14 Ways to Use Christmas Leftovers

After the big meal, the real fun begins with all those leftovers waiting to be turned into something new. These recipes use turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and more to create meals that feel fresh without wasting a bite. From handheld snacks to hearty casseroles, each dish makes good use of what’s already in your fridge. It’s a mix of cozy, quick, and smart ways to keep Christmas flavors going.

Leftover Crescent Rolls

Four golden-brown crescent rolls filled with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are arranged on a white plate, garnished with herbs and poppy seeds. — Thanksgiving Leftover Crescent Rolls . Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

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Stuff crescent roll dough with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, then bake until golden. Each bite has a bit of everything from the big meal. They’re easy to roll up and cook fast. A smart way to repurpose leftovers without making the same plate twice.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Leftover Crescent Rolls

Leftovers Sandwich

A turkey sandwich on toasted bread with stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and leafy greens, served on a wooden board with potato chips and a cup of sauce in the background. — Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Layer turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce between two slices of bread. You get sweet, savory, and salty all in one bite. It’s messy, filling, and totally worth it. Warm or cold, this is a classic leftover move.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Turkey Sliders

A close-up of a sandwich slider filled with meat, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese, topped with poppy seeds, held up on a spatula. — Thanksgiving Sliders . Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Mini buns hold turkey, stuffing, and gravy or cranberry sauce for a small but mighty bite. Toast them for extra crunch. These are good for snacks, lunch, or feeding a crowd. Easy to make with whatever you have.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Sliders

Stuffed Potato Skins

A white plate with two baked potato halves topped with scrambled eggs, cranberry sauce, and chopped green onions, set on a rustic wooden surface with an orange cloth nearby. — Thanksgiving Stuffed Potato Skins. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This version packs a little more with full-sized skins loaded up with stuffing, meat, and cheese. A quick bake gives them a crispy edge. Each one feels like a full meal in a shell. A good way to use both sides and mains.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Stuffed Potato Skins

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

A hand holds a cut-open egg roll filled with stuffing, turkey, and other Thanksgiving ingredients; whole egg rolls and a dipping sauce are in the background. — Air Fryer Thanksgiving Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

Wrap turkey, stuffing, and veggies in egg roll wrappers and crisp them in the air fryer. The outside gets crunchy while the inside stays warm and savory. Dip in leftover gravy or cranberry sauce. It’s a bold take with fun texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

Turkey pot pie

A slice of creamy chicken pot pie with a golden crust is served on a white plate, with another slice and the pie dish in the background. Forks and salt and pepper shakers are nearby. — Turkey pot pie . Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

This classic uses shredded turkey, gravy, and veggies under a flaky crust. Everything bakes into a creamy, cozy filling. It works with frozen pie dough or puff pastry. An easy win for dinner the next day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey pot pie

Turkey Pumpkin Curry Soup With Rice

A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup with rice, garnished with chopped green onions, sits on a yellow surface beside lime wedges and a pumpkin. — Turkey Pumpkin Curry Soup With Rice. Photo credit: Mommy Evolution.

This soup blends warm spices, pumpkin, and shredded turkey into a hearty broth. Cooked rice adds body and texture. The curry gives it just the right amount of heat. A comforting way to take leftovers in a new direction.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pumpkin Curry Soup With Rice

Turkey pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with sliced vegetables and leafy greens, arranged neatly in a circular pattern. — Turkey pinwheels. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

Roll turkey, cheese, and greens into a tortilla and slice into bite-sized rounds. Add cranberry spread or mustard for flavor. They’re easy to pack or serve as party bites. A lighter option that still uses leftovers well.
Get the Recipe: Turkey pinwheels

Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole (Leftover Thanksgiving)

A serving spoon lifts creamy baked spaghetti topped with a golden breadcrumb crust from a white baking dish. — Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole (Leftover Thanksgiving). Photo credit: The slow roasted Italian.

Creamy noodles, mushrooms, and turkey bake together under a cheesy topping. It’s rich, filling, and great for reheating. The casserole format stretches your leftovers farther. A solid dinner that’s easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole (Leftover Thanksgiving)

Leftover Turkey Stroganoff Recipe

A fork holds a bite of pasta with sliced mushrooms, chicken, and creamy sauce, with a plate of the same pasta dish in the background. — Leftover Turkey Stroganoff Recipe. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

Turkey replaces beef in this creamy mushroom sauce served over egg noodles. The flavors are mild but satisfying. A little sour cream brings it all together. It’s a fast dish with a soft, smooth finish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Stroganoff Recipe

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

A bowl of chicken fried rice with diced vegetables, scrambled egg, and green onions sits on a wooden plate with a spoon. — Leftover Turkey Fried Rice. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Swap your usual protein for chopped turkey in this skillet meal. Add vegetables, soy sauce, and rice for a quick stir-fry. It comes together in under 30 minutes. A totally different flavor profile from Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole topped with golden mashed potatoes, revealing a creamy filling with vegetables in a white baking dish. — Turkey Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

This dish layers turkey and vegetables under mashed potatoes, baked until golden. The top gets a bit of crunch while the inside stays creamy. You can use whatever vegetables are left from the feast. A filling option for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Bobbie Sandwich

A slice of bread topped with chopped stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a spread, sitting on a wooden cutting board next to a knife. — Bobbie Sandwich. Photo credit: Them Bites.

This deli-style sandwich features turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo on a hoagie roll. It’s like Thanksgiving in sandwich form. It’s best when pressed or toasted. Often called the best use of leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Bobbie Sandwich

Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy mixture of wild rice, corn, and vegetables, garnished with herbs, on a rustic wooden table. — Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

The pressure cooker speeds up this creamy casserole filled with turkey, wild rice, and vegetables. Everything cooks in one pot for less cleanup. It’s warm, hearty, and full of texture. Great for stretching out the last bits of turkey.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole