Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence and feasting with loved ones. One of the best aspects of this holiday is knowing that you’ll be left with an abundance of leftovers to enjoy in the days that follow. However, eating the same dish repeatedly can quickly become monotonous. Fear not, as we’ve curated 27 innovative leftover stuffing recipes to help you breathe new life into your Turkey Day creations.
These mouthwatering ideas aren’t limited to post-Thanksgiving enjoyment; they’re perfect for any time you find yourself with a surplus of stuffing on hand. Whether you used your stuffing as a filling or prepared it separately, these recipes will work wonders for both methods.
Our list includes unique creations such as Turkey Stuffing Turnovers, Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders, and Stuffing Biscuits – three must-try options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Some of these recipes also make use of other leftovers you may have on hand, ensuring a speedy fridge clearance after the big feast.
Leftover Stuffing Dumplings
When it comes to leftovers, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking up new meals from scraps. But fear not, because these easy-to-make dumplings can help you breathe new life into your old favorites.
With just a little bit of prep time, you can use up leftover stuffing and whip up a delicious batch of dumplings that will complement any meal – whether it’s a turkey feast or a hearty vegetable soup.
Stuffing Muffins
While it’s unlikely that hunger will strike the day after Thanksgiving, these portable breakfast muffins offer a delicious way to recharge after a long and eventful evening. Their convenience is further enhanced by their ability to be enjoyed at any time, even when frozen and reheated. Moreover, they provide an excellent opportunity to creatively repurpose leftover ingredients like turkey or ham, green beans, or sweet potatoes – making them a fantastic breakfast option in more ways than one.
Mini Pot Pies With Leftover Stuffing
Effortlessly repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing by transforming them into mini pot pies. This clever hack not only clears out some extra food from your holiday spread but also yields a scrumptious, golden-brown pie that’s packed with flavor in just half an hour. Simply thaw store-bought puff pastry or whip up your own homemade version, fill the pastry with your desired leftovers, and pop it into the oven to bake until golden.
The result is a delightful mini pot pie that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Turkey, Stuffing, And Cranberry Sausage Rolls
As the holiday season winds down, you’re left with an abundance of leftover stuffing. But instead of letting it go to waste, why not get creative? With just a splash of cranberry sauce, you can transform your rolls into sweet and savory treats that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Don’t be fooled by the name ‘Sausage’ – no actual sausage is used in this recipe. Instead, it’s a clever combination of chopped turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce formed into a sausage-like shape.
It’s a game-changer for leftover lovers and those looking to mix things up this holiday season.
Leftover Stuffing Breakfast Casserole
Transform your leftover stuffing into a satisfying breakfast casserole by combining it with melted cheese, milk, and whisked eggs. This simple recipe allows for effortless preparation the night before, followed by a quick reheat in the morning – perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry guests during the holiday season. And, to make things even easier, you can also prepare individual portions using an Instant Pot.
Thanksgiving Quesadilla
This scrumptious quesadilla recipe is not only easy to prepare but also caters to the diverse tastes of every family member. The dish’s simplicity and adaptability make it an ideal choice for a fun and inclusive gathering. While kids and adults alike will revel in these quesadillas, you’re free to experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your Thanksgiving celebration.
By using a milder cheese, you can allow the other flavors to take center stage, creating a harmonious balance of tastes that’s sure to please.
Fried Dressing Patties
While the dressing may have been a hit initially, its shelf life is limited. However, a simple transformation can breathe new life into this tasty condiment. By frying it into patties, you can incorporate it seamlessly into your repertoire of leftover meals, effectively recreating a whole new culinary experience. The resulting combination of a tender interior and crispy exterior, infused with the richness of butter, is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini
When it comes to repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers, a couple of sturdy bread pieces – such as ciabatta – can be the key to creating a hot and satisfying sandwich. One of the benefits of using this approach is that it allows you to pile on as much leftover dressing as you’d like, making it easy to enjoy your favorite flavors without any limitations.
The beauty of this method lies in its versatility, allowing you to get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers by incorporating your favorite dishes into a single sandwich. Whether it’s turkey, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce, the possibilities are endless, and you can rest assured that every bite will be filled with flavor.
Cornbread Dressing Fritters
When you’re looking forward to devouring the rest of that delicious cornbread dressing, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose it. One great option is to get the kids involved in the kitchen and make some tasty leftovers together.
Not only does this recipe offer a fun and engaging way to spend quality time with your little ones, but it also reduces food waste and allows you to enjoy every last bite of that scrumptious dressing.
