The Best Examples of Thanksgiving Leftovers Creative Uses You’ll Actually Want to Eat

Real examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses to try first

Let’s skip theory and go straight to the plate. Here are some of the best examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that people are actually cooking right now, inspired by what’s trending on social media and in test kitchens.

Start with the big players: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and rolls. Instead of reheating a full holiday plate, think in themes: brunch, comfort-food dinners, lighter lunches, and freezer-friendly makeovers.

You’ll see the phrase examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses all over this page because we’re focusing on practical, “I can make that tonight” ideas. Use these as a springboard and mix and match based on what’s in your fridge.

Savory brunch: examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses for the morning after

Brunch is where Thanksgiving leftovers quietly shine. The flavors are already rich and cozy, which makes them perfect with eggs and coffee.

Stuffing waffles with turkey and gravy
This might be the single most popular example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses on Instagram and TikTok right now. You press leftover stuffing into a hot, greased waffle iron until it’s crisp on the outside and tender inside. Top with warmed shredded turkey, a drizzle of gravy, and maybe a fried egg if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s familiar, but it doesn’t feel like “leftover plate, reheated.”

Mashed potato breakfast cakes
Stir an egg, some shredded cheese, and chopped green onions into cold mashed potatoes. Form into patties and pan-fry in a bit of oil until golden on both sides. Serve with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. This is a great example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that works for both kids and adults: crispy, comforting, and easy to reheat.

Cranberry yogurt parfaits
If you’re trying to lighten things up, swirl leftover cranberry sauce into plain or vanilla yogurt, then layer with granola and nuts. It’s a quick breakfast that feels nothing like a holiday dinner, and it’s one of the simplest examples of turning a sugary side into something more balanced. For general guidance on keeping leftovers safe while you experiment, the USDA’s food safety page on leftovers is worth bookmarking: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety.

Cozy dinners: the best examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses for comfort food

By day two or three, you want dinners that are satisfying but don’t scream “Thanksgiving.” These examples include casseroles, soups, and sheet-pan ideas that stretch what you already have.

Turkey shepherd’s pie with mashed potato topping
Use chopped turkey in place of ground meat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a pan, stir in the turkey, a splash of broth, and a bit of leftover gravy for richness. Spread this mixture in a baking dish, top with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, and bake until the top is browned and the filling is bubbling. This is a classic example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that freezes well, so you can get a break from holiday flavors and come back to them in a couple of weeks.

Leftover turkey pot pie in a skillet
Instead of starting from scratch, use leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, and gravy as your filling. Thin the gravy with a bit of broth or milk, pour it all into an oven-safe skillet, and top with pie crust, puff pastry, or even torn-up dinner rolls brushed with butter. Bake until golden. It’s indulgent, but it turns three or four separate containers into one impressive meal.

Stuffing-topped baked mac and cheese
If you made mac and cheese for the holiday, this is a fun example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that feels like restaurant comfort food. Spread leftover mac and cheese into a baking dish, scatter crumbled stuffing on top, drizzle with a little melted butter or broth, and bake until crispy on top. You get creamy pasta underneath and a crunchy, herby topping that tastes like a fancy breadcrumb crust.

Turkey and vegetable soup from the carcass
If you still have the turkey carcass, you’re sitting on free stock. Simmer the bones with onion, carrot, celery, and water for a few hours, then strain. Add chopped leftover turkey and any vegetables you like, plus pasta or rice if you want it heartier. This is one of the best examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses if you care about reducing food waste. For science-minded cooks, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has a good overview of healthy soup and broth basics: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/.

Lighter lunches: examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that don’t feel heavy

By the weekend, a lot of people are craving something fresher. These ideas use the same ingredients, but with brighter flavors and more vegetables.

Turkey grain bowls with roasted vegetables
Layer cooked grains (rice, quinoa, or farro) in a bowl, add sliced turkey, leftover roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Thin the cranberry with olive oil and a splash of vinegar to make a quick dressing. This is a smart example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that feels modern and fits right into 2024’s obsession with customizable bowls.

Cranberry turkey salad lettuce wraps
Chop turkey and stir it into a mixture of Greek yogurt (or mayo), finely diced celery, green onion, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce for sweetness. Spoon into lettuce leaves or cabbage cups. It’s crunchy, tangy, and worlds away from a heavy holiday plate.

Open-faced turkey sandwich with pickled veggies
Toast leftover rolls or bread, spread with a thin layer of mashed potatoes, top with slices of turkey and a drizzle of warmed gravy. Finish with something bright—pickled onions, sliced cucumbers, or even leftover salad. This is a good example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that stretches a small amount of turkey into a full lunch.

Party snacks and game-day food: examples include sliders, nachos, and dips

If your Thanksgiving rolls right into football weekend, turn leftovers into snack food. These are some of the most fun examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses because they’re casual and shareable.

