Let’s be real—after the holiday feast is over, the actual challenge begins: figuring out what to do with all that leftover turkey. Sure, you could make another basic sandwich… but why settle for boring when you can glow up your leftovers into meals that taste like brand-new dishes?
From cozy soups to trending bowls and handheld bites, these creative leftover turkey recipes will save your budget, your time, and your taste buds. Bonus? They’re easy, delicious, and totally Instagram-worthy.
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Why Leftover Turkey Is the Ultimate Meal-Prep Hack
Turkey is a flavor sponge. It works in soups, bowls, salads, tacos, casseroles, wraps—you name it. Plus, using what you have on hand is a win for your wallet and the planet.
These recipes are designed to keep things quick, fun, and ridiculously good.
Turkey Street “Carnitas”
Warm up shredded turkey with taco seasoning, then load into corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, lime crema, and avocado. Wanna take it TikTok-viral? Add a drizzle of hot honey. They’re light, bright, and WAY better than another cold sandwich.
GET THE RECIPELeftover Turkey Pasta Bake
Give your turkey a cozy upgrade with a cheesy, creamy pasta bake. Mix shredded turkey with cooked pasta, mushrooms, peas, and a simple cream sauce. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly. It’s comfort food perfection and ideal for cold nights.
GET THE RECIPELeftover Thanksgiving Flatbread
Spread naan or flatbread with cranberry sauce, add turkey, dollops of stuffing, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake until crispy, then finish with arugula. It’s basically a holiday pizza—and it slaps.
GET THE RECIPEHot Honey Turkey Melt
Stack turkey, cheddar, and apple slices between sourdough. Toast until golden, then finish with a drizzle of hot honey. It’s the sandwich glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
GET THE RECIPEStuffing Waffles
Crispy, savory, and ridiculously easy—just press leftover stuffing in a waffle iron for a golden waffle that’s perfect with turkey, gravy, or cranberry sauce. The ultimate holiday leftover glow-up.
GET THE RECIPETurkey and Stuffing Quiche
Turn your leftovers into brunch magic! Combine shredded turkey and stuffing in a flaky crust with eggs and cheese for a savory quiche that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
GET THE RECIPESecond Day Turkey and String Bean Pot Pie
Give your leftovers a cozy twist! Mix turkey, string beans, and savory gravy in a flaky crust for a comforting pot pie that’s perfect for warming up post-holiday nights.
GET THE RECIPEOpen Faced Hot Turkey Sammy
Take your leftover turkey to the next level! Pile slices on toasted bread, smother with gravy, and bake until bubbly for a warm, comforting sandwich that’s anything but basic.
GET THE RECIPETurkey Dumpling Stew
Warm up with this hearty stew! Combine shredded turkey, vegetables, and savory broth, then top with fluffy dumplings for a comforting, soul-satisfying meal.
GET THE RECIPECranberry Carrot Muffins
Sweet, tangy, and lightly spiced, these muffins combine fresh cranberries and shredded carrots for a tender, flavorful treat—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a holiday brunch glow-up.
GET THE RECIPELeftover Thanksgiving Pull-Apart Sliders
Give your holiday leftovers a tasty twist with these pull-apart sliders loaded with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and melty cheese. Baked until golden and buttery, they’re the perfect easy crowd-pleaser for day-after snacking.
GET THE RECIPELeftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Turn your Thanksgiving extras into a wholesome, flavor-packed meal by loading baked sweet potatoes with turkey, veggies, and a drizzle of cranberry sauce. It’s a simple, satisfying way to enjoy all your favorite holiday flavors in one delicious bite.
GET THE RECIPELeftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Transform your extra mashed potatoes into soft, pillowy gnocchi that feel totally gourmet. Toss them in butter, herbs, or your favorite sauce for an easy, elegant way to give those leftovers a serious upgrade.
GET THE RECIPEThanksgiving Crunchwrap
Transform your extra mashed potatoes into soft, pillowy gnocchi that feel totally gourmet. Toss them in butter, herbs, or your favorite sauce for an easy, elegant way to give those leftovers a serious upgrade.
GET THE RECIPEThanksgiving Egg Rolls
Transform your extra mashed potatoes into soft, pillowy gnocchi that feel totally gourmet. Toss them in butter, herbs, or your favorite sauce for an easy, elegant way to give those leftovers a serious upgrade.
GET THE RECIPEMary Lawyer
Mary Lawyer is the content manager at Sass Magazine with a passion for storytelling and creativity. When she's not crafting engaging content, you can find her lifting weights, getting her hands dirty in the garden, or hunting for hidden gems while thrifting.
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