20 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Ideas Your Family Will Love

Don’t know what to do with your Thanksgiving Leftovers? This post will show you 20+ mouthwatering ideas.

There is nothing better than the fullness of the refrigerator on the week of Thanksgiving. With family get togethers and a Friendsgiving or two, it’s typically when we’re doing our best to not overindulge.

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, indulgent feasting. But what happens after the big meal? If you find yourself staring at a mountain of leftover turkey, don’t let it go to waste!

Transforming those leftovers into delicious meals is not only a practical way to reduce food waste but also a chance to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving in new and exciting ways.

Why Leftover Turkey Deserves a Second Act

Turkey is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in lean protein, vitamins, and minerals like selenium and zinc. Repurposing it into creative dishes can extend the joy of your holiday meal while providing convenient, ready-to-go meals for the days ahead. Plus, using leftovers saves time in the kitchen—a win for those busy post-holiday schedules.

What You Need in Your Kitchen

To turn leftover turkey into versatile dishes, stock your kitchen with these essentials:

• Broth or Stock: Perfect for soups, stews, or reheating turkey to keep it moist.

• Veggies: Think carrots, celery, onions, and greens for soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.

• Herbs and Spices: Sage, thyme, rosemary, or curry powder can transform your turkey dishes.

• Grains or Pasta: Rice, quinoa, or pasta can bulk up your recipes while adding texture.

• Dairy Staples: Cheese, cream, or yogurt are great for creamy casseroles or sauces.

• Pantry Basics: Keep flour, breadcrumbs, and canned goods like beans or tomatoes handy for making sauces, coatings, or one-pot dishes.

• Tupperware: Don’t forget to keep ample storage containers in your kitchen. Here’s a few of my favorite:

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Related Reading: 21 crowd pleasing Friendsgiving food ideas

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Storage is Key: Refrigerate leftover turkey within two hours of cooking, and use it within three to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers.

2. Moisture Matters: Reheat turkey with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

3. Flavor Reinvention: Experiment with cuisines! Try turkey tacos, Asian-inspired stir-fries, or comforting pot pies.

4. Batch Cooking: Double your recipes to freeze for busy nights. Leftover turkey is a meal prep hero.

Easy Recipe Ideas

• Turkey Soup: Simmer turkey with broth, veggies, and herbs for a hearty, warming meal.

• Turkey Quesadillas: Layer shredded turkey, cheese, and veggies in tortillas for a quick snack.

• Turkey Salad: Mix turkey with yogurt or mayo, cranberries, and nuts for a refreshing twist.

• Turkey Pasta Bake: Combine turkey with pasta, marinara, and cheese, then bake until bubbly.

With a bit of planning and creativity, leftover turkey can be the star of your post-Thanksgiving meals. These recipes and tips make it easy to enjoy every last bite!

p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.

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20 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Ideas

01 | Thanksgiving Crunch Wrap

Recipe by Averie Cooks

02 | Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Recipe via I heart eating

03 | Leftover Stuffing Muffins

Recipe via handle the heat

04 | Leftover Turkey Burgers

Recipe via Kitchen Divas

05 | Leftover Turkey Casserole

Recipe via Olivia’s cuisine

06 | Turkey Quesadillas

Recipe via A Family Feast

07 | Leftover Turkey Orzo Pasta

Recipe via Super Golden Bakes

08 | Thanksgiving Crunch Wrap

Recipe via Cooks with Cocktails

09 | Thanksgiving Crunch Wrap

Recipe via Girl and the kitchen

10 | Thanksgiving Crunch Wrap

Recipe via Adore Foods

11 | Leftover Turkey Spanish Rice

Recipe via Eating European

12 | Healthy Leftover Turkey Chili

Recipe via Clean Eating Couple

13 | Healthy Leftover Turkey Chili

Recipe via Baked by Rachel

14 | Healthy Leftover Turkey Chili

Recipe Via Hungry Hobby

15 | Healthy Leftover Turkey Chili

Recipe via Life in the Lofthouse

16 | Turkey Enchiladas

Recipe via Bake it With Love

17 | Cranberry and Brie Turkey Sandwich

Recipe via The Nessy Kitchen

18 | Cranberry and Brie Turkey Sandwich

Recipe via Family food on the table

19 | Turkey Noodle Soup

Recipe via The Oregon Dietician

20 | Turkey Skillet potpie

Recipe via Kathleens Cravings

21 | Leftover Turkey Taquitos

Recipe via The curious plate

I hope you enjoyed these 20+ delicious Thanksgiving leftover recipes! Whether you’re looking to whip up something quick or create a new family favorite, these ideas make it easy to reinvent your holiday meal. Thanksgiving may come and go, but with these recipes, you can savor the flavors for days to come. Let’s make the most of every bite and keep the festive spirit alive in your kitchen!

