Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday filled with family gatherings, gratitude, and indulgent feasts. The turkey is carved, the sides are devoured, and the desserts are savored—but what happens when the celebration is over, and you’re left with an overflowing fridge? Instead of letting those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste, transform them into exciting new dishes your family will love.
Here’s your ultimate guide to reimagining Thanksgiving leftovers with creativity and ease. Whether you're making hearty soups, savory waffles, or decadent desserts, these ideas will make post-holiday meals just as festive as the main event.
What to do with Thanksgiving Leftover Foods
1. Turkey: The Star of the Table
As the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, turkey tends to leave behind a generous amount of leftovers. With a little imagination, it can shine in brand-new ways:
- Turkey Soup: Create a soul-warming soup by simmering turkey bones with carrots, celery, onions, and herbs. Add shredded turkey meat, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting bowl of goodness. This dish is perfect for chilly post-holiday evenings.
- Turkey Tacos: Give your taste buds a fiesta! Shred turkey meat and sauté it with taco seasoning, then serve it in tortillas with salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a quick, flavorful dinner idea that contrasts beautifully with the rich Thanksgiving flavors.
- Turkey Pot Pie: Combine shredded turkey with leftover gravy and veggies, then tuck it into a flaky pie crust. This classic comfort food is the perfect way to reinvent your Thanksgiving main dish.
Here are more turkey leftover recipes you can cook.
2. Stuffing: More Than a Side
Stuffing isn’t just a side dish—it’s a versatile base for creative recipes:
- Stuffing Waffles: Press leftover stuffing into a waffle iron to create crispy, savory waffles. Top them with a fried egg for a unique breakfast or serve alongside gravy for a twist on traditional flavors.
- Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms: Hollow out large mushrooms and fill them with stuffing for a quick, bite-sized appetizer. Bake until golden and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Versatile
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food staple that can be easily repurposed into something new:
- Potato Pancakes: Mix mashed potatoes with an egg, flour, and seasonings, then fry into golden-brown pancakes. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce for a delicious side dish or snack.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Use mashed potatoes as the topping for a hearty shepherd’s pie. Layer them over turkey and vegetables, bake until golden, and enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
4. Cranberry Sauce: A Sweet Surprise
This tangy, sweet side dish can take on exciting new roles in your kitchen:
- Cranberry Smoothie: Blend leftover cranberry sauce with yogurt, bananas, and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing and healthy morning smoothie.
- Cranberry Barbecue Glaze: Mix cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze perfect for chicken wings, pork, or even roasted vegetables.
5. Desserts: A Second Life for Sweets
Have leftover pumpkin or pecan pie? These creative dessert ideas will ensure every crumb is savored:
- Pie Milkshakes: Blend a slice of pie with vanilla ice cream and milk for a rich and indulgent milkshake. This is a surefire hit for kids and adults alike.
- Pie Parfaits: Crumble leftover pie and layer it with whipped cream or yogurt to create a stunning dessert parfait. Add fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
Storage Tips for Thanksgiving Leftovers
To ensure your leftovers stay fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- Label and Date: Store leftovers in airtight containers, and clearly label them with the date to avoid any guesswork later.
- Freeze for Later: Many Thanksgiving foods freeze beautifully, including turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Divide them into meal-sized portions and store in the freezer for up to three months.
- Use Smaller Portions: Smaller portions are easier to reheat and prevent food waste, especially when planning for single meals or snacks.
What to Do with Thanksgiving Decoration Leftovers
1. Repurpose for Other Holidays
Thanksgiving decorations can often be adapted for use during other celebrations:
- Transition to Winter Décor: Many Thanksgiving decorations, like pinecones, burlap, and neutral-toned table settings, can easily transition into winter or Christmas décor. Add some sparkle with silver or gold spray paint, or pair them with evergreen branches and ornaments.
- Use Pumpkins for Christmas Crafts: Small pumpkins can be painted white or metallic to fit a winter theme. Add glitter or faux snow to make them look frosty.
