9 Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving Day Leftovers

I’ve got to admit. The feast on Thanksgiving Day wears me out! There is planning, grocery shopping, table setting, cooking, and baking. And then there is the timing. Making sure everything is ready at the same time and praying that the turkey is perfectly cooked!

But man, the leftovers are a whole other thing. They are the best part of Thanksgiving (and I think they taste better too)! Don’t tell!

Thanksgiving Dinner Reinvented:

• SOUP – It’s easy to add turkey or ham to soups – which is my favorite thing to cook in cooler weather. In addition to the two below, try adding turkey to our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup or ham to Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
• CASSEROLES – Creamy casseroles are a good use of leftovers. Try our Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute in a variety of recipes.
• BREAKFAST CASSEROLES – Instead of deli ham, use leftover spiral ham in a variety of casseroles, quiches, or omelets.
• SANDWICHES – While I list our Cuban Sandwiches below, you can literally add turkey, dressing, potatoes, and dressing to a sandwich and grill it. SO GOOD!
• SALADS – I’m big on green salads and rely on them after the feast of the year. Add turkey or ham to our Grinder Salad, Caesar Salad, or an Italian Chopped Salad.
• OTHER – Potato pancakes, grilled ham and cheese, and so on.

Are you making homemade ice cream for dessert? Turn any of our fall ice creams into a milkshake!

• Pumpkin Ice Cream
• Butter Pecan Ice Cream
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream

1. Turkey Rice Soup

Creamy Turkey Rice Soup combines leftover turkey, butternut squash, a veggie mirepoix, and wild rice with a tasty broth. The best recipe to make after stuffing yourself at holiday gatherings and it uses up leftovers too!

2. Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole

This Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole is a great way to use up holiday leftovers and tastes amazing too. Make your own cream of chicken soup for a healthier creamy texture, and enjoy this delicious family favorite!

3. Cheesy Potato Pancakes

Cheesy Potato Pancakes combine leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, flour, and an egg to make the perfect side dish. Use a coating of bread crumbs and avocado oil for the perfect crunchy texture!

4. Leftover Ham and White Bean Soup

Leftover Ham and White Bean Soup is a clean-out-the-refrigerator type of meal. Boil your leftover ham bone for flavor, and add tons of veggies, canned beans, and leftover ham.

5. Split Pea Vegetable Soup

I love a protein-packed meal, and this Split Pea Vegetable Soup is loaded. Use dried split peas, fresh garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and yellow potatoes for a pot full of healthy benefits PLUS an amazing tasty soup!

We often add ham to this veggie soup for extra flavor and Thanksgiving ham would be 10/10!

6. Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche

Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche combines whole eggs with leftover ham, gruyere cheese, green onions, and a heavy cream and milk combination. This crustless quiche recipe is a delicious low-carb meal that the whole family will love!

7. Omelette Casserole

Omelette Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast. This casserole is loaded with sausage, bacon, veggies, eggs, and cheese – and feeds a crowd!

Add some ham in place of or in addition to the other meats in this hearty breakfast.

8. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Weekend mode now includes this Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet. Sautéed sweet potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and jalapeños – all topped with over-easy eggs and sliced avocados. This is my answer to a perfect lazy day brunch!

If making sweet potatoes, use the leftovers in this hash. Pro-Tip: Make our Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes.

9. Pressed Cuban Sandwich

My Pressed Cuban Sandwiches combine pulled pork roast, deli ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and a zesty mustard aioli – all piled high on crusty bread of your choice. A great sandwich for hungry peeps!

Use leftover ham and turkey in these and leave out the pork!