21+ Super Chic Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas that you will want to copy for Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving Outfits 2024, Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas, and Fall Outfits

Thanksgiving gatherings call for looks that balance style with comfort, whether you're hosting, attending a family dinner, or celebrating with your friends for a Friendsgiving feast.

Related Reading: How to throw a stress free Friendsgiving

Here’s how to pull off a chic Thanksgiving outfit that feels effortlessly put-together and fits the festive spirit.

1. Start with the Fabric Choice

• Cozy Knits and Luxe Textures: Thanksgiving falls in late autumn, so embrace the warmth of thick knits, wool, and cashmere. Opt for pieces that look high-quality and are soft against your skin, like a ribbed sweater or a wool skirt.

• Velvet and Satin Details: Incorporate a bit of luxury with velvet or satin pieces—whether it's a blouse, a skirt, or even a hair accessory. These textures feel festive but still give you room to breathe and move comfortably.

2. Color Palette Matters

• Rich, Warm Tones: Deep autumnal colors like burgundy, mustard yellow, and forest green work beautifully for Thanksgiving. These shades not only reflect the season but also add warmth to your outfit.

• Neutrals with a Twist: Neutral outfits are also timeless and chic. Layer different shades like cream, taupe, and soft gray for a sophisticated monochrome look.

3. Opt for Layers

• The Power of Blazers and Cardigans: A fitted blazer or long cardigan adds structure and style while keeping you cozy. Try belting an oversized cardigan for a cinched look, or go for a sleek blazer to add polish.

• Statement Outerwear: Since it’s chilly outside, choose an outer layer that complements your outfit. A camel or dark green coat with structured shoulders can elevate the entire look as you arrive.

4. Balance Fit and Comfort

• Relaxed Silhouettes with Defined Waistlines: Look for high-waisted trousers or a skirt that defines the waist but offers enough room for a holiday feast. A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and wrap dresses are stylish yet forgiving options.

• Elastic Waistbands or Adjustable Ties: These are especially helpful if you plan to indulge in the Thanksgiving feast. You can keep the silhouette chic without feeling too constricted.

5. Select Chic, Walkable Footwear

• Low-Heeled Ankle Boots or Loafers: A stylish low heel gives you a bit of lift without sacrificing comfort, perfect for moving between the kitchen, dining room, and living room. Loafers also work if you're aiming for a laid-back yet polished look.

• Statement Flats or Ballet Shoes: If you want something chic and festive, go for a pair of embellished flats. Try metallic, velvet, or even a touch of sparkle to add personality.

6. Consider Accessories that Elevate

• Simple, Elegant Jewelry: Statement earrings or a chunky ring can complete the look without feeling overdone. Opt for gold or pearl accents to keep the look sophisticated.

• Belts for Extra Shape: If your outfit feels a bit too loose, a belt can work wonders in adding structure and emphasizing your waist.

• Scarves and Hair Accessories: A silk scarf or a headband adds texture and a touch of elegance. Consider tying a scarf around your ponytail or opting for a subtle hairpin to keep your hairstyle chic and controlled.

7. Plan for Flexibility

• Day to Night Transitions: If your celebration includes different parts of the day, consider outfits that transition well from casual to a bit more formal. For example, a cozy sweater can be paired with a skirt and tights for a daytime feel, and then swapped with a structured blazer or a statement necklace for an evening vibe.

• Stay True to Your Personal Style: Choose pieces that make you feel authentically you. When you feel comfortable and confident, your outfit will naturally shine.

8. Decide on your fragrance:

• Your scent matters. Don’t forget to pair your outfit with a Fall scent. Vanilla is one of the best scents, check out these 10 best Vanilla perfumes according to Tik Tok.

p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.

