Sometimes it seems like you plan for weeks, cook for hours, and only eat for minutes on Thanksgiving Day. So much time and money is spent preparing a spread that will be consumed for one maybe two meals. By Saturday everyone is sick of turkey and the thought of warming up sweet potatoes or spooning up a heaping pile of Jell-O salad is stomach turning. Instead of throwing out all of the food or making stacks of turkey sandwiches for lunches from now until eternity, try diversifying your leftovers playbook and creating new and innovative meals that your family will gobble up. Below are some ideas on how to mix-up your leftovers and clean out your fridge without wastefully throwing out all of your extra food.
Turkey Bolognese
After days of traditional American food, throwing in a pasta dish will be much appreciated by the adults and kids in your house. In this recipe you can use extra carrots and celery as well as leftover turkey. In this simple, 30-minute recipe sauté extra uncooked vegetables and add in cooked turkey that has been shredded. To ensure this is an easy process, use jarred marinara sauce. Just boil spaghetti and when it is done pour the sauce on top and serve. This warm meal is great after coming in from the cold and is an easy way to gobble up all the turkey.
Turkey Pot Pie
There always seem to be an excess of peas and carrots left over. These two vegetables are the ugly stepchildren of Thanksgiving foods when compared to gooey sweet potato casserole or buttery bread options. So when the bowl is taking up room in the fridge the best thing to do with them is throw them in a pot pie. This simple recipe only needs one saucepan as you layer ingredients on top of each other and top with premade pie crust. Bake this beauty for 30 minutes and you will have your guests’ mouths watering.
Quesadilla Bar
Good Texans can only go a few days without Tex-Mex, so by Saturday everyone is trying to get out the door to their closet Mi Cocina. Before piling in the car and battling the mobs of shoppers, try out this innovative way to use your leftovers. Pile turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and goat cheese in between tortillas and heat and serve. This classic Thanksgiving combination is given new life with the goat cheese. Or combine macaroni and cheese with chopped ham. If you want to add a vegetable, butternut squash would fit in perfectly with toasted cheesy classic. This combination is sure to please even the littlest ones in your house.
Grilled Turkey, Brie, and Apple Butter Sandwich
Ok, ok, I promised no turkey sandwiches, but this melty, ooey-gooey goodness of brie and apple butter is such a treat for your taste buds that it can’t be missed. Spread a thin layer of butter on bread and then top that with apple butter. Keep layering by adding sliced turkey and brie. Then use a panini press or a hot cast iron skillet to grill the sandwich to perfection. This quick lunch option will make you fall in love with your old turkey all over again!
Fried Stuffing Bites
Now that the State Fair is a distant memory, it is time to try your own creative fried concoctions. Cut your leftover stuffing into bite-sized cubes and coat each in an egg wash. Then cover in breadcrumbs and put into the fryer. Each bite should be fried for around four minutes then drained on a paper towel while it cools. To really spice it up, dip the fried stuffing bites in cranberry sauce or gravy. Get creative and have your own fondue treat!
You stress enough over creating the perfect meal for Thanksgiving Day. Using up your leftovers should be easy and fast. Flex your creative culinary muscles and whip up new, never-created dishes using what is left in your refrigerator. All the creative options will please even the pickiest mother-in-law!
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