21 Creative Leftover Recipes to Keep the Magic Going

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Mashed Potato Cakes

These bites are pure comfort in every mouthful—crispy on the outside, giving you that perfect crunch, while staying delightfully cheesy and fluffy on the inside. They’re the kind of snack or side that you just can’t stop reaching for, no matter what else is on the table. Whether paired with a hearty meal, dipped in your favorite sauce, or enjoyed on their own, they never fail to satisfy. Each bite hits that perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them as addictive as they are irresistible. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cakes

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This hearty chili is the ultimate comfort food, packed with a satisfying mix of beans and not one, but two kinds of meat for a rich, robust flavor. Perfectly spiced and simmered to perfection, it’s a meal that warms you from the inside out on chilly days. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together effortlessly while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this chili is filling, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful is a little taste of home-cooked comfort that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

These meatloaf cupcakes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Each tender, juicy bite of seasoned meatloaf is baked into its own individual portion, making them easy to serve and enjoy. The real showstopper is the creamy garlic-thyme mashed potato “frosting” on top, adding a rich and savory layer that melts in your mouth. Even picky eaters can’t resist these, as they’re both playful in presentation and satisfying in flavor. They’re a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels homemade and special all at once.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Cranberry Turkey Salad

This Cranberry Turkey Salad is the perfect way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers, turning yesterday’s feast into today’s delicious meal. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an effortless option for busy afternoons or light dinners. The sweet-tart cranberries pair beautifully with tender chunks of turkey, creating a balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and comforting. Serve it on crackers, nestle it on a bed of crisp lettuce, or pile it high on buttery brioche buns or flaky croissants for a satisfying bite. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that keeps the magic of the holiday alive long after the table is cleared.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Salad

Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

These sliders are a delightful twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors, featuring tender, juicy turkey, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce all nestled between soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. They’re quick and easy to assemble, making them perfect for a relaxed holiday gathering or a simple, flavorful lunch the next day. Each bite is a satisfying combination of textures and tastes, from the fluffy roll to the rich stuffing and zesty cranberry. Whether you’re serving them to a crowd or enjoying them as a cozy solo treat, these cranberry turkey sliders turn leftover turkey into something fun and irresistible. They’re the kind of handheld comfort food that brings a little festive magic to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

This pumpkin pie smoothie is like a sip of autumn in a glass, made with real pumpkin and packed with 20 grams of protein to keep you full and satisfied. Its creamy texture makes it feel indulgent, while the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices bring all the cozy vibes of fall to your morning or afternoon. Perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout treat, or just a healthy snack, it’s simple to make yet feels special. Every sip is rich, flavorful, and nourishing—a smoothie that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ground Turkey Soup

This comforting ground turkey soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and goodness. Tender lean ground turkey mingles with a colorful mix of five fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and tender pasta, all gently simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth. Infused with Mediterranean-inspired herbs like fragrant basil and subtle fennel, each spoonful is warming and aromatic. It’s the kind of soup that fills the kitchen with inviting scents and makes chilly days feel cozy and comforting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual family lunch, this soup is both nourishing and irresistibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Soup

Tater Tot Turkey Casserole

This turkey tater tot casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family to the table. Packed with tender turkey, crispy tater tots, hearty potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, everything bakes together in a single dish or skillet, creating layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. It’s also a clever and tasty way to give leftover Thanksgiving turkey a second life, turning scraps into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole is cozy, filling, and endlessly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Turkey Casserole

Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup

This homemade turkey noodle soup is the perfect way to breathe new life into leftover turkey, turning it into a warm and comforting meal the whole family will love. Brimming with tender noodles, savory turkey, and hearty vegetables, each spoonful is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nourishing and satisfying, making it ideal for post-holiday clean-up or any time you’re craving a bowl of soul-soothing soup. Easy to prepare yet full of flavor, this dish transforms leftovers into something fresh, delicious, and truly comforting. With every bite, it’s a gentle reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

This creative leftover turkey fried rice is a delicious and satisfying way to breathe new life into your day-after-Thanksgiving meal. Packed with tender pieces of leftover turkey, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings, it transforms yesterday’s feast into a fresh, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Quick to make and easy to customize, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the effort of starting from scratch. Every bite combines familiar holiday flavors with a fun, stir-fried twist, turning your leftovers into a meal that feels entirely new. It’s the perfect way to stretch your Thanksgiving bounty while keeping the magic—and the flavor—alive.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, flavorful way to give leftover turkey—or even chicken—a delicious second life. Packed with tender sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, colorful peppers, sautéed greens, and sweet onions, it’s a vibrant, nutrient-rich meal that satisfies both the eyes and the appetite. Grain-free and naturally hearty, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Each bite is a comforting mix of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors that feels both cozy and nourishing. It’s the kind of skillet meal that turns leftovers into something exciting and genuinely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheel Wraps