💡 Pro-tip: Grab a FREE 30 Day trial of Amazon Prime to get unlimited free shipping to make shopping for your coffee bar super easy – without even leaving home!

31+ Super Chic Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas that you will want to copy

01 | White long sleeved ribbed sweaterdress

Source: Whatemwore

A long ribbed sweater dress is the easiest way to pull of a chic sweater look for Thanksgiving. It is a very feminine a polished look.

I love the thick, ribbed fabric for this look so it flatters the body and hides imperfections.

Pair it with booties and a chic suede handbag for an effortlessly chic look.

Recreate this look:

02 | Leggings, cozy sweater and knee high boots

The Sweetest Thing

The ultimate Fall look always starts with a pair of leather leggings.

Recreate this look:

03 | Fedora, floral skirt and knit sweater

pinterest . com

04 | Denim dress and boots

Credit: your darling style

05 | Brown sweater dress, camel hat and brown boots

pinterest . com

Recreate this look:

06 | Tan leather midi skirt with black turtleneck and boots

pinterest . com

Recreate this look:

07 | Black jeans and off the shoulder sweater

lilly isabella clark

If it isn’t super cold in your part of the world, you can always opt for a lightweight off the shoulder sweater in cream and pair it with black jeans.

To top off the look, grab this gorgeous vegan camel leather handbag with your favorite neutral heels.

Recreate this look:

08 | Classic all black skirt and boots

pinterest . com

Recreate this look:

Related Reading: 29 Beautiful Thanksgiving Nail ideas

09 | Leggings, cozy sweater and knee high boots

Source: mildagud

Black riding boots and black leggings can be such a chic base for any outfit.

Add a fuzzy sweater with a ponytail and chic earrings for an old money fashion look.

10 | Brown leather pants, blouse and pointy toe kitten heels

Source: Whatemwore

Monochromatic will always have you looking absolutely fabulous.

Brown on brown is the most elite combination.

11 | Black denim, taupe turtleneck and matching jacket

Source: Rebecca Jean Hudson

I love the look of a taupe on taupe top and jacket combo. Pair this with some black denim and chic ballet flats.

12 | Plaid skirt, cozy sweater and boots

pinterest . com

Recreate this look:

13 | Oversized mens collared shirt, sweater and tall boots

pinterest . com

Go grab your boyfriends white collared work shirt, pair a striped sweater over it and throw on some boots.

A crossbody bag can complete this effortless look.

This look will have you feeling like the chicest in the room.

14 | Peasant dress and tight knee high boots

Source: Stylin By Aylin

You can turn any flowy dress into a perfect Thanksgiving outfit by pairing it with chic knee high boots.

15 | Cozy camel knit sweater, black leggings and black cowboy boots

Charme Se

I love the look of mixing camel with black.

This oversized camel knit sweater looks great with black denim and classic black cowboy boots.

16 | Brown leather skirt, wool sweater and brown suede boots

Credit: Your darling style

Suede cowboy boots can turn any outfit into a comfortable and chic look.

Pair a brown leather mini skirt with a knit turtleneck and you will be instantly put together.

17 | Gray sweater blazer combo

pinterest . com

An oversized blazer can literally go over anything.

I love the look of it over a grey sweater dress and matching grey boots. The perfect monochromatic outfit.

18 | Striped sweater with cigarette pants and loafers

Credit : @cocobeautea

If you are feeling like you want to wear some comfortable shoes, pair your favorite black loafers with some cigarette pants and a striped sweater.

19 | Denim skirt with loose fit blazer

Credit: @ooliviamiller

A casual yet very chic look is perfectly appropriate for a low key Thanksgiving.

Grab your favorite denim skirt, tuck in a sleeveless bodysuit and pair with a leather belt. Toss on a chic blazer and some high heeled boots.

Cat eye sunglasses and a structured bag complete the look.

20 | Black shorts with oversized plaid blazer

pinterest . com

An adorable look is wearing an oversized white blouse with a chic knit vest. Pair that with jeans and some chic leather boots. Very old money fashion.

21 | Black shorts with oversized plaid blazer

Gates of Style

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