Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious new meals with these creative ideas! From soups and sandwiches to casseroles and bowls, discover how to make the most of your holiday feast while keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.
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Thanksgiving leftovers are an opportunity to get creative and bring a fresh twist to your favorite dishes! Here are some easy, inventive ideas to repurpose leftovers into new, exciting meals for the days after Thanksgiving. For more inspiration, check out my article on VegNews.
1. Stuffed Wraps or Sandwiches
Layer leftover mains, sides, and even cranberry sauce into a tortilla or sandwich. Try:
- Roasted veggies with stuffing and cranberry sauce in a whole-grain wrap
- Vegan “turkey” slices, mashed potatoes, and gravy in a warm pita
- Hearty vegetable sandwich with sautéed greens, roasted squash, and hummus
2. Hearty Soups
Use leftover roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or gravy to make warming soups:
- Creamy Vegetable Soup: Blend roasted vegetables with a bit of vegetable broth for a creamy, hearty soup.
- Mashed Potato Soup: Thin mashed potatoes with veggie broth, add herbs, and stir in roasted garlic for a cozy meal.
- Stuffing & Vegetable Soup: Add crumbled stuffing to a basic vegetable soup for extra flavor and texture.
3. Savory Breakfast Ideas
Thanksgiving leftovers make for a delicious breakfast or brunch twist:
- Stuffing Waffles: Press leftover stuffing into a waffle maker for crispy waffles, perfect with a drizzle of vegan gravy.
- Veggie-Packed Scramble: Sauté chopped leftover vegetables and combine with tofu or chickpea scramble for a quick breakfast.
- Potato Pancakes: Form mashed potatoes into small patties, pan-fry until golden, and serve with vegan sour cream.
4. Mac and Cheese Reinventions
Turn leftover mac and cheese into completely new dishes:
- BBQ Pizza: Use mac and cheese as a topping on pizza crust with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and sprinkle of chopped veggies.
- Stuffed Potatoes: Fill baked potatoes with leftover mac and cheese and roast until golden and bubbly.
- Chili or Taco Mac: Stir mac and cheese into vegan chili or taco mix for a hearty and satisfying dish.
5. Mashed Potatoes Transformations
Put extra mashed potatoes to good use in these comforting recipes:
- Shepherd’s Pie: Layer mashed potatoes over a base of sautéed veggies and lentils for a hearty, baked meal.
- Holiday Loaf: Use mashed potatoes as a binder in a plant-based loaf, combining with breadcrumbs, veggies, and herbs.
6. Vegan Roast or “Turkey” Ideas
Make leftover vegan roast or turkey the star of new dishes:
- Egg Rolls or Empanadas: Wrap shredded roast with veggies in egg roll wrappers or pastry dough and bake until crisp.
- Tacos: Shred leftovers and serve in tacos with avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh greens.
- Grain Bowls: Combine chopped roast with grains, greens, and a savory dressing for a nourishing bowl.
- Chopped Salad: Add cubed roast to a salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and nuts for a satisfying meal.
- Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Nachos: Roast potato wedges, chopped vegetables and chopped roast together. Drizzle with your favorite vegan cheese sauce and add your favorite toppings.
Freezing and Storing Leftovers
If you’d like to save some of the feast for later, here are a few freezing tips:
- Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables can be portioned and stored in airtight containers in the freezer.
- Gravy can be frozen in an ice cube tray and stored for up to three months.
- Leftover desserts like pie can also be frozen – slice and wrap each piece individually for easy future treats.
Thanksgiving leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! With a little creativity, you can turn those extra sides and turkey into meals that are just as exciting as the big day itself. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty soup, layering a casserole, or crafting a next-level sandwich, these ideas ensure nothing goes to waste while keeping your taste buds happy. Embrace the leftovers and enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the holiday has passed!