Great food is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. With some creativity, you can make your tasty dishes last for more than one night. If you want to make your Thanksgiving leftovers count, here are a few easy recipes!
- Green Chile Turkey Enchiladas
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More likely than not, turkey will be number one on the list of leftovers that keep on giving. One of my family’s favorite ways to use up leftover turkey is to shred it and roll it up into green chile enchiladas.
This recipe calls for Anaheim peppers to be roasted before they are blended into the sauce, which adds a delicious smoky flavor. Store bought salsa verde can also be substituted for the home-roasted chiles to save time, and is just as delicious.
- Turkey Pot Pie
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This turkey pot pie is another one of my family’s favorite post-Thanksgiving meals. This recipe from Bon Appetit is perfect for those trying to use up all of their leftovers in a single dish.
Along with turkey, this pot pie can use a variety of vegetables from your Thanksgiving table, including Brussels sprouts, green beans, and sweet potatoes. Finally, leftover pie crust (either store-bought or homemade), is spread over the top of the pie. With a side of mashed potatoes and a bit of cranberry sauce on top, this pot pie is the perfect cozy – and easy – recipe.
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich
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Personally, I find the yearly leftovers sandwich I make for lunch the day after Thanksgiving even more delicious than the Thursday feast itself.
I’m sure everyone has made their own version of this classic leftovers-vehicle at least once in their lives, but this New York Times recipe provides a slightly elevated version to try. I personally recommend “breading” slices of turkey with a layer of cranberry sauce and stuffing before adding the meat into the sandwich.
- Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
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If the pumpkin pie in your house manages to last more than 24 hours, this recipe provides a creative way to make the iconic Thanksgiving dessert into a delicious drink.
If you don’t have pie on hand, an alternative version calls for graham crackers, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree. This milkshake would be delicious with apple, pecan, or chocolate cream pie as well!
- Cranberry Cheesecake
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These mini cranberry cheesecakes combine cranberry sauce’s perfect balance of sweet and tart with the creamy richness of a classic cheesecake.
The cranberry sauce is not only swirled into the batter of the mini cakes, but also dolloped on top for additional flavor. Additionally, their bite-sized presentation is ideal finger food for holiday parties throughout December!
What is your favorite way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers?
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