Thanksgiving leftover recipes are the real stars after the holiday ends. After all the joy and indulgence of Thanksgiving, there’s one thing every home is left with piles of delicious leftovers. Instead of just reheating the same plate, why not transform them into something exciting? In this article, we’ll dive into four creative and satisfying Thanksgiving leftover recipes that breathe new life into your holiday dishes. Whether it’s turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes, each section will show you how to turn what you have into meals worth repeating. Plus, we’ll answer common questions and help you make the most of every bite before the fridge goes back to normal.
Why This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole Is a Game-Changer
From the Heart: How This Recipe Was Born
Hi there! I’m Emma, the heart and soul behind easymealstodo.com. Growing up, the day after Thanksgiving always felt just as special as the big feast itself. My mom had a gift for turning chaos into comfort, especially when she made her famous “leftover bake.” It was warm, creamy, and loaded with flavor. That memory still inspires me every time I cook.
Now, years later, I’ve recreated that tradition in my own kitchen with one of my favorite thanksgiving leftover recipes. This comforting casserole captures the best flavors of the holiday in a single dish. It combines leftover turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, and stuffing into something that feels brand new. When you taste it, you’ll realize why it’s become a post-holiday must in my home.
Readers who already loved my Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole and Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole said this thanksgiving leftover recipe might be even better than the original dinner. And honestly? I agree. It’s that good.
All-in-One: What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
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Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- Hi, I’m Emma, the cook and creator behind easymealstodo.com. Growing up, my mom’s day-after-Thanksgiving casserole was the dish we secretly looked forward to most. Inspired by her magic in the kitchen, I’ve turned that memory into this easy, family-friendly recipe. This casserole uses leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans to create a warm, hearty dish that tastes like a brand-new meal. Whether you’re short on time or just hate wasting food, this is one of those thanksgiving leftover recipes that keeps the celebration going with less mess and more comfort.
Ingredients
- Salted butter, for greasing the baking dish
- 4 cups leftover stuffing
- 4 cups chopped skinless leftover turkey (or use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped leftover green beans
- 1 ½ cups leftover gravy
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 oz.)
- Cranberry sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Crumble stuffing into the dish and press down to form an even layer.
- Scatter turkey and green beans over the stuffing. Pour gravy evenly over the top.
- In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes and egg yolk. Mix until smooth.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the turkey layer using a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 20–25 more minutes until golden brown and heated through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Make it ahead: Assemble up to 1 day before baking and store in the fridge.
- Freezer tip: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Try swapping turkey for rotisserie chicken or ham.
- Tastes great topped with crispy onions or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bakin
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Unlike simple reheats, this dish transforms leftovers into something exciting. It’s one of those thanksgiving leftover recipes that actually feels like a new meal, not a repeat. The stuffing becomes a crispy crust, the turkey adds savory depth, and the mashed potatoes form a golden, cheesy topping that brings it all together.
Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Zero waste: Every leftover finds a delicious purpose.
- Quick cleanup: One baking dish, no stack of pans.
- Family favorite: Even kids ask for seconds.
- Make-ahead option: Perfect for freezing or prepping early.
It’s also adaptable. Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken or try corn and carrots instead of beans. Fans of our Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie and Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy Bowl will recognize that same cozy flavor here.
When you spoon it out hot from the oven and top it with tangy cranberry sauce, you’ll see why this is one of the most satisfying thanksgiving leftover recipes you’ll ever make and one you’ll look forward to every single year.
Creative Variations and Substitutions for Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Switch It Up: Easy Ingredient Swaps
One reason I love making thanksgiving leftover recipes like this casserole is how flexible they are. No need to follow it ingredient for ingredient. If you’ve got ham, peas, or sweet potatoes instead great!
Try these smart swaps:
- Turkey ➝ Rotisserie chicken or ham
- Stuffing ➝ Biscuits or cornbread
- Green beans ➝ Corn, peas, or carrots
- Mashed potatoes ➝ Sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash
- Gravy ➝ Cream of mushroom soup (thinned)
These make the most of what’s in your fridge without extra shopping or prep. That’s why this is one of my favorite time-saving thanksgiving leftover recipes.
