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Home » Trending

13 Thanksgiving Leftovers You’ll Actually Look Forward To

Published: Nov 28, 2024 by Lara Clevenger, Registered Dietitian This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Thanksgiving dinner may be over, but your leftovers are just getting started! Instead of the usual routine, try these creative ideas to breathe new life into your holiday feast. These 13 recipes will have you actually looking forward to what’s left on your plate.

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty Santa Fe Salad is the perfect mix of refreshing and flavorful, making it an easy win after a big holiday meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or turkey you have hanging around. Who knew leftovers could taste this fresh and exciting?
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade tater tots on a baking sheet.
Homemade Tater Tots. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Got a leftover baked potato? Turn it into crispy, homemade tater tots with this easy recipe! It’s the ultimate way to relive your childhood favorites, but with a healthier spin that’ll have you feeling good about every bite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tater Tots

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Snuggle up with a bowl of chicken tortellini soup that's as cozy as it gets. Made with leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a flavorful broth that’ll make you feel right at home. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this soup’s always a winner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Image shows A plate of loaded mashed potato pancakes with green onions on it.
Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn those leftover mashed potatoes into something amazing with these Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes! A hearty, savory breakfast that’s easy to prep ahead of time, these pancakes are the perfect grab-and-go option to kickstart your day.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Pie Crust Tarts

Jelly filled pie crust cookies.
Pie Crust Tarts. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Got leftover pie dough? Turn it into delicious Pie Crust Cookies with just a little jam! These crispy, golden-brown cookies are quick to make and a fun way to use up extras while treating yourself to something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Pie Crust Tarts

Turkey And Rice Casserole

A casserole dish filled with vegetables and cheese.
Turkey And Rice Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole is the ultimate way to enjoy leftover turkey! With fresh veggies, loads of cheese, and a comforting mix of flavors, it’s a simple, family-friendly meal that’s guaranteed to please.
Get the Recipe: Turkey And Rice Casserole

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With leftover rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a hit every time! It’s an easy, flavorful meal that’s always gobbled up fast – you might want to make a double batch!
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Cranberry cookies with a bite taken out of them.
Cranberry White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These Cranberry White Chip Cookies are a delicious way to use up leftover cranberries! Sweet white chocolate chips meet tart cranberries for the perfect flavor combo. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy, they’ll bring a burst of flavor to your snack time!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice with corn and herbs on a striped cloth with garnishes on the side.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is made with just five ingredients! Perfect for using up leftover rice, chicken, and cheese, it’s a quick, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Chicken Pot Pies

Two individual chicken pot pies.
Chicken Pot Pies. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Leftovers never tasted so good! These Easy Chicken Pot Pies are made with your favorite leftovers and topped with a crispy puff pastry for the perfect comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Got some cooked chicken sitting around? Turn it into this Green Chile Chicken with Shredded Chicken Thighs! It’s a quick and easy one-skillet recipe that takes only 20 minutes, making it the perfect dish for your leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner? This Cheddar Chicken Quinoa Bake is an easy casserole everyone will love. Use leftover rotisserie chicken to create a tasty, budget-friendly meal in no time!
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Image shows a corn chip with Chicken enchilada dip on it and the full container behind it.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This cheesy chicken enchilada dip is everything you want in an appetizer! Using leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with zesty enchilada sauce. Perfect for chips or nachos, and guaranteed to disappear in no time!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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