How to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious, kid-friendly meals with these easy recipes. With a bit of creativity, you can make the most of your leftovers and enjoy a well-deserved break from meal planning for the week! Just remember to store your leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh. 

 

TURKEY SALAD SANDWICH

A simple, classic twist on your holiday extras! Similar to an elevated chicken salad, but we are using leftover turkey instead. It has some sweetness from the apples, crunch and freshness from the celery, and extra protein from the yogurt dressing. It’s also a great way to use any leftover rolls, too!

 Packed in the Trailblazer Sandwich Box

Makes 3-4 sandwiches

Ingredients

2 cups shredded turkey

1 celery rib, chopped

½ cup chopped apple

¼ cup minced red onion (optional) 

½ cup raisins 

⅓ cup greek yogurt

⅓ cup mayonnaise

Juice from half a lemon 

Salt, to taste

 

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. 

2. In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, with the wet ingredients. Mix in the remaining ingredients and season with salt to taste.

 *Store the prepared salad in glass containers for up to 4 days

 

STUFFING WAFFLES

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these savory waffles make the perfect base for a next-day brunch or a unique twist on breakfast. Serve them with eggs, dip them in gravy or maple syrup, or use even build an open-faced sandwich using the rest of your leftovers. 

 

Packed in the Rover Lunch Box

Makes 2 waffles

Ingredients

1 cup leftover stuffing

1 egg

2-4 Tablespoons chicken broth

 

Directions

1. Preheat your waffle maker and grease it with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the leftover stuffing and eggs. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken broth and mix until well combined. Add chicken broth until the mixture is moist. 

3. Scoop the stuffing mixture into the waffler maker and spread it evenly.

4. Cook 4-7 minutes, depending on your waffle maker, until golden brown. 

 

MASHED POTATO PIZZAS

Swap the sauce for mashed potatoes in this ultimate comfort food mashup. These mini personal white pizzas are a quick and easy way to use up your leftovers in your lunch box. 

 

Packed in the Launch Lunch Box

Ingredients

English muffins

Leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, warmed 

Sour cream

Shredded mozzarella

Olive oil

Topping options:

Diced ham

Sweet corn

 

Directions

1. Brush English English muffin with olive oil.

2. Mix in a dollop of sour cream to your warmed up mashed potatoes (about 1/4 cup per serving).

3. Spread mashed potatoes onto muffin in an even layer.

4. Top with mozzarella and optional toppings.

4. Bake in the toaster oven or oven at 375° about 10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are crispy.