Transforming Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

As Thanksgiving comes to a close, countless households face the familiar dilemma of what to do with excess food. While the classic Thanksgiving sandwich is a favorite for many, it can often lead to dry, bland bites despite the addition of gravy or cranberry sauce. Fortunately, culinary experts suggest a more exciting and delicious approach to leftovers that can elevate your post-holiday dining experience.

Delicious Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

A standout idea from Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson, renowned for his expertise in southern and Creole cuisine, is to transform your turkey day leftovers into egg rolls. This innovative dish combines turkey, cornbread dressing or stuffing, and cranberry sauce, creating a savory filling which then gets wrapped in egg roll wrappers. The egg rolls are deep-fried until crispy and can be served with brown gravy for an extra burst of flavor.

More Creative Leftover Dishes

If wrapping isn’t your style, there are still many ways to creatively savor your Thanksgiving fare. For a finger food delight, layer leftover turkey, vegetables, and cheese over tortilla chips for a festive nacho platter. Alternatively, repurpose excess stuffing by pressing it into a waffle iron to create savory stuffing waffles, perfect when topped with your favorite protein and gravy. Pizza lovers can also enjoy crafting a flatbread topped with all of their Thanksgiving favorites.

Don’t forget about dessert! Transform leftover corn or cornbread into a comforting pudding, or use excess pumpkin for seasonal muffins or pasta. Remember, even extra cranberry sauce can be frozen, dipped in chocolate, and savored as a sweet treat. With these ideas, you can make the most out of your Thanksgiving leftovers and delight in flavors long after the holiday has ended.