THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS: Tips and Recipes

 


Are you tired of the Thanksgiving sandwiches yet?  Or maybe you've run out of everything you need to build a sandwich?  Here are some more ideas of what you can do with your leftovers based on what you have left behind.  

Turkey + Cheese Ball + Uncooked Crescent Rolls

Turkey Pillows 

Recipe: 

  • (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced turkey (leftovers or deli meat)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing tops)

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the 2 tablespoons of softened butter, shredded turkey, green onions (if using), garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a creamy mixture.

  3. Fill the Rolls:

    • Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.

    • Place about 1/4 cup (or a generous spoonful) of the turkey filling onto the wider end of each crescent triangle.

  4. Fold & Seal:

    • Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling to create a sealed pocket or "pillow."

    • Pinch the edges of the dough together firmly to ensure the filling won't seep out while baking. You can shape it into a ball or a rectangle.

  5. Bake:

    • Place the sealed pillows seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

    • Brush the tops of the pillows with the 1 tablespoon of melted butter.

    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

  6. Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Turkey + Relish Tray + Gravy

Turkey Soup 

Dice carrots and celery from the relish tray. Dice an onion too.  Sautee in oil or butter and add chopped turkey meat.  Add wild rice or chopped potatoes, if desired.  Add beef broth and simmer until veggies are softened.  Add gravy to thicken the broth.  

Stuffing + Gravy

Stuffing Waffles 

Place stuffing in your waffle maker and cook as if you are making waffles.  Top with warm gravy. 

Stuffing + Cranberry Sauce

Chicken Casserole 

In a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, layer chicken breasts on the bottom and top with slices of cheese.  Top with stuffing and cover in foil.  Bake until chicken is cooked.  Serve with cranberry sauce on top.  

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry vinaigrette

Mix a couple of tablespoons of cranberry sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.  Pour over a spinach salad or roasted veggies. 

Glaze 

Mix cranberry sauce with some BBQ or chili sauce and use to glaze your meatballs or cocktail sausages.  Let them heat in a slow cooker for a yummy appetizer. 

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the bread before grilling.  

Cranberry Mayo 

Mix a spoonful of cranberry sauce in your mayonnaise and use to elevate your sandwiches 

Gravy

Mix equal parts of gravy with canned red enchilada sauce.  It will make a great topping for nachos, tacos, burritos, or anything you like to pour enchilada sauce over.  Makes good tortilla soup too, just think with beef broth.  

Mashed Potatoes

Potato Pancakes 

Combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 egg and 2 Tbl. of flour.  Add any mix-ins like shredded cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon. 

Form into patties and fry in a skillet with a bit of oil until crispy on both sides.  About 4 minutes per side. 

Thickener for Soups

Mashed potatoes can thicken soups like chowders. 

Mashed Potatoes + Gravy + Relish Tray

Shepherd's Pie 

Create a savory filling, like cooked ground beef mixed with gravy and veggies from your relish tray.  Spread the potatoes on top of the filling.  Bake until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling.  

Rolls 

Have your rolls gone stale?  Run them through the food processor to make bread crumbs. 

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