Upgrading Your Thanksgiving Leftovers: Recipe for Everyone

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and gathering with loved ones, and it often leaves us with a delightful dilemma: an abundance of delicious leftovers. But don’t let those leftovers go to waste! In this article, we will show you how to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into mouthwatering dishes that you can enjoy long after the holiday has passed. From savory waffles to scrumptious sandwiches and freezable potpies, we’ve got you covered. So, grab those leftovers and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

1. Leftovers, like turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, cranberry sauce, and gravy
2. Egg and puff pastry (if making pot pies)
3. Egg and cheese (if making waffles)
4. White bread (if making sandwiches)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for each recipe.

Thanksgiving Leftover Waffles

These savory and sweet waffles are a delightful way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. Here’s how you can make them:

1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. Mix well. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and cheese together and add it to the leftover mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
2. Spoon the mixture onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden and crispy.
3. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on top to balance the savory and sweet flavors. Drizzle a final touch of gravy on top, and your Triple Waffle Tall Stack is ready to be enjoyed.

Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich

This sandwich is not your ordinary leftover creation; it’s a culinary masterpiece. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a skillet, fry the turkey skin until it becomes crispy. Set it aside. Take two slices of white bread and toast them to perfection.
2. Assemble the sandwich with the toasted bread inside out, creating a crispy texture. Add layers of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce to create a flavor explosion.
3. For the pièce de résistance, add a moist maker – a piece of bread soaked in gravy – to elevate the taste.

Freezable Thanksgiving Potpie

Save some Thanksgiving magic for later by creating this freezable potpie. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey, roast potatoes, and mixed veggies.
2. Add thinned gravy to the mixture to create a savory filling. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover it with puff pastry.
3. Bake the potpie until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Alternatively, you can freeze the potpie for later use – just follow the same baking instructions when ready to serve.

With these delicious recipes, you can savor the flavors of Thanksgiving all year long. Whether you’re making savory waffles, delightful sandwiches, or freezable potpies, these dishes are sure to impress. Don’t let your leftovers go to waste – transform them into mouthwatering creations and enjoy the taste of the holiday season whenever you crave it.

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Thanksgiving Leftovers | Basics with Babish

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the Thanksgiving leftover waffles and sandwiches? Absolutely! Both the waffles and sandwiches can be frozen for later consumption. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave.
2. How long can I keep the leftovers in the refrigerator before using them in these recipes? It’s best to use the leftovers within 3-4 days after Thanksgiving. Make sure to store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
3. Can I substitute the puff pastry with pie crust for the potpie recipe? Yes, you can use pie crust instead of puff pastry. Both options will create a delicious potpie; just follow the same baking instructions.
4. Can I use different types of cheese for the Thanksgiving leftover waffles? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss cheese can all work wonderfully.
5. Can I add other leftovers to the Thanksgiving sandwich? Of course! The beauty of the Thanksgiving sandwich is its versatility. You can add cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or any other leftover you have on hand to create a flavor-packed sandwich.
6. Is the moist maker necessary for the sandwich, or can I skip it? While the moist maker is an added delight, you can skip it if you prefer a drier sandwich. The other layers of gravy and cranberry sauce will still make it a flavorful dish.

Don’t let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. With a little creativity and these step-by-step instructions, you can transform them into delectable dishes that you’ll enjoy year-round. From savory waffles to mouthwatering sandwiches and freezable potpies, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your leftovers and start cooking. Happy feasting!