If you’re fortunate to have leftovers, then the day after Thanksgiving is a great day for sitting back and enjoying another wonderful meal. When it comes to leftovers, our readers agree that there’s many creative ways to use the turkey that don’t have to include a sandwich. Here are 10 of our top recipes, from gumbo to barbecue.
Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
A delicious and comforting way to make use of all that extra bird. One reviewer said: “It was quick and easy. Reminds be of when my mother would make this. She would have a salad & homemade garlic bread. Instead of peas she would use either mix vegetables or a cauliflower/broccoli mix. So delicious. Very delicious. My mom would make this as a late lunch/early Sunday dinner..”
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
How about a salad that stars the leftover turkey? For this recipe, we skipped the mayonnaise and made it with a little sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Torie Cox Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Would it be a holiday – or day-after-holiday – if we did not have a casserole at the ready? This warm and comforting dish stars the holiday bird and a few of our favorite things, such as penne, mushrooms, and cheese.
Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This is an extra flavorful way to enjoy the day after Thanksgiving leftovers. One reviewer generously gave this 5 stars accompanied by this praise: “I am SO grateful for this recipe idea; mom has a taste for thing that have a little kick to them or sweetness and I look forward to whipping this up one night as I know she is fond of the bbq chicken sandwiches.”
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Move over chicken, there is a new warm, hearty, and satisfying soup in town. There is nothing better than a bowl of comfort for the day after the holiday.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
While some are doing their shopping, others are home cozying up with some good food and football. For this recipe, you just need 20 minutes to get this hearty chili on the table.
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
After a long few days of cooking, breaking out the slow-cooker to whip up this recipe is exactly what every host deserves.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
The 5-star ratings should convince you that this recipe is a keeper. One reader said: “It was delicious. I made my own pie crust using Ina Garten’s pie crust recipe that always turns out. It will be an all time favorite in my kitchen!”
Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Why wait for dinner when you can turn those leftovers into a tasty breakfast or brunch? Start with turkey and eggs and toss in veggies like green beans, winter squash, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to make it extra hearty and delicious.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Andouille and turkey make quite the combination. A warm and satisfying gumbo recipe is exactly what’s in order the day after Thanksgiving.