For more easy pantry-based ideas, check out Crockpot Creamy Chicken & Rice or Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup.
Flavor Boosts That Take It Up a Notch
To add extra flavor, try:
- Garlic or onion powder in the mashed potatoes
- Cheddar mixed with Monterey Jack
- A sprinkle of rosemary or parsley
- Crispy fried onions or seasoned breadcrumbs on top
A few dashes of hot sauce also go a long way. Want more bold ideas? You’ll love my Buffalo Chicken Casserole and Loaded Mashed Potato Bake. Both are rich, satisfying, and highly adaptable just like this one.
Whether you’re feeding guests again or just tired of reheats, these small changes make your thanksgiving leftover recipes feel brand new.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Smart Storage: Keeping Your Casserole Fresh
One of the best things about thanksgiving leftover recipes like this casserole is how well they store. If you’re not planning to eat it all in one sitting, don’t worry it holds up beautifully.
Once the dish has cooled, cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy it again.
Make sure you store it within two hours of baking to avoid any food safety issues. This is especially important when dealing with leftover turkey. Not sure how long you can safely enjoy leftovers? I’ve broken it down in the FAQ section coming up.
If you love meal-prepping hearty casseroles, check out my Crockpot Broccoli Rice Casserole another great fridge-friendly option.
Reheating & Freezing Tips That Work Every Time
Reheating is easy and gives you that same fresh-from-the-oven feel. For best results:
- Oven: Cover the dish with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Add moisture: If it looks dry, spoon a little broth or milk over the top before reheating
Want to freeze it? You absolutely can. Just assemble the casserole (without baking it), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
If you’re already freezing holiday extras, this method works great for recipes like my Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings or Stuffed Pepper Soup too.
So whether you’re storing a second-day feast or planning ahead for busy winter nights, this casserole is one of the most freezer-friendly thanksgiving leftover recipes you can make.
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FAQs About Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
What can I do with Thanksgiving leftovers?
There are endless ways to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers beyond reheating them. You can turn them into soups, sandwiches, casseroles, or even breakfast hash. One of the easiest and most satisfying options is to combine turkey, stuffing, green beans, and mashed potatoes into one of the many thanksgiving leftover recipes like our layered casserole. It’s fast, filling, and uses everything you already have.
How many days after Thanksgiving are leftovers good for?
Most Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat for 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to transfer food into airtight containers within two hours of serving. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them right away. This applies to turkey, sides, gravy, and especially mixed dishes like thanksgiving leftover recipes that include dairy or meat.
How to eat leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile. Slice it into sandwiches, shred it into soups, or mix it into creamy casseroles. One of the best ways to enjoy it is in baked thanksgiving leftover recipes like our turkey and stuffing casserole. It’s flavorful, easy to assemble, and turns your leftover turkey into a whole new meal.
What to make with leftover turkey dinner?
When you have leftover turkey dinner, consider recipes that bring it all together like a one-pan bake. Our thanksgiving leftover recipe layers turkey, green beans, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into a comforting dish with minimal effort. Other ideas include turkey chili, pot pie, or a savory turkey frittata.
Conclusion: Love Your Leftovers with These Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
If you’ve ever looked at your fridge the day after Thanksgiving and wondered what to do with all those containers, now you’ve got the perfect solution. These thanksgiving leftover recipes don’t just help you reduce food waste they give you something new to look forward to. With this casserole, every layer tells a story of the holiday you just enjoyed.
It’s easy, customizable, and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd again or just want to savor Thanksgiving one more time, this dish delivers all the flavor without the fuss.
So the next time you’re staring at cold turkey and leftover stuffing, remember you’re just a few steps away from a meal that’s just as comforting as the holiday itself. Go ahead and save this recipe you’ll want it every year.