Thanksgiving leftovers eaten the day after, or even the night of, can be even more exciting than Thanksgiving dinner itself. The hustle and bustle has died down, and it is time to fully relax and enjoy your hard work. However, after the first 1-3 reheated plates of the same meal, things can feel repetitive and boring.
Our team of Dietitians New York have compiled a few recipes, ranging from simple to more complex, for when you find yourself getting sick of eating the same thing for days on end following Thanksgiving dinner. These can also be a great option if you find yourself with more leftovers than you know what to do with. If you are feeling up to cooking, these recipes can be a fun way to add an exciting twist to the usual microwaved plate of leftovers.
Freezing your Leftovers
First and foremost, cooking may be the last thing on your mind following all the hard work you have done to prepare Thanksgiving dinner in the first place. In that case, your freezer will really come in handy. Freezing can be a great option to store and quickly reheat these foods as things pick up the closer we get to the December holidays. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when freezing your leftovers this year:
- Turkey: Try either shredding with 2 forks, or freezing in slices. Freeze the bones separately to make a stock for soups. Store in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.
- Mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes: Form into patties and freeze, or freeze for a few hours in a Tupperware to maintain shape, then transfer blocks into a Ziplock bag for easier and more compact storage.
- Cranberry sauce: Pour into an ice cube tray to solidify in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer to a Ziplock bag to save space. If slices, freeze individually in a layer on a baking sheet for a few hours, then transfer to a Ziplock bag.
- Gravy: Pour into an ice cube tray to solidify in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer to a Ziplock bag to save space.
- Stuffing: Form into patties and freeze, or freeze for a few hours in a Tupperware to maintain shape, then transfer blocks into a Ziplock bag for easier storage
- Pie: Cut into individual slices and wrap in plastic wrap, store in a Ziplock bag and freeze.
- Bread/rolls: Store slices in a Ziplock bag and freeze.
Making Use of Leftovers
If you are looking for a creative way to utilize your leftovers, here are a few recipes we have found and are excited to try this year:
Stuffing
As my family’s personal favorite, this is typically the first of the leftovers to go. If you do find yourself with leftovers, here are a few ideas to use this up, or prepare in advance and freeze.
Any of these recipes can be adapted to what you have on hand. For example, if your family prepares additional vegetables or a side salad, these can be thrown into the hash as a great source of fiber (mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, potatoes, etc.). If serving for breakfast, adding an egg on top can be an option to incorporate protein. The muffins can also be frozen and serve as a great side for future dinners.
Turkey
Turkey may seem like a difficult ingredient to utilize in a new way, but there are tons of recipes out there that put a creative spin on the star of the show. Here are some ideas:
- Turkey salad: Or, if you have a favorite chicken or tuna salad recipe, use that and substitute with chopped or shredded turkey
- Broth: A great way to make the most out of every part of the meal.
- Turkey and biscuits: A twist on a classic chicken pot pie, but again substituting turkey and simplifying things with store bought biscuits.
- Turkey noodle soup: Once again, if you have a go to chicken noodle soup recipe feel free to use that and simply substitute turkey for chicken. You could even throw in any leftover vegetables from stuffing prep. Include your own broth from the recipe above if you are really looking to make the most out of your leftover ingredients.
- Turkey sandwich: My family’s personal favorite is to make a sandwich using a bit of everything leftover – turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Add whatever toppings you prefer, even use in place of deli meat in a more classic sandwich with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. You can also make a smaller slider or cook in a pan to create a panini.
Cranberry Sauce
Whether you prefer to make a fresh cranberry sauce or enjoy the slices from a can, leftover cranberry sauce may seem like an easy thing to throw away at the end of the night. Here are a few ways to give this simple side a new life:
- Grilled cheese and cranberry sauce: Feel free to use whatever cheese you want/have on hand, perhaps leftovers from your mac and cheese. Add turkey for extra protein and a more fulfilling meal.
- Cranberry dressing: If you are craving greens after a day or two of leftovers, try making a salad dressing with the leftover cranberry sauce. This can be made into a balanced and satisfying meal with protein (turkey even!) and a carbohydrate source (rice, quinoa, leftover roll on the side).
Potatoes
Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes are another crowd favorite, but may get boring quickly. Some recipes our Dietitians New York are excited to try this year:
- Mashed Potato Pancakes: Quick and easy, serves as a great carbohydrate source at breakfast.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These make for a delicious appetizer option for any post-Thanksgiving gatherings or events.
- Sweet potato and carrot soup: Another way to incorporate more fiber and color when using up the rest of your sweet potatoes. This soup can be frozen and quickly reheated when needed.
Mac and Cheese
Personally, I am not sure if mac and cheese needs anything done to improve the taste in the days following Thanksgiving. If you are looking for a way to switch it up, here is a recipe for a classic appetizer favorite:
As always, our team of Registered Dietitians New York here at Nourishing NY can provide crucial support during the holiday season. We can help further brainstorm recipe ideas, and tailor a meal plan to your specific and individualized needs.
Ready to heal your relationship with food for the holidays with one of our Dietitians New York? Contact Us
Recipes Cited
- Bryan, Lisa. “Turkey Salad.” Downshiftology. https://downshiftology.com/recipes/turkey-salad/
- Clarke, Erin. “Leftover Stuffing Cakes. Well Plated. https://www.wellplated.com/leftover-stuffing-recipe-stuffing-cakes/
- Eichler, Veronique. “The Perfect Cranberry Dressing Recipe.” Cuisine With Me. https://cuisinewithme.com/the-perfect-cranberry-dressing-recipe/
- Erb, Samantha. “Mac and Cheese Bites in the Air Fryer.” Everyday Family Cooking. https://www.everydayfamilycooking.com/mac-and-cheese-bites-air-fryer/
- Evans, Nick. “Mashed Potato Pancakes.” Simply Recipes. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/mashed-potato-pancakes-recipe-5211509
- Hill, Meggan. “How to Make Turkey Broth.” Culinary Hill. https://www.culinaryhill.com/turkey-broth/
- Lotts, Lisa. “Leftover Stuffing Hash.” Garlic and Zest. https://www.garlicandzest.com/leftover-stuffing-hash/
- Mack McCool, Olivia. “Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup.” The Kitchn. https://www.thekitchn.com/turkey-noodle-soup-recipe-23409115
- Moncel, Beth. “Leftover Stuffing Muffins.” Budget Bytes. https://www.budgetbytes.com/leftover-stuffin-muffins/
- Pelosi, Dan. “Cranberry Grilled Cheese.” NY Times Recipes. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026217-cranberry-grilled-cheese
- Score, Brenda. “Mashed Potato and Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms. The Pioneer Woman. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a90376/mashed-potato-and-wild-rice-stuffed-mushrooms/
- Shallal, Kelli. “Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits.” Hungry Hobby. https://hungryhobby.net/turkey-pot-pie-with-biscuits/
- Taylor, Kathryne. Creamy Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup. Cookie and Kate. https://cookieandkate.com/thai-carrot-sweet-potato-soup-recipe/