Thanksgiving Leftovers: Don’t Let Them Go to Waste

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Don’t Let Them Go to Waste

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. But with all that food, comes a lot of leftovers. If you’re looking for ways to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, here are a few recipe ideas:

Turkey Tetrazzini

This dish is a creamy and comforting way to use up leftover turkey. It’s made with turkey, noodles, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked turkey, diced
• 1 pound pasta, cooked
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes more.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, turkey, pasta, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup is a great way to use up leftover turkey and wild rice. It’s packed with vegetables and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in chicken broth, water, wild rice, turkey, and peas.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Leftover Stuffing Muffins

These muffins are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover stuffing. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked stuffing
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine stuffing, milk, onion, celery, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon into greased muffin tins.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This dish is a fun and festive way to use up leftover pumpkin puree. It’s creamy and cheesy, with a hint of pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta, cooked
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, pumpkin puree, milk, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir into the pasta mixture.
6. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

These are just a few ideas for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers. With a little creativity, you can easily turn your leftovers into delicious and satisfying meals.