As you put together on your Thanksgiving feast, it’s pure to concentrate on the massive meal. However have you considered the way you’ll deal with that mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers that usually comply with? Quite than letting further turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce go to waste, why not reimagine them into new, thrilling dishes?
With somewhat creativity, these leftovers may be reworked into contemporary meals that reach the enjoyment of Thanksgiving lengthy after the day is over. From turkey sliders to mashed potato muffins, these concepts will assist you flip your post-feast extras right into a sequence of mouthwatering meals that preserve your Thanksgiving flavors alive whereas decreasing meals waste.
Why it’s necessary to make use of up these leftovers
Thanksgiving is a celebration of togetherness and gratitude. Nonetheless, it’s additionally one of many largest meals waste days of the 12 months. In response to ReFED, a nonprofit working to fight meals waste primarily based in america, People will waste roughly 316 million kilos of meals throughout Thanksgiving in 2024 alone. “This represents greater than $556 million value of groceries thrown away in a single day – a pointy distinction to the spirit of gratitude the day is supposed to embody,” stated Selena Mao, supervisor at ReFED.
With tens of millions of kilos of uneaten meals tossed yearly, discovering artistic methods to repurpose leftovers isn’t simply sensible – it’s a small step towards reducing down on meals waste. By giving your Thanksgiving staples a second life, you possibly can assist reduce waste whereas persevering with to take pleasure in your vacation feast in contemporary and scrumptious methods. Right here’s how you can use each final little bit of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Turkey
Turkey is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, and there are many methods to repurpose it in tasty, creative dishes. Contemplate making turkey cranberry sliders, a candy and savory choice that pairs leftover turkey with cranberry sauce on mushy Hawaiian rolls. These sliders make for an ideal snack or mild meal. Including leftover turkey to soups can also be a simple strategy to repurpose this Thanksgiving staple. Turkey and rice soup or turkey noodle soup are each classics which are simple to arrange and splendid for cozy nights.
Make turkey enchiladas to present your leftovers a Mexican-inspired makeover. For taco lovers, leftover turkey tacos are a fast and scrumptious choice that brings a little bit of spice to the desk.
When you love conventional rooster pot pie, swap issues up by utilizing turkey for a contemporary twist on this traditional consolation meals. Merely mix your leftover turkey with a mixture of contemporary or frozen greens, then stir in a creamy sauce constituted of a butter and flour roux, milk and broth. Prime the combination with a buttery pie crust, bake till golden and bubbly, and also you’ve received a simple, scrumptious meal that’s excellent for repurposing leftovers.
Lastly, don’t overlook in regards to the turkey carcass. Use it to whip up a flavorful turkey inventory that may be a base for future soups and stews. Merely toss your turkey bones in water with some herbs and veggies – chopped onion, carrots, garlic, celery and thyme are favorites – and permit to simmer for about three to 4 hours over the range for a flavorful home made inventory.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies – there are a lot of artistic methods to make use of it. You possibly can remodel leftover pumpkin right into a savory pumpkin quiche, stir it into oatmeal or yogurt for a lift of taste and even mix it right into a creamy batch of mac and cheese. Including it to a hearty pumpkin chili for a heat, satisfying meal that’s filled with fall taste can also be successful.
Mashed potatoes
Fundamental mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and there are tons of how to repurpose them. Fried mashed potato balls are a enjoyable strategy to take your leftovers to the following degree. These crispy, tacky bites are at all times successful and a terrific app should you’re internet hosting any soccer events on Thanksgiving weekend.
When you’re feeling adventurous, strive making a mashed potato chocolate cake. Consider it or not, including a cup of mashed potatoes to your favourite chocolate cake recipe can add moisture and richness to this decadent dessert. Plain mashed potatoes work greatest right here.
Cranberry sauce
An unsung hero of the Thanksgiving desk, cranberries are sometimes left lingering within the fridge. Nonetheless, there are many methods to repurpose this candy sauce. Use it as a topping for Greek yogurt for a tangy morning deal with. You too can stir your leftover cranberry sauce into your favourite quickbread recipe for a terrific breakfast deal with.
For a extra festive twist, add a few tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce to your favourite cocktail for a holiday-inspired drink. And for dessert, don’t miss the chance to make cranberry shortcake, the place the tartness of the sauce pairs superbly with the sweetness of the cake.
Stuffing
Stuffing could also be one of the crucial versatile Thanksgiving leftovers. As an alternative of simply reheating it, strive making savory stuffing waffles. They’re fast and straightforward to whip up – merely combine your leftover stuffing with a few eggs and prepare dinner for about 5 minutes in your waffle maker. These crispy waffles are brunch perfection, and so they’re a really perfect deal with in case you have weekend company staying over.
Nonetheless have extra stuffing? Attempt frying it into crispy stuffing fritters, utilizing it as a filling for egg rolls, or stirring it right into a casserole. When you’ve received leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, why not layer the stuffing right into a turkey shepherd’s pie for an additional layer of consolation?
Bread
Lastly, don’t overlook about leftover bread. Whether or not it’s rolls or loaves, that bread can simply be reworked into one thing particular. Attempt making an in a single day blueberry French toast casserole, which is ideal for a weekend brunch. It’s a simple strategy to flip stale bread into a pleasant, candy breakfast deal with.
Don’t let these leftovers go to waste
Whether or not you’re internet hosting an enormous household gathering or your first Friendsgiving, don’t let the spoils out of your Thanksgiving dinner weigh you down. With so many artistic methods to make use of up your Thanksgiving leftovers, there’s no must let any meals go to waste. From sliders to soups, and muffins to fritters, these recipes supply flavorful methods to profit from your vacation feast. Give them a strive, and also you’ll have scrumptious meals that final effectively past Thanksgiving Day.
Sarah Jenkins is the blogger behind Entrance Vary Fed. She lives in Bouler, Colorado, along with her husband and two boys, and her beloved canine daughter, Maya.
