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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

[heart_this] · Nov 24, 2022 · 42 Comments

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

The best Thanksgiving leftovers recipes to enjoy your leftover with the next day!

The Thanksgiving dinner is a truly amazing thing and one of the parts that I enjoy most is just getting started when the dinner comes to an end and that is thinking about creative ways to use all of the leftovers. In fact I tend to plan on making more than I believe that will be finished to ensure that there will be enough leftover to experiment with. Although I would be probably be perfectly happy using all of the leftover turkey in my favourite roast turkey sandwiches, I see it almost as a challenge to do something new and creative with the leftovers every year to keep things interesting. There are just so many things that you can do with roast turkey and if you also consider using some of the other leftovers in the same dish like the cranberry sauce or the sweet potato casserole things really start to get really fun. If you roasted a full turkey, don’t throw the carcass out as you can use it to make some turkey stock and that opens up a whole new load of doors for turkey soups and stews. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some ideas for using your Thanksgiving leftovers in creative ways and so I present to you some of my favourites!

Cranberry and Brie Turkey Grilled Cheese with Avocado and BaconCranberry and Brie Turkey Grilled Cheese with Avocado and Bacon
Roast Turkey Club Sandwich with Cranberry SauceRoast Turkey Club Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce
Roast Turkey Cobb SandwichRoast Turkey Cobb Sandwich
Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese SandwichThanksgiving Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Thanksgiving Eggs BenedictThanksgiving Eggs Benedict
Roast Turkey Cuban SandwichRoast Turkey Cuban Sandwich
Turkey and Squash Turkey and Squash “Thanksgiving” Risotto
Texmex Hot and BrownTexmex Hot and Brown
Grilled Turkey and Brie Sandwich with Cranberry ChutneyGrilled Turkey and Brie Sandwich with Cranberry Chutney
Roast Turkey Sandwich with Artichoke Tapenade, Caramelized Onions and Roasted Red PeppersRoast Turkey Sandwich with Artichoke Tapenade, Caramelized Onions and Roasted Red Peppers
The Rachel Sandwich (aka Roast Turkey Reuben Sandwich)The Rachel Sandwich (aka Roast Turkey Reuben Sandwich)
Turkey and Cranberry QuesadillasTurkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
Turkey and Cranberry SushiTurkey and Cranberry Sushi
Turkey, Cranberry, Brie and Pear Sandwiches with Avocado and BaconTurkey, Cranberry, Brie and Pear Sandwiches with Avocado and Bacon
Turkey PhoTurkey Pho
Ham and Eggs au GratinHam and Eggs au Gratin
Ham and Bean SoupHam and Bean Soup
Split Pea SoupSplit Pea Soup
Roast Beef Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Grainy Mustard, Horseradish MayoRoast Beef Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Grainy Mustard, Horseradish Mayo
Pot Roast Mushroom SoupPot Roast Mushroom Soup
Pot Roast Grilled Cheese French Dip Sandwich with Spicy Miso Au JusPot Roast Grilled Cheese French Dip Sandwich with Spicy Miso Au Jus
Cranberry and Brie Turkey Quesadillas with Avocado and Candied JalapenosCranberry and Brie Turkey Quesadillas with Avocado and Candied Jalapenos
Ham and Pineapple Fried Cauliflower RiceHam and Pineapple Fried Cauliflower Rice
Cottage Cheese and Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheddar CheeseCottage Cheese and Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheddar Cheese
Ham and Potato Corn ChowderHam and Potato Corn Chowder
Ham and Cheese Egg CasseroleHam and Cheese Egg Casserole
Pot Roast Beef Philly Cheese Steak DipPot Roast Beef Philly Cheese Steak Dip
Slow Cooker Roast Beef French Dip SandwichSlow Cooker Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich
Pot Roast Sandwich Smothered in Gravy with Melted Swiss Cheese and Horseradish MayonnaisePot Roast Sandwich Smothered in Gravy with Melted Swiss Cheese and Horseradish Mayonnaise

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Looking for more thanksgiving recipes? Check out my Thanksgiving Recipes Pinboard!
Thanksgiving Recipes Pinboard

Food, Roundup, Thanksgiving

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Culinary Cory says

    November 28, 2009 at 2:29 am

    Great list of leftover ideas. Nice variety of sandwiches.

    Reply
  2. Kerstin says

    November 28, 2009 at 4:49 am

    You're got all the bases covered here, what a great list of ideas!

    Reply
  3. 3 hungry tummies says

    November 28, 2009 at 5:14 am

    What a great list of using up leftover!!!

    Reply
  4. WannabeVirginia W. says

    November 28, 2009 at 5:30 am

    Awesome recipes. I am wondering if you could include the nutritional facts or calories of the meals that you have made.

    Reply
  5. Nina Timm says

    November 28, 2009 at 5:48 am

    I think I'll skip the real deal and move over to the leftovers right away!!!

    Reply
  6. screwdestiny says

    November 28, 2009 at 6:46 am

    Ooh, they all sound so tasty! I'm just gonna be boring and make a turkey shephard's pie…

    Reply
  7. ♥peachkins♥ says

    November 28, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    great ideas kevin!

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    November 28, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    How nice of you to think of us Americans. I made zuni cafe chicken instead and if you've never tried it, you will love it! Same left overs apply though.

    Reply
  9. Sharon says

    November 28, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    Wow great leftover ideas, having the family over tonight to eat leftovers, so these are great!

    Reply
  10. Chris says

    November 28, 2009 at 9:34 pm

    My personal favorite is the Kentucky Hot Brown, but these are all great ideas.

    Reply
  11. LV says

    November 29, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    When are you going to produce a Closet Cooking cookbook? They'd make great Christmas presents! I'd buy one for everyone I know!