Turkey cranberry sliders
Slice a tray of leftover dinner rolls horizontally, like one big sheet. Layer with sliced turkey, cheese (Swiss or cheddar work well), and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Put the top layer of rolls back on, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs, and bake until the cheese melts. Cut into individual sliders. This style of leftover sliders has been all over social media the last couple of years because it’s easy and feeds a crowd.

Stuffing “crouton” sheet-pan nachos
Crumble stuffing onto a sheet pan and bake until crisp, then use it like croutons scattered over a pan of tortilla chips, shredded turkey, and cheese. Bake until melted, then top with sour cream, green onions, and a little cranberry salsa (cranberry sauce mixed with lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro). It’s a wild-sounding example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses, but salty, crunchy, and surprisingly addictive.

Mashed potato and cheese dip
Blend mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, a bit of cream or milk, garlic powder, and green onions, then bake until hot and bubbly. Serve with leftover rolls torn into chunks for dipping, or with raw veggies if you want something lighter. This turns a side dish into party food with almost no extra work.

Sweet twists: dessert-style examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses

Leftover desserts usually don’t need much help, but some of the best examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses involve turning sweets into totally new treats.

Pumpkin pie milkshakes
Blend a slice of pumpkin pie (yes, crust and all) with vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk. Add cinnamon if you like it extra spiced. This has been a low-key favorite in food blogs and on Reels because it feels like a coffee-shop seasonal drink without the price tag.

Bread pudding from leftover rolls
Cube leftover rolls or bread and toss with a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Fold in small chunks of apple pie if you have it. Bake until set and golden. You’ve turned a basket of slightly stale rolls into a cozy dessert or brunch dish.

Cranberry swirl cheesecake bars
If you’re a baker, this is a polished example of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses. Spread cheesecake batter in a pan and swirl leftover cranberry sauce over the top before baking. The cranberry adds color and tartness, and you use up a condiment that often gets forgotten in the back of the fridge.

Safety, storage, and planning: making your creative uses actually safe

All of these examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses assume your food has been handled and stored safely. The fun stops quickly if leftovers aren’t kept at the right temperature.

A few key points (always double-check current guidelines; they do get updated):

• Refrigerate leftovers within about 2 hours of serving.
• Most Thanksgiving leftovers are best eaten within 3–4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
• Freeze portions you won’t use quickly; turkey, gravy, and stock all freeze well.

The USDA’s food safety guidance on leftovers is a reliable reference: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety. For broader food safety and health information, sites like the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html) and Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating) are good places to check.

Planning ahead also helps. When you’re cooking for the holiday, think about the kinds of dishes you’ll want afterward. Roasted vegetables, simple turkey seasoning, and not drowning everything in sauce on day one make it easier to turn those ingredients into the best examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses over the following days.

FAQ: real-world questions about examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses

Q: What are some quick examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses if I’m short on time?
A: Think in layers and bowls. Fast options include turkey quesadillas with cheese and cranberry sauce; mashed potato cakes pan-fried and topped with an egg; stuffing waffles topped with turkey and gravy; and simple turkey grain bowls with roasted vegetables. These all use what you already have with minimal extra chopping.

Q: What’s one example of using almost every leftover in a single dish?
A: A loaded Thanksgiving leftover casserole is a great example of that. Spread stuffing in a baking dish as a base, layer with chopped turkey and vegetables, pour gravy over the top, then dollop mashed potatoes across the surface. Bake until hot and golden. Serve with cranberry sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Q: Are there healthy examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses that don’t feel heavy?
A: Yes. Turkey and vegetable soups, grain bowls with roasted vegetables, cranberry yogurt parfaits, and lettuce wraps filled with turkey salad are all lighter options. They use the same ingredients but add more vegetables and broth instead of extra cream and butter.

Q: How long can I safely keep leftovers before trying any of these examples?
A: In general, turkey and most cooked sides last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator, according to USDA guidance, and 2–6 months in the freezer depending on the food and packaging. When in doubt, check current recommendations on a trusted site like the USDA or CDC and always trust your senses—if something smells off, don’t use it.

Q: Can I freeze dishes made from these examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses?
A: Absolutely. Turkey soups, shepherd’s pie, pot pie filling, and plain shredded turkey freeze especially well. Stuffing and mashed potatoes can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly. Cool dishes completely, pack in airtight containers, label with dates, and reheat to at least 165°F.

The bottom line: the best examples of Thanksgiving leftovers creative uses don’t try to recreate the holiday plate. They borrow the flavors you love—herby stuffing, savory turkey, tart cranberry—and drop them into new formats: waffles, sliders, bowls, soups, and desserts. Once you start thinking of leftovers as a pantry of ready-to-use ingredients, the days after Thanksgiving become just as fun to cook as the big meal itself.