10 Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for 2025

Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, and with that comes the inevitable pile of leftovers. But fear not—leftovers don’t have to be boring!

Here are 10 mouthwatering recipes to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers in 2025.

Each recipe has been crafted to ensure maximum flavor and minimal effort, so you can enjoy every last bite of your holiday meal.

1. Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas

A savory twist on a classic Mexican dish, these quesadillas combine leftover turkey and cranberry sauce for a sweet-and-savory flavor explosion. The tartness of the cranberry sauce perfectly complements the rich, savory turkey, while melted cheese adds a gooey, comforting layer. These quesadillas are quick to assemble and even quicker to cook, making them an ideal option for a post-Thanksgiving lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded turkey
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp butter
• Optional: chopped green onions or jalapeños for added kick

Instructions:

1. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over half of each tortilla.
2. Top with shredded turkey and sprinkle cheese generously.
3. Fold tortillas in half and press gently.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Cook quesadillas until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Slice into wedges and serve warm with sour cream or salsa.

2. Sweet Potato Pancakes

Turn those mashed sweet potatoes into fluffy pancakes perfect for breakfast or brunch. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to these pancakes, making them a delightful way to start your day. Paired with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, egg, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and maple syrup until smooth.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
3. Scoop spoonfuls of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side.
4. Serve with extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.

3. Stuffed Turkey Pot Pie

This hearty pot pie uses leftover turkey, gravy, and veggies wrapped in flaky puff pastry, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly November evenings. The combination of tender turkey, creamy gravy, and crisp vegetables is encased in buttery pastry, resulting in a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced cooked turkey
• 1 cup leftover gravy
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine turkey, gravy, and vegetables in an oven-safe dish. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roll out puff pastry to fit the top of your dish. Place it over the filling and trim excess edges.
4. Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

4. Cranberry Sauce Smoothie

Who says cranberry sauce is only for dinner? Blend it into a refreshing smoothie for a post-Thanksgiving treat. This smoothie combines the tangy brightness of cranberry sauce with the creaminess of banana and yogurt, creating a drink that’s both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce while enjoying something light and energizing.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy chilled.

5. Green Bean Casserole Frittata

Transform leftover green bean casserole into a protein-packed frittata that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The creamy texture of the casserole blends beautifully with the fluffy eggs, while the crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch. This dish is a fantastic way to repurpose your green bean casserole into something entirely new.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover green bean casserole
• 6 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread green bean casserole evenly in a greased skillet or baking dish.
4. Pour egg mixture over the casserole and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

6. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Indulge in this creamy milkshake made from leftover pumpkin pie. This decadent dessert drink captures the essence of fall flavors, blending spiced pumpkin pie with rich vanilla ice cream for a treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after the big feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices pumpkin pie
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream
• ½ cup milk
• Whipped cream for topping
• Cinnamon for dusting

Instructions:

1. Break pumpkin pie slices into chunks and place them in a blender.
2. Add ice cream and milk, then blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream, and dust with cinnamon.

7. Mashed Potato Croquettes

These crispy croquettes turn mashed potatoes into irresistible finger food. By adding cheese and frying them until golden brown, you create a snack that’s crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. These croquettes are perfect for parties, appetizers, or simply as a fun way to enjoy your leftover mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, and egg in a bowl.
2. Form the mixture into small patties or balls.
3. Coat each piece in breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a skillet and fry croquettes until golden brown on all sides.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.

8. Brussels Sprout Hash

Give Brussels sprouts a second life by turning them into a flavorful hash. This dish is packed with caramelized onions, garlic, and roasted Brussels sprouts, topped with perfectly cooked eggs for added richness. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to throw together and full of bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted Brussels sprouts, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
2. Add chopped Brussels sprouts and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Create wells in the hash and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until eggs reach desired doneness.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

9. Stuffing Waffles

Use leftover stuffing to make crispy, savory waffles that pair perfectly with gravy or cranberry sauce. These waffles take the concept of breakfast-for-dinner to a whole new level, offering a unique twist on traditional stuffing. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups stuffing
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat a waffle iron and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix stuffing, egg, and milk until combined.
3. Spoon the mixture onto the waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Serve with warmed gravy or cranberry sauce.

10. Apple Pie Parfait

Layer leftover apple pie with yogurt and granola for a quick and healthy dessert. This parfait offers a lighter alternative to traditional pie, allowing you to savor the flavors of fall without feeling too heavy. The combination of spiced apples, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices apple pie, crumbled
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup granola
• Drizzle of caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass or jar, layer crumbled apple pie, yogurt, and granola.
2. Repeat layers until the glass is full.
3. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired and serve chilled.

With these creative recipes, your Thanksgiving leftovers will never go to waste again. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or downright indulgent, there’s something here for everyone. Happy cooking—and happy eating!