Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Holidays & Events
  5. Thanksgiving Recipes
  6. Our Absolute Favorite Recipes for Repurposing Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Our Absolute Favorite Recipes for Repurposing Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

By Peggy Kieran Updated November 08, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Thanksgiving Leftover Pie
Credit: JULIA GARTLAND

Keep the festive mood going with these innovative recipes that take your holiday leftovers from boring to brilliant.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
Thanksgiving Leftover Pie
Credit: JULIA GARTLAND

The feast may be complete but the refrigerator is still packed with Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and so much more. While it's easy to recreate a full plate of holiday favorites the following day, it's even more exciting to create an entirely new dish out of bits and pieces from the mains and sides. One delicious example? Our Thanksgiving Leftovers Pie, which is pictured here. 

Start Black Friday with Thanksgiving leftovers for breakfast: Layer leftover turkey (or shredded, pre-cooked chicken should your family have finished the bird) on a tortilla along with mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed onions, and a fried egg for the ultimate Turkey Breakfast Taco. It's easy to prepare a big batch of these if you have family and friends staying over, too. If you're still feeling full from Thanksgiving dinner and can't imagine consuming anything beyond coffee or tea for breakfast, prepare a dessert made with leftovers to enjoy it later in the day. Swirl cranberry sauce into a classic vanilla cheesecake or create individual Cranberry Curd Tartlets that use a double whammy of leftover pie crust and leftover cranberry sauce. Their miniature size makes them perfect for having just a small sweet bite at the end of the day.

If you want to balance out all of the heavy carbs, go with a light salad that uses shredded turkey, chopped celery (leftover from your crudité board, perhaps?), and cranberry sauce as a component of a very bright, tart dressing. It's a great lunch to enjoy over the weekend.

All of our ideas for using up Thanksgiving leftovers are sure to inspire (and will help you clear out your refrigerator in the process, too!).

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Day-After-Thanksgiving Skillet Breakfast

Second-Day Skillet Breakfast
Credit: Nico Schinco
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty dish will feed the whole family, and it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Use frozen hash browns as the base layer for this single-skillet extravaganza (we think you've washed enough dishes and pans at this point). They're topped with shredded turkey, sliced sweet potatoes, and, yes, even green beans. Top the whole shebang with cheese and a few eggs, and continue baking until the whites set. And if you really want to rival last night's meal, heat up the gravy as an optional drizzle.

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Pastry

dessert with pear and raspberries
Credit: Nico Schinco

We're not going to sugarcoat it: Thanksgiving baking can be labor-intensive. To sweeten the deal, here's a reward for the pastry chef after that long day in the kitchen that's so easy you don't need a recipe: Turn the scraps of excess dough from your piecrust into a mini dessert. First, preheat oven to 375°F. Then on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pat pie-dough scraps together into an approximately five-inch circle. Brush it lightly with heavy cream; sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar. Bake until golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with fresh fruit, such as sliced pears and raspberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you share this confection with your sous-chefs is entirely up to you.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Leftover-Turkey-and-Rice Soup

Creamy Leftover-Turkey- and-Rice Soup
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Put a light, fresh spin on Thursday's leftovers with a speedy riff on avgolemono, the classic Greek chicken soup. Egg yolks (they're the "avgo") add creaminess to simmering stock while lemon juice (the "lemono") brightens the flavor, and cooked rice and shredded meat fill out every spoonful. If you have other prepared vegetables on hand, like sautéed greens or broccoli rabe, throw them in, too. The result is satisfyingly hearty, but not so much so that you'll conk out on the couch again.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey Breakfast Tacos

breakfast turkey tacos
Credit: Julia Gartland
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

An inspired way to use up leftover turkey and sweet potatoes the morning after! Amp up the filling with your favorite spicy salsa, layer on tortillas, and add a fried egg.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Tartlets

mld105568_1110_crantart2.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These bite-size pies use leftover pastry dough and cranberry sauce. Serve them with turkey sandwiches for a perfect post-Thanksgiving dessert.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Potato Croquettes

