Creative Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers (You’ll Actually Crave)

Thanksgiving leftovers can feel like both a blessing and a bit of a chore. You open the fridge, and there’s turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in every container. Instead of eating the same plate three days in a row, let’s turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into cozy, craveable meals your family will actually be excited about. 🍗🥔✨

This post is for busy moms who want real-life, low-stress ideas, not complicated projects that dirty every pan in the kitchen. We’ll start with one flexible, skillet-style recipe you can adapt based on what you have on hand, then I’ll share more creative ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers so nothing goes to waste.

Think of it as your gentle, cozy reset after the big feast, soft leggings on, movie night ready, and the fridge finally starting to clear out.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Leftovers Ideas 💛

• Zero food waste: Use up turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and veggies without feeling like you’re eating the same plate on repeat.

• Pantry + fridge friendly: Most additions are simple staples like broth, cheese, and eggs.

• Flexible and forgiving: Swap in whatever you have, dark meat, white meat, roasted veg, or even ham.

• Family-friendly flavors: Comforting, cheesy, and familiar…just in new shapes (waffles, skillets, bakes).

• Weeknight easy: Perfect for the days when you’re tired from hosting and just want dinner to appear with minimal effort.

Main Recipe: Cozy Thanksgiving Leftovers Skillet

This one-pan recipe is a flexible way to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a bubbly, golden skillet dinner. Think of it as a cross between a pot pie and a hash, great with a fried egg on top for brunch or with a side salad for dinner.

Ingredients 🥔🧀

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, shredded or chopped

• 1 cup leftover roasted vegetables (carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, etc.), chopped

• 1 cup leftover stuffing or dressing, crumbled

• 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes

• 1 cup turkey or chicken broth (from a carton is fine)

• ½ cup cream or milk

• 1 small onion, finely diced (or use leftover cooked onions/shallots)

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)

• ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

Seasoning & Extras

• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup leftover cranberry sauce (optional but delicious for sweetness)

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Optional Toppings / Variations

• Extra cheese on top for a more “bake” style dish

• A few spoonfuls of leftover gravy, stirred into the sauce

• Crack an egg or two on top and bake until set for a brunchy version 🍳

Overhead view of assorted Thanksgiving leftovers arranged on a wooden board in a cozy kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics

   • In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.

2. Build a quick creamy sauce

   • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.

   • Slowly whisk in the broth, then the cream or milk, whisking until smooth.

   • Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Add the Thanksgiving leftovers

   • Stir in the shredded turkey, chopped roasted vegetables, and a spoonful or two of cranberry sauce if using.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning, more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

4. Layer the stuffing and mashed potatoes

   • Gently fold in the crumbled stuffing, so some pieces stay chunky.

   • Dollop the mashed potatoes on top in rustic spoonfuls, or spread them loosely for more of a “shepherd’s pie” feel.

5. Top with cheese and bake

   • Sprinkle grated cheese over the potatoes.

   • Transfer the skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.

6. Garnish & serve

   • Let it rest for 5 minutes.

   • Top with chopped parsley or green onions and serve straight from the skillet. Cozy, simple, and so satisfying. 🥄

More Creative Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Once you’ve tried the skillet, here are more ideas to keep in your back pocket:

1. Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles

Mix mashed potatoes with an egg, shredded cheese, and a bit of flour, then cook in a waffle iron. Top with a fried egg and green onions for the ultimate brunch.

2. Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese

Layer sliced turkey, cheese (like brie or cheddar), and a swipe of cranberry sauce between bread slices. Grill until crispy and melty.

3. Stuffing “Muffins.”

Press stuffing into a greased muffin tin and bake until crisp around the edges. Great next to eggs or soup.

4. Thanksgiving Fried Rice

Use leftover rice plus chopped turkey, veggies, and a spoonful of cranberry for a sweet-salty twist.

5. Cozy Leftovers Soup

Simmer turkey, leftover roasted vegetables, broth, and a bit of mashed potato or cream to thicken. Serve with warm bread.

Tips & Variations

• Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter, skip the cheese, and swap cream for unsweetened plant milk.

• Add extra veggies: Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or corn for more color and nutrition.

• Use ham instead of turkey: Works just as well if your holiday table leans more toward ham than bird.

• Make ahead: Assemble the skillet earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready, just add 5–10 extra minutes.

• Storage: Leftovers (of your leftovers 😄) keep in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer so the top stays crisp.

Serving Suggestions

• Cozy weeknight dinner: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness.

• Brunch idea: Top the skillet with fried or poached eggs and serve with fruit on the side.

• Kids’ plates: Scoop into bowls, top with extra cheese, and skip the cranberry if your little ones prefer it more savory.

• Easy lunch boxes: Pack portions into microwavable containers; this reheats beautifully at work.

A skillet filled with baked Thanksgiving leftovers, topped with golden potatoes and cheese, on a wooden table.

FAQ: Thanksgiving Leftovers

Q1: How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last in the fridge?

Most leftovers are safe for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers. If you’re unsure you’ll use them in time, freeze cooked turkey, gravy, and stuffing for longer storage.

Q2: Can I freeze the Thanksgiving leftovers skillet?

Yes! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot all the way through.

Q3: Do I have to use all the leftovers listed?

Not at all. This recipe is flexible. Use whatever you have, extra roasted veggies, only white meat, no stuffing, it will still be cozy and delicious.

Q4: How can I make this a bit lighter?

Use more veggies and fewer potatoes, swap cream for milk, and use a lighter hand with the cheese. Serve with a big side salad for balance. 🥗

Conclusion: A Cozy Reset After the Feast

Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to feel like a never-ending repeat plate. With a cozy skillet dinner, leftover mashed potato waffles, grilled cheese, and soups, you can transform what’s already in your fridge into meals that feel new, warm, and comforting.

If you try this Thanksgiving leftovers skillet, or any of the ideas above, let me know in the comments, or tag me on social so I can see your cozy plates. Don’t forget to save this post on Pinterest so you’re ready the moment those containers hit the fridge next year. 💛