    Reply
  12. Kaylie says

    November 30, 2009 at 4:00 am

    The Turkey and Brie sandwich looks amazing! I'm Canadian so my Thanksgiving was a while ago, but I may see if I can find some turkey breasts at the store just to try that. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Gina says

    December 2, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    All great ideas!!!

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    November 26, 2010 at 8:07 am

    Fabulous ideas – I think the risotto and chilli are top of my list as favourites.
    🙂 Mandy

    Reply
  15. LimeCake says

    November 26, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Wow what a mouthwatering roundup of delicious recipes to try!

    Reply
  16. MissAlyssa says

    November 27, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    that photo of the turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce is making me want to eat turkey again!!! ill fight the urge but yum E!!!!

    Reply
  17. Elysa says

    November 12, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    Your post has me dreaming about the Thanksgiving leftovers I'll be enjoying in a couple of weeks. In fact, I liked your suggestions so much, I shared the link at my own blog:

    http://elysasmusingsfromgraceland.blogspot.com/2011/11/anyone-else-dreaming-about-thanksgiving.html

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:50 am

    I like your leftover ideas…I may try a grilled pizza if we have enough turkey or ham leftover..if we have alot of mexican fajita meat left over I usually make a grilled pizza from that. You should try something like that. I'm a blogger myself at thewhitedish.wordpress.com Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  19. Bibliovore says

    November 24, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Nice — thanks for posting this! One more suggestion for you: a savory brioche/puff (I like Better Homes and Gardens' recipe for Gruyère puffs) makes a fantastic seat for turkey salad or on which to spread cranberry sauce.

    Reply
  20. vicky says

    November 24, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    I dont eat turkey but man oh man – those recipes look divine (except the sushi one). Great post.

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    November 25, 2011 at 9:40 am

    You've done it again! Never ceases to make my mouth water! BRAVO!!!

    Reply
  22. Anonymous says

    November 25, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I can't decide if I would rather have had your turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce for breakfast, or the extra large slice of pumpkin pie that I just indulged in! Thanks for sharing; happy Leftover Day.

    -the tasty tRuth

    Reply
  23. Elizabeth says

    November 25, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    Turkey and cranberries are the best!!

    Reply
  24. Love In Spoonfuls says

    November 25, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    Oh my GOODNESS! definitely making the turkey and brie grilled cheese and the quesadillas. Plus, you had my mouth watering with the description of the turkey, cranberry and mayo combo… love it. Good thing I have more turkey (and leftovers) coming my way this Christmas!

    Reply
  25. a-hearts says

    November 28, 2011 at 11:05 am

    mmm this looks awesome

    xoxo aley

    http://a-hearts.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  26. JQR77 says

    November 29, 2011 at 5:08 am

    These all look really good. I'm especially interested in trying the sushi.

    Reply
  27. Kara Rae says

    November 30, 2011 at 4:52 am

    I used your turkey pho recipe as a base. I also added dried shiitake mushrooms along with the star anise, cloves, etc.- added an extra layer of flavor. Thanks for the recipe- we've started a new (happily, gluten-free) post-thanksgiving tradition!

    Reply
  28. tanya1234 says

    November 19, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    thankxxxxx 🙂

    Reply
  29. ROR says

    November 26, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    ah Kevin, you're killing me, man… all the leftover turkey stayed at my folks' place!! :/

    Reply
  30. Natty says

    November 26, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    So… Much… Turkey… Haha, can't eat anymore turkey!

    Natalya @ Ruff House Art

    Reply
  31. Anonymous says

    November 27, 2012 at 5:50 am

    Yummmm definately going to try these out!!!

    Reply
  32. charmel tan says

    November 27, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    These are perfect recipes for our thanksgiving left overs. We don't want it to got to waste. We have to savor and enjoy it.
    electronic voting systems

    Reply
  33. Adriana says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:24 am

    Creative ideas for leftovers! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  34. Jessy @ Italian Shirt says

    November 28, 2012 at 10:06 am

    Oh… at last found all in one, I was struggling a lot to find a good collection for my thanks giving dinner table. Hope I have no hassle next time thanks to you.

    Reply
  35. Pauline says

    December 16, 2012 at 8:21 am

    Turkey pho! What a great idea! (Also, you forgot an "h") I'll have to try that myself.

    You should also try brisket pho! Brisket is even better than the usual rare sliced steak (I come from a Viet household whose momma makes one of the best pho around).

    Reply
  36. Kevin says

    December 17, 2012 at 1:48 am

    Pauline: Turkey pho is definitely a great way to enjoy the turkey leftovers and to use those turkey bones! I will have to try a brisket pho now!

    Reply
  37. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says

    November 24, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    How wrong is it that I just want to skip Thanksgiving and head right to the leftovers?!

    Reply
  38. Heather Christo says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    OH KEVIN!!! this looks amazing- I want all of those sandwiches!!!!

    Reply
  39. Olivia says

    October 12, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Great list of ideas! Thank you

    Reply
  40. Gaby Dalkin says

    October 12, 2015 at 10:26 pm

    that turkey club sandwich!!!! want!

    Reply
  41. Sabrina says

    November 25, 2022 at 11:53 pm

    wow, these are elevated turkey sandwiches, I’ve always only made the simplest turkey sandwiches by comparison, turkey cranberry brie is such a great idea for a sandwich and a spin off of brie and jam or other preverses, cranberry even better, I like it’s flavor and it’s nor overly sweet, like turkey I need to consider cranberry miuch more often than November 24, thank you!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Thanksgiving Food - Recipes and More + HM #257 - Life With Lorelai says:
    November 1, 2019 at 12:30 am

    […] Thanksgiving Leftovers from Kevin @ Closet Cooking […]

    Reply

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