Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a feast of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and all the traditional trimmings. But as the plates are cleared and the leftovers are packed away, the question arises: what do you do with all the extra food?
Leftovers from Thanksgiving can be both a blessing and a challenge. While they save time on cooking in the days following the holiday, it can be easy to grow tired of the same reheated meals. The key to making the most of your leftovers is creativity, turning traditional dishes into new and exciting meals.
The art of leftover management
The first step to managing Thanksgiving leftovers is proper storage. Experts recommend refrigerating leftovers within two hours of serving to prevent bacterial growth. Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and separate foods to make reheating easier.
Leftovers are a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Think of them as ingredients rather than just reheated meals.
When stored correctly, most leftovers can last three to four days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze items like turkey, mashed potatoes or gravy, which can be thawed and enjoyed weeks later.
Reinventing Thanksgiving classics
Thanksgiving leftovers are remarkably versatile. Turkey can be shredded and turned into sandwiches, soups or tacos. Mashed potatoes make an excellent base for potato pancakes or shepherd’s pie. Even cranberry sauce can find new life as a glaze for meats or a sweet spread for breakfast.
Turkey soup is always a great, easy option for turkey leftovers. Simmer the turkey bones with vegetables and make a hearty broth. Add in leftover turkey and some noodles and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for the colder weather.
If you’re looking for a dish that combines multiple leftovers into one satisfying meal, consider a Thanksgiving casserole. Layer turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with gravy and bake until heated through. It’s an easy and comforting way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a new form.
A Classic: Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich
One of the simplest and most beloved ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers is the classic turkey and cranberry sandwich. Here’s a quick recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of hearty bread (such as sourdough or whole grain)
- 2-3 ounces of leftover turkey (sliced or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well)
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (optional)
- A handful of greens (such as spinach or arugula)
Instructions:
- Toast the bread lightly if desired.
- Spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread and mayonnaise (if using) on the other.
- Layer the turkey, cheese and greens between the slices of bread.
- Press the sandwich together and enjoy it cold or heat it in a skillet for a warm, melty treat.
This simple recipe can be customized to include other leftovers, like stuffing or roasted vegetables. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a handheld format.
Donating and sharing
Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself with more leftovers than you can reasonably eat. Rather than letting food go to waste, consider sharing it with friends or neighbors. Many communities also have food donation programs or shelters that accept excess holiday food.
You can also pack up plates for your neighbors.
Embracing the leftover tradition
Thanksgiving leftovers are as much a part of the holiday tradition as the meal itself. With a little creativity and planning, they can provide delicious meals long after the last slice of pie has been served.
So this year, don’t dread the mountain of containers in your fridge. Embrace them as an opportunity to experiment, share and savor the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again.
