Thanksgiving leftovers aren’t just scraps—they’re an opportunity to get creative, extend the holiday joy, and reduce waste. Whether you’re staring at a mountain of turkey or an endless supply of mashed potatoes, chefs across the country are transforming post-feast remnants into dishes that are as inventive as they are delicious. With National Throw Out Your Leftovers Day looming, these recipes and tips help you savor every last bite while staying ahead of the food waste curve.

Why Leftovers Matter More Than Ever

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the average cost of a classic feast for ten people is $58.08, marking a 5% decrease from last year. However, this remains 19% higher than five years ago, reflecting the ongoing impact of inflation on food prices. Ultimately, it’s making sure that each purchase counts and doesn’t go to waste.

Chef Brock Anderson of Cape Cod’s Sea Crest Beach Resort offers a practical tip when shopping for your turkey day dinner: “Learn proper portion sizes and add just 10% extra to your amounts. That way, you’ll have enough to enjoy for a few days without worrying about food going bad from over-preparing.” For turkey, aim for 3/4 pound per person or 1 pound if you want ample leftovers—a calculation that can save $10 to $15 for a gathering of 10.

Dish Ideas And Advice From Top Chefs

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To help inspire your post-Thanksgiving kitchen adventures, chefs from across the country share their favorite ways to reinvent leftovers into mouth-watering creations.

Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie by Brock Anderson (Sea Crest Beach Resort)

Chef Anderson believes in using leftovers to create cohesive, comforting meals that extend the joy of Thanksgiving. One of his favorite ideas is to repurpose turkey and sides into a hearty shepherd’s pie.

“I made a Thanksgiving-inspired ‘shepherd’s pie’ using leftovers: turkey mixed with gravy as the base, topped with diced green beans and carrots, then roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and finished with a drizzle of star anise and clove-spiced cranberry sauce. It’s a great way to create a cohesive new dish while avoiding food waste.”

Turkey Benedicts and Thanksgiving Burritos by Jae Lee (The Joule)

For Jae Lee of The Joule in Dallas, Thanksgiving leftovers are the perfect foundation for creative crowd-pleasers. He takes a brunch-friendly approach to leftover turkey and sides.

“My two go-to leftover creations are Turkey Benedicts and Thanksgiving Burritos. For the benedict, use dinner rolls as the base instead of English muffins, top each of them with cranberry sauce, turkey slices, a poached egg, and lemony hollandaise. For the burrito, layer mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and giblet gravy in a tortilla, then seal it in a hot pan. Messy, but worth it.”

Stuffing Waffles and Sandwiches by Anna Altieri (Superfrico)

Executive Culinary Director Anna Altieri of Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas sees leftovers as a second chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones. Her inventive ideas add fun and creativity to the post-holiday menu.

“My family tradition involves making turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potato sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving. For a fun twist, try crispy stuffing waffles paired with gravy and turkey. Sharing leftovers is a great way to turn the day after into a second celebration.”

Jalapeño Cranberry Ice Cream by Tai Davis (Culinary Canvas)

Sous Chef Tai Davis of Culinary Canvas in St. Louis transforms leftover cranberries into a dessert that’s anything but ordinary. Her idea adds a bold, spicy twist to a holiday staple.

“Cook cranberries down with orange slices, sugar, diced jalapeño, and water to make a sweet, tart, and spicy puree. Mix it with cream and milk, freeze, and enjoy a dessert that’s as surprising as it is delicious. The puree also works as a spread for sandwiches.”

Leftover Turkey and Gravy Arepas by Juan Hely Perez Moreno (Hard Rock Hotel New York)

Juan Hely Perez Moreno of RT60 at the Hard Rock Hotel New York loves giving traditional leftovers an international twist. One of his favorite recipes draws inspiration from Venezuelan cuisine.

“Turkey and gravy take on a new life as the filling for seasonal arepas. It’s one of my favorite untraditional traditions, combining classic Thanksgiving flavors with a global touch.”

Ham & Turkey Soups by Paul Shewchuk (Fairmont Royal York, Toronto)

For Executive Hotel Chef Paul Shewchuk of the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, soups are the ultimate post-holiday comfort food. Whether made from ham or turkey, they provide warmth and nourishment during colder months.

“Post-Thanksgiving, my family loves soups made from leftover ham or turkey. They’re hearty, warm, and perfect for cold days when everyone’s returning from outdoor activities like sledding or hockey.”

Turkey Noodle Soup, Chili and Pot Pie by Doug Brixton (The Golden Swan)

Chef Doug Brixton of The Golden Swan in New York City emphasizes comfort and practicality when it comes to using up Thanksgiving turkey. He believes in turning the turkey’s natural dryness into an advantage.

“Turkey’s dryness makes it perfect for soups and pot pies. Turn it into a turkey noodle soup, chili, or a hearty pot pie for a comforting dish that stretches your leftovers while satisfying your cravings.”

Pinot Noir Turkey Panini by Todd Segneri (Culinary Canvas, St. Louis)

Executive Chef Todd Segneri of Culinary Canvas reimagines turkey sandwiches by layering bold flavors and textures. He suggests elevating leftovers with thoughtful combinations.

“Braise turkey legs in red wine and broth, then add to ciabatta with brie, arugula, and roasted garlic aioli. For extra flavor, spread leftover cranberry puree before grilling for a sweet-spicy kick.”

Turkey Troubles? Call The Experts

For real-time advice on turkey prep or leftover tips, the Diestel Family Ranch Turkey Hotline is at your service until 3 p.m. EST on Thanksgiving Day. Fourth-generation turkey farmer Heidi Diestel and her team offer guidance on brining, carving, stock-making, and reimagining leftovers. Call (209) 532-4950 for help turning Thanksgiving dilemmas into delicious opportunities.

If decision fatigue strikes, ready-made options like Zingerman’s Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Rescue Gift Kit simplify the process. The kit, which features Jewish Rye Bread, Emmental Swiss cheese, cranberry mustard, coleslaw, Russian dressing, and mini pies, transforms surplus turkey into gourmet sandwiches. Zingerman’s aligns with the broader push toward reducing waste while promoting sustainability—a win-win for practical and delicious meals.

Leftovers—A Tradition Worth Keeping

Leftovers can be a source of joy this Thanksgiving, whether you’re crafting stuffing waffles or indulging in Zingerman’s curated kits and creativity . By embracing “planned-overs,” you reduce waste, save money and extend the celebration meaningfully. Let gratitude guide you from feast to finish, proving that no scrap is too small to transform into something extraordinary.

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