What to Do with Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Every Thanksgiving, the abundance of delicious and hearty dishes can leave you with a plethora of leftovers. Rather than simply tossing them in the trash, there are countless creative ways to make use of your Thanksgiving feast. Here are some delicious and practical ideas for your leftover turkey and trimmings.

The Layered Casserole

One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers is to assemble a layered casserole. Start by placing a layer of stuffing at the bottom of a casserole dish. Next, add a layer of turkey, followed by a layer of gravy. Then, add a layer of vegetables, such as carrots or squashes, and a layer of sweet potatoes. Top with a thin layer of whipped potatoes or any leftover mashed potatoes. Finish with a dusting of cranberries. When reheated, the casserole is a warm, comforting dish that captures the essence of your original Thanksgiving meal. Its delightful aroma when freshly warmed will transport you back to the feast.

Gobbler Cobbler

Another creative way to use your leftovers is to make a Gobbler Cobbler. After Thanksgiving, you can freeze leftover turkey gravy and broccoli from the bones and peels. Use this gravy later to create a flavorful base for the cobbler. Simply add a bag of frozen vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers) and chopped turkey or ham into a casserole dish, cover with the gravy, and bake. Top with biscuits and bake until the biscuits are golden and crispy. It's a satisfying meal that your family will love!

Sandwiches and Repurposing

Some families view Thanksgiving leftovers as a nuisance, but throwing out perfectly edible food is a waste of resources. In my household, where the sayings “use it up,” “wear it out,” “make it do, or do without” are often heard, we consider food a precious resource. We boil leftover turkey carcasses, bones, and skins to make flavorful broth for soups. We also utilize leftover vegetables and meat scraps in soup or casserole recipes. The mantra is to find a way to use every bit of the meal. When my mother-in-law threw out the turkey carcass and leftovers, we managed to convince her to make sandwiches with the turkey and leftover vegetables for lunch. We even packed extra sandwiches in our car for the long drive home. This was a hard concept for her to grasp, as she was used to discarding leftover food.

International Perspectives on Leftovers

British culture has a different approach to leftovers. We don't have Thanksgiving, and we don't believe in bringing uneaten meals home and eating them later. Instead, leftovers are repurposed into new dishes. For instance, leftover turkey can become pot pies, sandwiches, or turkey burgers. The bones and vegetable peels are used to make stock. Similarly, leftover ham or roast beef can be transformed into sandwiches or frozen in portions for later use in soups or casseroles. Desserts are also not an issue; any leftover turkey or ham can be added to dessert recipes to create a new twist on your favorite sweets.

Conclusion

Leftovers don't have to be a source of frustration after Thanksgiving. By following these creative ideas, you can turn your remaining feast into delicious new meals. Not only will you save money and reduce waste, but you'll also relive the joy of the holiday season with each bite. Embrace the spirit of 'use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without' in your kitchen this holiday season, and transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a series of home-cooked delights!

Keywords

leftovers, Thanksgiving, repurposing