But that’s not all – by combining some leftover cranberry sauce with your fritters, you can create a creamy and tangy sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor to these delightful treats. It’s the perfect way to give new life to old ingredients and make mealtime even more enjoyable.
Leftover Stuffing Bacon Cups
When hosting gatherings or celebrating special occasions, serving snacks in an elegant and convenient manner can be a challenge. However, with the simplicity of bacon cups, you’ll be able to effortlessly delight your guests and family alike. By repurposing leftover ingredients from a large dinner feast, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also create a delightful experience for those around the table.
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow since all the prep work has been done ahead of time – simply cook the bacon, and you’re good to go! And the best part? You can customize your snack game with creative toppings, like leftover cranberry sauce, which pairs surprisingly well with savory stuffing-filled cups.
Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Pizza is often a crowd-pleaser, and with the help of Thanksgiving leftovers, you can whip up a tasty dish in no time, freeing up valuable fridge space.
Crust is a matter of personal preference – homemade or store-bought both work well for this recipe. The versatility of pizza makes it an ideal canvas for your favorite leftovers.
If you’re a stuffing enthusiast, go ahead and load it onto your gravy-slathered crust to your heart’s content.
Add on all the other leftover delights that come to mind, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind pizza creation.
Leftover Stuffing Cakes
Begin your day with a savory delight – a herby-stuffing cake topped with a golden-brown fried egg. The versatility of this breakfast treat lies in its ability to accommodate a variety of stuffing flavors, each one imparting a unique character to the dish. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or craving something new, these stuffing cakes are sure to hit the spot. And the best part?
They can be easily customized with your choice of toppings to match your mood and satisfy your morning cravings.
Leftover Stuffing Biscuits And Gravy
When it comes to repurposing leftovers, this Biscuits and Gravy recipe is a game-changer. The versatility of using leftover turkey, gravy, and stuffing as the base for this dish makes it perfect for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or even as a side dish to accompany other leftover meals. What’s more, the combination of flavors and textures will transport you away from the fact that you’re eating leftovers – instead, you’ll be delighted by the fresh taste of these biscuits!
Croutons From Leftover Stuffing
When faced with a surplus of bread stuffing, why not turn it into a delicious batch of croutons? These tasty little morsels can be used as a garnish for soups, salads, or any other dish you’re whipping up from leftovers. The best part is that you can control the texture – larger pieces will have a soft, airy center while smaller ones will emerge crispy after baking.
But what really sets these croutons apart is the burst of flavor each bite delivers, courtesy of the herbs and vegetables you’ve added to the mix. With every mouthful, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that’s sure to elevate your meal to the next level.
Turkey Stuffing Turnovers
When it comes to crafting the perfect leftover turnover, the possibilities are truly endless. A classic combination that’s sure to please features turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a rich drizzle of gravy – a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s nothing short of amazing.
To add an extra layer of depth to your turnovers, consider incorporating leftover cranberry sauce into the mix.
Its bright, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with more savory ingredients, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you wanting more.
And don’t worry about starting from scratch – using store-bought puff pastry sheets can be a huge timesaver. By keeping things simple and focusing on the fun part (getting creative with your leftovers!
), you’ll be able to whip up a batch of turnovers in no time, making it the perfect solution for a busy day when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards.
Leftover Stuffing Crackers
When dealing with leftover stuffing, it’s only natural to wonder what creative ways exist to repurpose this savory treat. One innovative approach is transforming it into a delicious cracker that not only utilizes the excess but also yields a tasty snack for another day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – all the required ingredients are easily accessible within your pantry, eliminating the need to make any additional purchases.
Furthermore, the stuffing can be frozen or stored for later use, providing an added layer of convenience for those who prefer to plan ahead.
Stuffing Salad
Combining the remnants of a hearty holiday meal with the essence of fall flavors has never been easier. This salad offers a light and satisfying solution for utilizing leftover stuffing, regardless of whether it was prepared specifically for a special occasion or not.
The sweetness of apples and pomegranate seeds provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the stuffing, allowing you to indulge in the best of both worlds.
The fact that the hardest part – preparing the stuffing ahead of time – is already behind you means you can simply toss everything together and enjoy a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Transform your leftover stuffing into a delightful on-the-go snack by wrapping it in egg roll wrappers. This innovative hack not only creates a crispy exterior but also allows you to repurpose other leftovers like mashed potatoes, cooked veggies, or even turkey or ham. Just be mindful of ingredients previously cooked in sauce or broth and drain any excess liquid to ensure your egg rolls hold their shape when cooked.
