Reinventing Thanksgiving Leftovers: Two Easy Recipes You’ll Crave All Weekend

The feast may be over, but the flavor does not have to end. Thanksgiving leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday, a chance to get creative, use up what is in the fridge, and relive those cozy dinner moments in brand new ways.
If you have ever wondered what to do with all that extra turkey and stuffing, you are not alone. These two easy recipes will help you turn your favorite Thanksgiving dinner recipes into completely fresh meals, one for a hearty breakfast and one for a crave worthy sandwich.
Let’s make the most of those Thanksgiving leftovers with dishes so good you might start planning for extras next year.

Turkey and Stuffing Breakfast Hash

Perfect for: Lazy mornings, cozy weekends, and second helpings of flavor
Keywords: thanksgiving leftovers, leftover stuffing ideas, easy thanksgiving meals
Ingredients:
• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 ½ cups leftover stuffing
• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup chopped bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs, optional for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté until soft and golden.
3. Stir in the leftover stuffing and let it crisp for a few minutes.
4. Add the turkey and toss until everything is hot and slightly browned.
5. Make small wells in the mixture and crack the eggs on top. Cover and cook until the eggs are done to your liking.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.

Why it works:
This skillet brings together all your best Thanksgiving recipes in one easy breakfast. The stuffing gets crispy, the turkey adds protein, and the eggs bring it all together for a comforting and hearty start to your day.

Cranberry Turkey Melt

Perfect for: A quick lunch that feels indulgent but uses what you already have
Keywords: leftover turkey recipes, thanksgiving leftovers, best thanksgiving recipes
Ingredients:
• 2 slices sourdough or sandwich bread
• 3 ounces leftover turkey, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 2 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon mayo or mustard
• Butter for toasting

Directions:

1. Spread mayo or mustard on one slice of bread and cranberry sauce on the other.
2. Layer the turkey and cheese between the slices.
3. Butter the outer sides of the bread.
4. Grill in a skillet or panini press until golden brown and the cheese melts.
5. Slice in half and enjoy warm.

Why it works:
Sweet, tangy, and savory, this leftover turkey recipe has everything you love about Thanksgiving tucked neatly between two crispy slices of bread. The cranberry adds brightness, the turkey adds depth, and the cheese ties it all together.

A Fresh Take on Thanksgiving Traditions

You do not need to overthink what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers. With a little creativity and a few pantry staples, you can turn yesterday’s feast into easy Thanksgiving meals that taste completely new.
Whether you are cooking up a Thanksgiving leftover breakfast or a cozy sandwich by the fire, remember that the best holiday traditions often start the day after.
Good food and good company are always worth a second helping.