The Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

For many, Thanksgiving leftovers are the best part of the holiday. A fridge full of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce is a head start on days of easy, comforting meals. Here are the best Thanksgiving leftovers recipes and how to store them right.

Turkey Sandwiches & Soups

The day-after turkey sandwich is a tradition for a reason — layer turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy on toasted bread. For something warmer, a turkey noodle or turkey-and-wild-rice soup uses up the carcass and any remaining vegetables. Simmer the carcass for stock and you have the base for soup for days.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Thanksgiving leftovers recipes go far beyond the sandwich. A turkey pot pie turns leftovers into a new dinner; Thanksgiving leftover croquettes or fritters reinvent mashed potatoes and stuffing; a turkey-and-cranberry quesadilla is a quick lunch. Fold leftover vegetables into a frittata or a hash for brunch the next morning.

Storage & Safety

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving, and use them within three to four days (or freeze for longer). Store components separately so you can recombine them freely, and always reheat to 165°F (74°C). With a little planning, the Thanksgiving meal keeps giving — and the leftovers become their own little holiday.