Introduction
Greetings, readers! After the grand feast of Thanksgiving, it’s time to make the most of those delicious leftovers. Don’t let them languish in the fridge; turn them into delightful lunches that will keep you feeling festive all week long. Whether you’re craving a hearty sandwich, a comforting soup, or a quick and easy salad, we’ve got you covered with our favorite Thanksgiving leftover lunch ideas. Grab your leftovers and let’s embark on a culinary adventure!
Leftover Turkey Extravaganza
Turkey and Stuffing Sandwiches
Nothing beats a classic turkey and stuffing sandwich. Pile generous portions of sliced turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and your favorite gravy onto your favorite bread. For a more decadent experience, add a layer of mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty dish will warm you up on a chilly day. Layer mashed potatoes over a mixture of ground turkey, vegetables, and gravy. Top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown.
Leftover Turkey Soup
Transform your leftover turkey carcass into a nutritious and flavorful soup. Simmer the bones in broth with vegetables such as carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Add leftover turkey meat and seasonings to create a comforting and wholesome lunch.
Reimagined Sides
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Salad
Combine roasted Brussels sprouts, tart cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese for a festive and nutritious salad. Dress with a tangy vinaigrette and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors.
Mashed Potato and Gravy Waffles
Elevate your leftover mashed potatoes with this creative idea. Form potato waffles using a waffle iron, then drizzle with warm gravy. Top with crispy bacon or crumbled sausage for a hearty and satisfying lunch.
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Combine leftover butternut squash and sweet potatoes with broth, spices, and cream to create a creamy and flavorful soup. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of sour cream for a touch of elegance.
Quick and Easy Options
Leftover Turkey Wraps
Wrap up leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables in whole-wheat tortillas for a portable and satisfying lunch. Add a smear of cranberry sauce or hummus for extra flavor.
Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas
Grill leftover turkey and cheese in a tortilla with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a fun and easy lunch.
Leftover Pizza
Use the leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and other vegetables as toppings for a festive and unique pizza. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Thanksgiving in a new way.
Leftover Lunchtime Guide
| Lunch Idea | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich | Leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, bread | Pile ingredients on bread and enjoy |
| Turkey Shepherd’s Pie | Leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy | Layer ingredients and bake until golden brown |
| Leftover Turkey Soup | Turkey carcass, broth, vegetables, turkey meat | Simmer and season to taste |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Salad | Roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pecans, blue cheese, vinaigrette | Combine ingredients and dress with vinaigrette |
| Mashed Potato and Gravy Waffles | Mashed potatoes, gravy | Form waffles with mashed potatoes and drizzle with gravy |
| Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup | Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, broth, spices, cream | Combine ingredients and simmer until creamy |
| Leftover Turkey Wraps | Leftover turkey, stuffing, vegetables, tortillas | Wrap ingredients in tortillas and enjoy |
| Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas | Leftover turkey, cheese, tortillas | Grill ingredients in a tortilla and add toppings |
| Leftover Pizza | Leftover turkey, vegetables, mashed potatoes, pizza dough, cheese | Top pizza dough with ingredients and bake |
Conclusion
We hope our Thanksgiving leftover lunch ideas have inspired you to create delicious and satisfying meals all week long. From hearty sandwiches to comforting soups and quick and easy options, there’s something for every taste and preference. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste; give them a new life by experimenting with our creative and convenient ideas.
And be sure to check out our other articles for even more inspiration on how to make the most of your holiday leftovers. Happy lunching, readers!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Leftover Lunch Ideas
What are some creative ways to use leftover turkey?
- Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing
- Turkey tacos with cornbread
- Turkey salad with grapes and walnuts
How can I repurpose stuffing?
- Stuffing waffles with syrup and whipped cream
- Stuffing croutons for soup or salad
- Stuffing balls fried and served with gravy
What are some ideas for leftover mashed potatoes?
- Mashed potato pancakes with applesauce
- Mashed potato soup with roasted vegetables
- Mashed potato casserole with cheese and breadcrumbs
How should I use up leftover cranberry sauce?
- Cranberry mimosas
- Cranberry muffins or scones
- Cranberry salsa with turkey or chicken
What can I do with extra gravy?
- Gravy fries or poutine
- Gravy soup with dumplings
- Gravy as a marinade for chicken or beef
How can I make leftover vegetables more interesting?
- Roasted vegetable salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Vegetable stir-fry with rice or noodles
- Vegetable quesadillas with cheese and salsa
What are some unconventional uses for leftover pumpkin pie?
- Pumpkin pie cheesecake
- Pumpkin pie smoothie with yogurt and spices
- Pumpkin pie ice cream with whipped cream
How should I store Thanksgiving leftovers?
- Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
How can I reheat Thanksgiving leftovers safely?
- In the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- In the microwave on low power for short intervals, stirring occasionally.
- On the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
What are some tips for making Thanksgiving leftovers more nutritious?
- Add fresh vegetables to salads, stir-fries, and soups.
- Use lean protein sources like turkey and chicken.
- Choose whole-wheat or brown rice instead of white rice.
- Limit the amount of butter, gravy, and cranberry sauce you use.