Stuffing Waffles
Rather than discarding leftovers after just a couple of days, consider transforming them into a fresh new creation. The possibilities are endless! For instance, take that beloved stuffing recipe of yours and give it a waffle makeover. With this approach, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors you love in a whole new way, without wasting any of those delicious leftovers. The result will be a tasty treat that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Stuffing Topped Mac And Cheese
Transforming your mac and cheese game, whether using fresh ingredients or reheated leftovers, is as simple as baking it with a crunchy stuffing crust. This golden-brown topping perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy filling, elevating the dish to new heights.
But why stop there? Mixing in leftover turkey adds an extra boost of protein and helps make the dish more satisfying.
And let’s be real – this creative twist on traditional leftovers is sure to delight even the most discerning palates, including those of picky kids.
Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders
In the realm of slider rolls, the possibilities are endless. While it’s true that stuffing plays a crucial role in elevating the sandwich experience, the versatility of sliders knows no bounds. Not only can they be savored fresh out of the assembly line, but they also thrive when baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in a satisfying and filling meal that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Transforming leftover ingredients into a stunning meal is all about creative presentation. When preparing your bell peppers, focus on making them visually appealing by incorporating all the remaining components. This approach will elevate the dish to restaurant-quality status.
Just like with any other leftover dressing idea, if you thoroughly enjoyed it initially, you’ll love it even more when stuffed into vibrant bell peppers mixed with quinoa.
Don’t hold back on the cheese – add a generous amount and finish it off with a fragrant garnish of fresh thyme or rosemary. The end result will be a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
Roasted Butternut Squash With Turkey Stuffing
Transforming leftover stuffing into a delicious and nutritious meal is a great way to extend the life of your Thanksgiving feast. Roasting butternut squash provides a sweet and nutty flavor profile that serves as the perfect edible container for your savory stuffing. This seasonal vegetable is at its peak during the fall season, making it an ideal vessel for repurposing leftover turkey day fixings.
By using roasted butternut squash as a serving vessel, you’ll not only create a visually appealing dish but also retain the warm, comforting flavors of the autumn season. The added bonus of melting Parmesan cheese on top adds a satisfying crunch and extra layer of flavor to your reimagined stuffing.
Thanksgiving Tacos
Transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious tacos is a game-changer! The versatility of using leftover dishes as taco fillings allows you to reinvent the wheel and experience your favorite holiday meals in a new way. From savory stuffing to flavorful turkey, any dish that brought joy on Turkey Day can now be repurposed into a tasty taco.
Leftover Thanksgiving Empanadas
Creating lasting memories with loved ones is what the holiday season is all about. Continuing this tradition of quality time after the festivities have passed can be just as enjoyable, especially when sharing a delicious meal like empanadas. Why not take advantage of leftover dressing to add an extra layer of flavor and make the most of your post-holiday gatherings?
With the ease of using refrigerated pie crusts, making empanadas is a stress-free way to spend quality time with family, creating new traditions and strengthening bonds along the way.
Chicken And Stuffing Stuffed Shells
When serving up chicken and chicken-flavored dressing at your gathering, consider whipping up a creamy pasta dish to utilize any remaining ingredients. The result is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And if you’re looking for an added layer of creativity, why not try using leftover chicken as the star of a stuffed shell recipe?
With a little bit of cheese and some clever presentation, it’s easy to make these bite-sized morsels seem like brand new dishes straight from the oven. Plus, who would ever suspect that a batch of baked pasta was actually just a clever way to reuse last night’s dinner?
Leftover Thanksgiving Soup
As the calendar turns to Thanksgiving, the weather often takes a crisp turn, making it the perfect time to cozy up with a warm and comforting bowl of soup. This Turkey Leftover Soup is a creative twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, swapping in turkey for an added layer of flavor and incorporating the remnants of your holiday feast.
While the recipe suggests serving the soup over stuffing in the bottom of the bowl as optional, we highly recommend taking this extra step to create a truly satisfying and filling meal. The combination of tender turkey, savory vegetables, and comforting broth will leave you feeling grateful for the simple pleasures.
The bottom line
Reinventing the culinary wheel with creative flair, the possibilities for repurposing leftovers know no bounds. From savory to sweet, and from traditional to innovative, the versatility of leftovers as the foundation for a fresh meal is unparalleled.
