roasted Brussels sprouts. (via Half Baked Harvest)
2. Sweet + Savory Enchiladas: If fighting crowds to save a few dollars isn’t your thing, hole up at home on Black Friday with a pack of tortillas and sour cream instead. Make these enchiladas to save money on your Chipotle habit. There’s always Cyber Monday anyway. (via Brit + Co)
3. Roasted Turkey Queso: Football makes us hungry too, and football = queso. Grab some turkey, Velveeta + Ro*tel: This dip comes together in no time, so you can enjoy it while cheering for your favorite team. (via Brit + Co)
4. Thanksgiving Flatbread: As tempting as it may be to order pizza the day after cooking a Thanksgiving feast, upcycle your leftovers into a homemade version instead. Sweet potato pairs beautifully with roasted green beans, and cranberry sauce adds a bright burst of tartness. (via Brit + Co)
5. Leftover Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict: You can’t go wrong with Eggs Benedict. Swap gravy for hollandaise sauce, turkey for Canadian bacon and stuffing for English muffins to keep the celebration going all weekend long. (via Port and Fin)
6. Turkey and Cranberry BBQ Sauce Pizza: Use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce in this amazing BBQ pizza. Be sure to save a few pieces to lunch on while you shop on Cyber Monday. (via Recipe Runner)
7. Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos With Cranberry Salsa: If you have a meatless Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, you don’t have to miss out on leftovers just because there’s no turkey. Grab all the veggies still in your fridge, sauté a little herbed seitan and turn the rest of your cranberry sauce into salsa. It’s Taco Tuesday, Thanksgiving style. (via Cruelty Free Family)
8. Mashed Potaffles: If you’ve only been using your waffle maker to make waffles, you’ve been missing out. Serve these for a Black Friday brunch instead of hash browns. You’re welcome. (via Simple Roots Wellness)
9. Turkey and Bacon Grilled Cheese With Tomatoes, Avocado and Basil Pesto: Upgrade the standard leftover turkey sandwich with bacon, avocado and a homemade pesto. It might be the world’s best sandwich. (via Brit + Co)
10. Sweet Potato Muffin: Keep your guests satisfied the morning after Thanksgiving with this gluten-free muffin. It’s perfect for starting your day off right. (via á la main)
11. Leftover Turkey Curry: Once you’re sick of turkey sandwiches, turkey and stuffing hash or turkey *anything*, empty the leftovers into a dutch oven or skillet, throw in some curry powder and herbs and turn them into a delicious curry dish. (via Nerds With Knives)
12. Pie Milkshakes: It’s inevitable that you will have a little leftover pie during the holidays. Add a small slice of pumpkin or apple pie, vanilla ice cream and milk to a blender, pour into a mason jar and enjoy. (via PDXfoodlove)
13. Sweet Potato Hummus: Use up your leftover mashed sweet potatoes and have a healthy dip to serve to guests who stop by after Thanksgiving. Serve with fruit, tortilla chips or even cookies for a sweet but healthy treat. (via The Life Harvest)
14. 30 Minute Healthy Stovetop Turkey Tetrazzini: With the stress the holidays bring, this recipe won’t have you stressing over dinner. With one pot, 30 minutes and your leftover turkey, you’ll have a warm, comforting and healthy meal on the table in no time. (via Savory Nothings)
15. Cranberry Steel Cut Oats: “I have too much leftover cranberry sauce,” said no one ever. But if you made an extra batch that didn’t get eaten, definitely try this recipe. Steel cut oats will keep you full all morning long and are a nice reprise after a heavy meal. (via In It 4 the Long Run)
How do you use up your Thanksgiving leftovers? Let us know below in the comments.