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It’s almost time to figure out what to do with all the leftover turkey and ham, because Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t really end when the plates get cleared. From cozy soups and pot pies to sandwiches and even waffles, these easy Thanksgiving leftover recipes give your extra turkey and ham a whole new life. Whether you’re feeding a crowd the day after or just want an easy dinner that uses up what’s left in the fridge, there’s something here for every craving.
Best of all, most of these come together quickly since the hardest part, cooking the meat, is already done. Save this list for the day after Thanksgiving so you’re prepared to turn those leftovers into something new instead of just reheating the same plate twice.
Table of Contents
What makes a great Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe?
A great Thanksgiving leftover recipe takes already-cooked turkey or ham and transforms it into something that doesn’t taste like a repeat of the holiday meal. The best options use simple pantry staples to build new flavors, like soups, sandwiches, or baked dishes, so the leftovers feel fresh.
Key Takeaways
- Mix of soups, sandwiches, pot pies, and casseroles to use up turkey and ham.
- Quick to make, since the meat is already cooked.
- Great for the day after Thanksgiving or all week long.
- Many of these recipes freeze well for later.
- Simple, approachable recipes that don’t require advanced skills.
10 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Save the turkey carcass. It makes a rich, flavorful broth that’s worth the extra effort instead of tossing it.
- Portion leftovers before freezing. Smaller portions thaw faster and make it easier to grab just what you need for a quick meal.
- Don’t skip the ham bone. It adds deep, savory flavor to soups like ham and bean, so save it instead of discarding it with the rest of the ham.
- Repurpose, don’t just reheat. Turning leftovers into something new, like chili or taquitos, keeps the week from tasting like a repeat of Thanksgiving dinner.
- Use leftovers within a few days. For the best flavor and food safety, aim to use refrigerated turkey and ham within 3 to 4 days.
Variations and Substitutions
Turkey or Chicken – Most of these turkey recipes, like the soup, chili, and tetrazzini, work just as well as leftover rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
Spice it Up – Add extra chili powder or hot sauce to the Turkey Pumpkin Chili or Taquitos for a spicy twist.
Make it a Casserole – Turn the turkey sandwich ingredients into a baked casserole for a different take on the same flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooked turkey and ham are best used within 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Yes, most of these recipes freeze well, including the soups, chili, and tetrazzini. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Sandwiches, taquitos, and soup are all great options that don’t require a large amount of leftover turkey to satisfy a meal.
A leftover ham bone is perfect for making a pot of classic ham and bean soup, which simmers the bone down for a rich, savory flavor.
What to Serve with Leftover Thanksgiving Recipes
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover turkey and ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Each of these recipes will indicate specific storage and reheating instructions, but in general they can typically be reheated gently on the stove with a splash of broth to help retain the moisture.
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When your fridge is full of turkey and ham, these Thanksgiving leftover recipes will give new life and meals to them so that those Thanksgiving leftovers never get boring. Spice it up with delicious turkey taquitos or enjoy a savory ham and bean soup.
