10 Things to Make With Your Leftovers From Thanksgiving

10 Things to Make With Your Leftover Thanksgiving Meal: Recipes and More

What do you make with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Leftovers from Thanksgiving are part of the day, but after a day or two, let's be honest-it gets really boring. It doesn't have to be though! Here are creative ways to use those Thanksgiving leftovers in new ways and explore new tastes.

Go Bold with New Sandwich Ideas

The tried and true turkey on white with mayo is a tasty classic, but consider going bolder for a change. Mix it up with a zesty asiago bread and add chipotle mayo. Layer on pepper jack for extra flavor. Or try a turkey wrap with freshly sliced avocado, red onion, and honey mustard.

Easy Leftover Turkey Recipe

When you need to use up the turkey but want something totally different, try turkey enchiladas.  All you need is 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 medium onion diced, 1 can chilies, 1 19-ounce can of enchilada sauce, and 20 corn tortillas. Rough chop about 4 cups of turkey. Spread tortillas with turkey, half the shredded cheddar, diced chilies and onions. Arrange in baking pan and cover with enchilada sauce and top with remaining cheese. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Consider Freezing

Remember those TV dinners you loved when  you were a kid? Make some up for nights when you just need a quick, comforting bit. Use airtight containers that are freezer safe and create your own go to meal that will keep for three to four months.

Host a Post Thanksgiving Potluck

With all the football games on over the weekend, it is just another reason to celebrate! Invite a crew over and turn your leftovers into a potluck. Make white bean turkey chili and serve with the extra rolls from dinner. Set out the leftovers from your veggie trays and plate the remaining desserts so guests can choose from a display of sweets.

Turkey Cobb Salad

Lighten things up with a salad brimming with freshly chopped tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and onions. Add some diced hard boiled egg, bacon, and a little blue cheese and you have a complete dinner salad.

Make Soups

If you have enough leftovers, you can make a soup or two and maybe even chili. Use leftover turkey to make easy turkey noodle soup with canned broth,  a few onions, leftover carrots and celery from your stuffing, and add egg noodles. If you have an extra can of pumpkin, mix it with chicken broth. Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together and simmer for 10 minutes. Add ½ pint of heavy cream. Combine and serve while hot.

How About Some Chili?

To use leftover turkey in chili, just substitute turkey in place of the beef. You can also make white chili. Here is an easy white turkey chili recipe:

2 cans white beans

1 medium white onion diced

1 can cream of chicken soup

4 cups chicken broth

1 ½ cups milk

2 cups diced or shredded turkey

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Combine all ingredients and bring to a gentle boil. Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve with cornbread.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

For a sweet treat, use that pumpkin pie in a new way. Mix half a piece of pumpkin pie, 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and enough milk to create a creamy shake. Blend until smooth and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Using up the Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce can obviously be a condiment on those turkey sandwiches, but you can use this is so many unexpected ways. Drizzle into oatmeal or on top of pancakes. Mix into your favorite muffins. Even add to grilled cheese sandwich. Try it with cheddar or brie. Delicious!

Turkey Bacon Mac and Cheese

For a go to dish that serves a crowd, nothing beats homemade mac and cheese. And it's very simple to make. After Thanksgiving, change it up by adding diced turkey and chopped bacon. Serve with a green salad for the perfect accompaniment to the rich dish.

It doesn't have to be days of reheating leftovers in the microwave. Try these ideas to use up those leftovers in new and tasty ways!