The Best Recipes for Using Up Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving leftovers might actually be the best part of the entire holiday, right?! Once the big day wraps up, I love getting creative with what’s left in the fridge: juicy turkey folded into cozy soups and skillets, stuffing pressed into golden waffles, and mashed potatoes transformed into a rustic cottage pie or crisp, tender salmon croquettes.

This roundup highlights my favorite leftover Thanksgiving recipes — easy, flavorful dishes that make the most of every last crumb. And besides, we need a good fridge clean out before we start the chaos of Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s cooking all over again. 🤪

Transform Leftover Turkey Into Something New

Golden brown chicken pot pie with puff pastry in cast iron.

4.9 from 15 reviews

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky, Buttery Puff Pastry

This isn't your favorite chicken pot pie—it's rich, creamy, and topped with a buttery, golden puff pastry that shatters with every bite. Juicy chicken, tender potatoes, carrots, peas, and a silky sauce come together for a weeknight dinner that feels both nostalgic and totally elevated. I use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to keep prep simple, but leftover turkey is just as delicious.

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Enjoy with cotija or queso fresco, lime wedges, and lots of cilantro!

Crispy, Cheesy Taquitos With Rotisserie Chicken

If you're craving something crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these crispy homemade chicken taquitos are the ultimate snack or weeknight dinner! Made with rotisserie chicken, melty cheese, and warm spices all rolled up in golden-fried corn tortillas, they deliver that perfect combo of crispy exterior and savory filling that makes you keep reaching for just one more.

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Large bowl of chicken gnocchi soup with spinach and shaved Parmesan.

4.9 from 15 reviews

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (with Secret Ingredient!)

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold day. Made with rotisserie chicken, potato gnocchi, and lots of fresh spinach and sautéed veggies, this easy soup recipe is creamy, but not too rich, and has a light, fresh taste from fresh herbs and spices. The secret ingredient? A tiny amount of curry powder. Just trust me. 😉 Serve with baguette and a salad for a cozy dinner at home.

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Curried chicken salad on a plate with crackers and celery sticks.

5 from 1 review

No-Cook Curried Chicken Salad With Rotisserie Chicken

Meet your new favorite lunch: curried chicken salad. Savory, lightly spiced chicken is mixed with roasted cashews, sweet raisins, and scallions, then brightened with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s delicious on its own with crackers or celery, or piled high on a croissant or tucked into a wrap. Equally good cold or at room temperature, this gluten-free, dairy-free salad is perfect for meal prep.

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Turkey enchilada skillet with melted cheese and lots of fresh cilantro.

5 from 2 reviews

35-Minute Cheesy Skillet Enchilada with Turkey or Chicken

With less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep, this skillet turkey enchilada is the ultimate way to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers (or rotisserie chicken). Layer shredded turkey with corn tortillas, enchilada verde sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, then bake until bubbly. Finish with a generous handful of fresh cilantro — measure with your heart. An epic, flavor-packed dinner from leftovers.

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup! The name says it all – this soup is guaranteed to impress. Rich and creamy, it's filled with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, a little pesto, fresh spinach, and tender potato gnocchi. I like to add cream and Parmesan for a velvety smooth and creamy texture. Grab a crusty baguette and pour yourself a glass of white wine. We're definitely going back for seconds!

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Cheesy baked buffalo chicken dip in a cast iron skillet.

Utterly Melty Buffalo Chicken Dip with Ranch

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is hands down the ultimate game day crowd-pleaser. Tender, juicy rotisserie chicken is bathed in a tangy, buffalo wing sauce then baked with a blend of cheese, scallions, and Ranch or blue cheese dressing. It takes just minutes to prep and is best enjoyed with tortilla chips, crostini, or vegetables, which keeps it gluten-free. It always surprises me how quickly this one disappears!

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Recipes To Use Up Leftover Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for creative ways to use leftover mashed potatoes, these are my top two. You can switch up the filling on the cottage pie (ground beef, ground lamb, even leftover turkey would be delish!), but it’s those creamy ‘taters that steal the show.

And don’t even get me started on those insanely delicious salmon croquettes, whose buttery soft texture is thanks in part to potatoes. They’re 100x better than using canned salmon, promise!

5 from 1 review

Cozy, Comforting Cottage Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

This homemade cottage pie is rich, hearty British comfort food at its best. Savory ground beef and vegetables simmer in a deeply flavorful gravy, then get topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for cozy nights, it’s a classic dinner the whole family will love.

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Fresh salmon croquettes made with mashed potatoes on a plate with dipping sauce.

5 from 1 review

Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes (with Fresh Salmon)

Crispy pan fried Salmon Croquettes are an easy-to-make and delicious appetizer, snack, or main course. Made with freshly baked salmon fillet and leftover mashed potatoes, the croquettes are seasoned with shallots, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Pan fry until golden brown and crispy, then serve with remoulade or your favorite dipping sauce. Tender, flavorful, and freezer-friendly!

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My Favorite Use For Stuffing!

This is one of the best leftover holiday recipes because it allows you to eat stuffing for breakfast. You’re welcome. The fried egg takes it over the top!

Leftover cornbread stuffing waffles with a fried egg.

5 from 1 review

Leftover Cornbread Stuffing Waffles (For Any Dressing!)

Wondering what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers? They're no longer a problem thanks to these Cornbread Stuffing Waffles! Top with a fried egg (or some gravy, if you have it), for a delicious savory post Turkey Day breakfast or brunch!

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Transform Leftover Turkey Into Something New

Recipes To Use Up Leftover Mashed Potatoes

My Favorite Use For Stuffing!

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