Your Christmas dinner is ready, the guests have gone home… and you have a fridge full of food. It can be convenient and comforting to enjoy a repeat meal the next day. But this weekend you might be wondering: What can you do with Thanksgiving leftovers, besides the same old plate of turkey and more stuffing?
We’ve rounded up some of the best holiday leftover ideas to help you turn the rest of your holiday feast into new and exciting meals the whole family will love. But first, let’s cover a few important points so you can enjoy it safely.
Food Safety for Thanksgiving Leftovers
To ensure your leftovers stay fresh and delicious, it’s crucial that you store them properly.
For starters, you should refrigerate or freeze certain foods within two hours of cooking or serving, or within an hour if they have been exposed to temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. These foods include:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Seafood
- Eggs
- Cut fruit
- Cooked rice
- Other perishable items
For optimal freshness, make sure your refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F or lower. And keep your freezer at or below 0°F.
When should you throw away Thanksgiving leftovers?
According to USDA guidelines, cooked turkey is best consumed within three or four days if stored at or below 40°F. Remember that refrigeration only slows the growth of bacteria; it doesn’t stop it completely. Eating or freezing leftovers quickly is therefore essential for both safety and taste.
If you have frozen extra portions, there are two ways to thaw them: in the refrigerator, with cold water or in the microwave. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest approach, although it may take longer.
Once you thaw the leftovers and don’t use them within 3 to 4 days, you can safely refreeze them.
This way you can reheat your leftovers the right way
When reheating your Thanksgiving leftovers, use a food thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For sauces, soups and gravies, bring them to a boil. And always cover leftovers while reheating to prevent moisture loss and ensure even heating.
With these tips in mind, let’s dive into some delicious recipes.
Best Leftover Thanksgiving Ideas
Cranberry salsa turkey wraps
Transform your leftover turkey into these tempting and healthy wraps. With a mix of sweet and spicy cranberry salsa, tender turkey, and cream cheese, this recipe will redefine your family’s expectations of post-Thanksgiving meals. see recipe
Southwestern Turkey Fry
This turkey casserole is a perfect solution for those wondering what to do with leftover poultry. Infused with spicy jalapeños, spinach and sour cream, this flavorful dish is sure to please adults and kids alike. see recipe
Glazed Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread
This moist bread uses two Thanksgiving staples: mashed sweet potatoes and cranberries. Topped with a delicious orange glaze, it’s a sweet treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays.
Spicy turkey quesadillas
This twist on a Mexican classic uses green chiles to add a vibrant kick to cranberries and turkey. The bold flavors are beautifully balanced with smooth cream cheese, creating a meal that is unique, flavorful and easy to make. see recipe
Thanksgiving leftover casserole
This casserole deliciously combines all the typical flavors of Thanksgiving: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. You can make it entirely to your own taste and add cheese and vegetables of your choice if desired, so you can turn holiday classics into one delicious dish. see recipe
Another delicious Thanksgiving casserole
This casserole offers a slightly different, yet creative way to use leftover turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy in a casserole. The addition of cheese brings all the rich flavors together, creating a mouth-watering dish you won’t be able to resist. see recipe
Turkey hash This recipe will become a new favorite for coveted holiday leftovers. Using turkey, dressing/stuffing and gravy, combined with some fresh new ingredients and some crunch, this hash is simply irresistible. see recipe
Leftover turkey soup
This nutritious, vegetarian soup is an excellent way to use up both the meat and bones of leftover roast turkey. It’s also grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, so anyone on a special diet can enjoy it too. see recipe
Thanksgiving leftover stuffed acorn squash
This dish masterfully combines all your favorite Thanksgiving elements in a unique and delicious way. Packed with cranberries, stuffing, turkey and a medley of veggies, these stuffed pumpkins are one of the healthiest and tastiest ways to use up your leftovers. see recipe
Turkey pie
Give your Thanksgiving leftovers a makeover with this pot pie recipe. With turkey, veggies, fresh herbs, and a flaky, buttery crust, this dish is so inviting you’ll want to eat it every day. see recipe
Wild rice soup
Fancy a comforting yet light meal after your holiday feast? Look no further than this healthy soup. It combines whole grain wild rice, turkey and a variety of antioxidant-rich vegetables in a delicious, creamy base. see recipe
With these recipes on hand, you’ll never know what to make with Thanksgiving leftovers. Have fun preparing these delicious meals and enjoy them with your loved ones. Here’s to extending the holiday cheer!
References:
Food safety for the holidays | CDC.
How long is cooked food safe in the refrigerator?.