2. Compost Natural Decorations
If your Thanksgiving decorations include natural items like gourds, pumpkins, leaves, or hay, these can be returned to the earth:
- Compost Pumpkins and Gourds: If they haven’t been painted or treated, toss them into a compost bin to enrich your garden soil.
- Mulch Leaves and Branches: Use dried leaves or decorative branches as mulch for your garden beds or potted plants.
3. Upcycle for DIY Projects
Turn leftover decorations into DIY projects for your home or future events:
- Fabric Décor: Reuse burlap table runners or cloth napkins for crafts like gift wrapping, fabric wreaths, or reusable bags.
- Mason Jars and Vases: Repurpose these items as storage containers, candle holders, or even plant pots. Paint or decorate them for a fresh look.
- Candle Holders and Lanterns: Keep candle holders for year-round use or embellish them with seasonal designs for other holidays.
Visit Lauderhill Mall for Post-Holiday Essentials
As you enjoy your creative Thanksgiving leftovers, consider a visit to Lauderhill Mall. Whether you need fresh groceries, holiday deals, or a cozy day of shopping, Lauderhill Mall is your go-to destination. Take advantage of the season’s best finds and keep the festive spirit alive.
Turn your leftovers into culinary delights and create memories that last beyond the holiday!
What to Do with Thanksgiving Decoration Leftovers
1. Repurpose for Other Holidays
Thanksgiving decorations can often be adapted for use during other celebrations:
- Transition to Winter Décor: Many Thanksgiving decorations, like pinecones, burlap, and neutral-toned table settings, can easily transition into winter or Christmas décor. Add some sparkle with silver or gold spray paint, or pair them with evergreen branches and ornaments.
- Use Pumpkins for Christmas Crafts: Small pumpkins can be painted white or metallic to fit a winter theme. Add glitter or faux snow to make them look frosty.
2. Compost Natural Decorations
If your Thanksgiving decorations include natural items like gourds, pumpkins, leaves, or hay, these can be returned to the earth:
- Compost Pumpkins and Gourds: If they haven’t been painted or treated, toss them into a compost bin to enrich your garden soil.
- Mulch Leaves and Branches: Use dried leaves or decorative branches as mulch for your garden beds or potted plants.
3. Upcycle for DIY Projects
Turn leftover decorations into DIY projects for your home or future events:
- Fabric Décor: Reuse burlap table runners or cloth napkins for crafts like gift wrapping, fabric wreaths, or reusable bags.
- Mason Jars and Vases: Repurpose these items as storage containers, candle holders, or even plant pots. Paint or decorate them for a fresh look.
- Candle Holders and Lanterns: Keep candle holders for year-round use or embellish them with seasonal designs for other holidays.
4. Store for Next Year
Some Thanksgiving decorations can be stored for reuse next year:
- Organize and Label: Store items in labeled bins or boxes to make finding them easy when next Thanksgiving rolls around. Use protective wrapping for fragile items.
- Invest in Storage Solutions: For larger items like wreaths or faux pumpkins, consider purchasing specialized storage containers to keep them in good condition.
5. Donate to Local Organizations
If you have decorations that you don’t plan to use again, consider donating them:
- Community Centers: Local schools, community centers, or charities may appreciate seasonal decorations for their own events.
- Thrift Stores: Many thrift stores accept holiday décor donations, giving your items a second life with another family.
6. Host a Post-Thanksgiving Craft Party
Invite friends or family for a craft party where you repurpose leftover decorations together:
- Collaborative Crafts: Use leftover decorations to create new items like holiday ornaments, wreaths, or gift tags.
- Kids' Activities: Involve children in creating simple crafts like garlands or centerpieces for their rooms.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Options
If you can’t reuse or repurpose certain items, dispose of them responsibly:
- Recycle: Check your local recycling guidelines for items like paper, cardboard, or glass.
- Trash Smartly: Avoid sending biodegradable items to the landfill when composting is an option.
