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Creative Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving is a day when families everywhere sit down together to enjoy a huge feast. Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce -- these are all Thanksgiving day staples. After the holiday, many people find themselves left with lots of leftover food. Besides sending relatives home with leftovers, what can you do to make use of all the excess food? Get creative and make all new dishes with the leftover food, of course!

Casseroles

Casseroles are a great way to use up leftover food. Try this easy to make recipe:

Chopped broccoli
Turkey pieces
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup bread crumbs or dry stuffing
1/2 cup sour cream

Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and top with excess crumbs and shredded cheese, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Soups

Another great way to make use of various leftovers at once is with soup. Here's a hearty recipe for a great turkey soup.

First, you'll want to take the leftover turkey carcass, along with any leftover gravy or stuffing, and place in a large pot of water. Add some seasonings like salt and pepper to the mix. Simmer until the meat falls easily off the bones, then strain into another pot. Remove cooked turkey meat and allow it to cool. Once cool, shred into bite sized pieces. Add this to the strained broth, along with your favorite soup vegetables like celery and carrots. After the vegetables are soft, add your favorite pasta like egg noodles or elbow macaroni and cook until soft. Enjoy!

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are always a good use of leftover turkey. Get creative with your sandwiches and use a variety of breads and toppings. Try topping a slice of turkey with some cheddar cheese and cranberry jelly on the bread of your choice. Another great sandwich choice is the turkey club. Top whole wheat bread with layers of turkey, cheese, bacon, and more bread. Try an herbed mayonnaise or gourmet mustard for extra flavor.

Breakfast Ideas with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Leftovers aren't just for dinner! Try making potato patties for breakfast. Take cold mashed potatoes and add an egg or two. Shape into patties and fry in an oiled skillet over high heat. The outside of the patties should be crispy and brown, while the inside should be rather soft. You could also try a simple turkey omelet by adding shredded turkey and your favorite cheese to your morning eggs.

As you can see, there are many different ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers. Get creative and think up brand new dishes to create from your leftovers. Your family will thank you, and you'll feel good about not wasting all that food!