Potato Croquettes in bowl
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Leftover mashed potatoes are brightened with fresh parsley, smothered in breadcrumbs, and then fried until crunchy and golden in this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey Tortellini Soup

turkey-tortellini-soup-398-d112293.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this twist on the Italian favorite tortellini en brodo, the stuffed pasta joins baby spinach and leftover turkey in a cleansing homemade broth.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey Cobb-Salad Sandwich

turkey-sandwich-0131-d111198.jpg
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Martha's hearty take on the classic salad stacks leftover turkey and cranberry sauce with bacon, egg, avocado, lettuce, and basil.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey-and-Watercress Salad

turkey-and-watercress salad
Credit: Julia Gartland
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A pleasing jumble of tastes and textures, this salad teams leftover turkey with peppery watercress, crunchy celery, and nutty farro. A bright dressing made with another leftover—cranberry sauce—pulls it all together.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Leftover Turkey Curry

leftover turkey curry
Credit: Julia Gartland
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turn up the volume on leftover turkey by turning it into a fiery curry with fresh ginger, cumin, coriander, and Thai chile.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey Monte Cristo

monte-cristo-4-076-d111428.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Switch out the usual ham for leftover turkey in this French toast-grilled cheese hybrid. Cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey-Salad Sandwich

turkey-salad-3-139-d111428.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet, savory, fresh, crunchy—this day-after sandwich has a lot going for it. Leftover turkey teams up with celery, green apple, golden raisins, cucumber, and watercress. A lemony mayonnaise ties all the flavors together.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curried Turkey Casserole

med106155_1110_lft_curried_turkey.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Reinvent leftover turkey by baking it with broccoli and a rich sauce seasoned with curry powder. Day-old bread makes a golden, crunchy topping.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Penne with Goat Cheese, Kale, Olives, and Turkey

mla104012_1108_penne.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this light yet satisfying change of pace from tetrazzini and turkey a la king, goat cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats penne pasta and hearty greens.

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chunky Turkey-Vegetable Soup

med102639_0107_bag.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey takes on new character in this hearty tomato and escarole soup seasoned with garlic and rosemary. If you're tired of turkey right now, dice and freeze the meat and make this soup next month.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin and Ice Cream Sandwich

med105334_1109_lft_icecream.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Breathe new life into leftover pumpkin pie filling by sandwiching it with vanilla ice cream between graham crackers.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Turkey Tetrazzini

turkey tetrazzini
Credit: Mike Krautter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Trust us, no one will be able to resist this creamy noodle casserole studded with turkey, mushrooms, and peas.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey and Sweet-Potato Hash

thanksgiving-leftovers-turkey-mla102791.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You'll find that the complementary flavors of turkey, sweet potatoes, and apples come together in this rich, satisfying dish.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Day-After Turkey Soup

thanksgiving-leftovers-turkey-mb1207.jpg
Credit: Krause, Johansen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy take on leftovers combines turkey with lots of fresh vegetables like kale and corn with white beans.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Turkey Medianoches

spicy turkey medianoches
Credit: Lennart Weibull
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This deli sandwich, made with sliced roasted turkey, has layers of flavor from dill pickles, salty prosciutto, Swiss cheese, sliced jalapeño peppers, and yellow mustard, too.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken a la Cranberry

cranberry chicken with greens on plate with cutlery
Credit: Justin Walker
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you've had enough turkey, use leftover cranberry sauce as a glaze on chicken legs to coat and flavor them. They'll be deliciously crispy and just right with leftover mashed potatoes—and a green vegetable, too.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

round cranberry cheesecake with slice cut
Credit: Justin Walker
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turn a classic savory side dish into a fabulous dessert; homemade vanilla cheesecake topped with swirls of cranberry sauce is a dreamy dessert for the weekend after the big feast (once all the pie has been eaten!).

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Peggy Kieran

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23
    2 of 23 Day-After-Thanksgiving Skillet Breakfast
    3 of 23 Mini Pastry
    4 of 23 Creamy Leftover-Turkey-and-Rice Soup
    5 of 23 Turkey Breakfast Tacos
    6 of 23 Cranberry Tartlets
    7 of 23 Potato Croquettes
    8 of 23 Turkey Tortellini Soup
    9 of 23 Turkey Cobb-Salad Sandwich
    10 of 23 Turkey-and-Watercress Salad
    11 of 23 Leftover Turkey Curry
    12 of 23 Turkey Monte Cristo
    13 of 23 Turkey-Salad Sandwich
    14 of 23 Curried Turkey Casserole
    15 of 23 Penne with Goat Cheese, Kale, Olives, and Turkey
    16 of 23 Chunky Turkey-Vegetable Soup
    17 of 23 Pumpkin and Ice Cream Sandwich
    18 of 23 Quick Turkey Tetrazzini
    19 of 23 Turkey and Sweet-Potato Hash
    20 of 23 Day-After Turkey Soup
    21 of 23 Spicy Turkey Medianoches
    22 of 23 Chicken a la Cranberry
    23 of 23 Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our Absolute Favorite Recipes for Repurposing Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.