Get ready for a flavor-packed treat with our turkey cranberry pinwheel wraps! This simple yet delicious recipe is a clever way to use up leftover turkey, turning it into a fun and satisfying meal. Tender slices of turkey are paired with creamy cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite. These wraps are not only quick and easy for lunch on the go or meal prepping, but they’re also budget-friendly and family-approved. Perfect for holiday gatherings, casual lunches, or even a picnic, they put a playful spin on classic flavors everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Pinwheel Wraps

Leftover Turkey Ramen Bowls

These Leftover Turkey Ramen Bowls are a warm and comforting way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. Imagine tender slices of roasted turkey nestled in a steaming bowl of savory ramen, surrounded by crisp, colorful vegetables like carrots, edamame, and mushrooms. A perfectly soft-boiled 7-minute egg adds a rich, velvety touch, while a drizzle of chili oil brings just the right hint of heat. In about 20 minutes, you can turn simple ingredients into a visually stunning, restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect way to transform yesterday’s feast into a fresh, flavorful bowl that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Ramen Bowls

Turkey Nachos

Turkey Nachos are the perfect way to breathe new life into your holiday leftovers, taking your turkey from ordinary to unforgettable. Instead of the usual soups and casseroles, this recipe transforms leftover turkey into a fun, flavorful, and cheesy dish that the whole family will devour. Crisp tortilla chips are layered with tender turkey, melty cheese, and all the toppings you love, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal in no time. It’s an easy, stress-free way to add a Mexican twist to your leftovers while keeping everyone happy at the table. With every bite, you’ll see how simple it is to turn yesterday’s turkey into today’s new favorite dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Nachos

Turkey Pot Pie

This Simple Turkey Pot Pie turns everyday leftovers into a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Packed with tender, juicy turkey and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, every bite is satisfying and flavorful. The buttery, golden crust adds the perfect finishing touch, making it look as good as it tastes. It’s an easy way to breathe new life into leftover turkey while creating a dish the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners, this pot pie brings everyone together, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked comfort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover Prime Rib Pasta in White Wine Cream Sauce

This inventive pasta dish takes leftover prime rib and turns it into a hearty, comforting meal that feels entirely new. Tender slices of rich, flavorful beef mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a satisfying combination that’s both filling and indulgent. It’s a clever way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers, transforming them from yesterday’s roast into today’s delicious dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the luxury of prime rib in a whole new way, making every bite feel special. This is the kind of recipe that turns leftover night into something everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Prime Rib Pasta in White Wine Cream Sauce

Ham Pot Pie

This simple Ham Pot Pie is a comforting way to turn your favorite holiday leftovers into a warm, satisfying meal. Packed with savory ham, tender potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy filling, it’s wrapped in a golden, flaky pie crust that makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s the perfect solution for using up leftover ham while creating something hearty and homey that everyone will love. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for family dinners, this dish transforms what might have been forgotten into a centerpiece-worthy meal. Once you try it, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for making the most of holiday leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ham Pot Pie

Rolled Turkey Roulade

Rolled Turkey Roulade is a delicious and creative take on the classic Thanksgiving turkey, turning leftover bird into something fresh and exciting. The golden, crispy skin gives way to juicy, tender meat wrapped around a flavorful stuffing, creating layers of taste in every bite. It’s both comforting and elegant, making it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table or family gathering. Easy to slice and serve, this roulade transforms your leftovers into a dish that feels special and intentional, rather than just reheated. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or enjoying a quiet holiday meal, it’s a flavorful way to keep the magic of the season going.
Get the Recipe: Rolled Turkey Roulade

Turkey Biscuit Stew

Turkey Biscuit Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that turns leftover turkey and vegetables into a warm, flavorful meal the whole family will love. Made right in a single skillet, it combines tender chunks of turkey with a medley of veggies, creamy condensed soup, and a splash of half-and-half, all topped with fluffy buttermilk biscuits that soak up every bit of savory goodness. Each spoonful is rich, satisfying, and perfect for chilly fall or winter evenings when you want a home-cooked dinner without too much fuss. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a clever way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers, turning them into something fresh and inviting. Cozy, easy, and bursting with flavor, this stew is the ultimate comfort food that warms both the belly and the heart.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Biscuit Stew

Turkey a la King

Turkey à la King is the ultimate way to breathe new life into leftover turkey, turning it into a warm, comforting one-pot meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Tender pieces of turkey are simmered with earthy mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that thickens just right, coating every bite with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and invites everyone to gather around the table. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for family gatherings, this recipe transforms simple leftovers into something truly satisfying. Every spoonful is a cozy reminder of classic comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Turkey a la King