We’ve all been there: the day after Thanksgiving, staring at an overstuffed fridge, thinking, ‘What on earth am I going to do with all these leftovers?’ Before you go reheating the same plate for the third time, let’s get a little creative! ‘Turn This Into That’ is all about loving your leftovers and transforming those Turkey Day remnants into mouth-watering, brand new dishes. Trust me, with these tweaks, no one will ever guess last night’s dinner is making a comeback.🍂 

Turn Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Into

Ah, cranberry sauce – it’s tangy, it’s sweet, and it often finds its way to the back of the fridge after Thanksgiving. But here’s the thing: this little gem is bursting with potential and is way more versatile than it gets credit for!

Transformation Options:

1. Cranberry Bliss Smoothie: Give your morning a zingy kickstart! Blend that cranberry sauce with some yogurt, a splash of orange juice, a banana, and a few ice cubes. It’s a refreshing way to repurpose those tangy leftovers.

2. Breakfast Boost: Elevate your morning pancakes, waffles, or French toast with a dollop of cranberry sauce. A sprinkle of powdered sugar and you’ve turned breakfast into something gourmet.

3. Appetizing Toppers: Hosting a post-Thanksgiving gathering? Spread some cream cheese on a cracker and top it with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. It’s a sweet and savory bite that’s sure to impress.

4. Sandwich Spread Extraordinaire: Amp up your regular sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of cranberry sauce. It pairs beautifully with turkey, of course, but also with other cold cuts, giving an unexpected flavor twist.

5. Cranberry Bread Delight: Here’s the scoop – integrating cranberry sauce into your bread mix doesn’t just give you a moist, flavorful loaf; it provides bursts of tangy sweetness in every bite. Perfect for breakfast with a spread of butter or as an afternoon snack with a cuppa. It’s the kind of comfort food that has you reaching for just one more slice. Baking Tip: When folding the cranberry sauce into your bread batter, be gentle. You want pockets of cranberry goodness to shine through in the finished product. Plus, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top gives a lovely crunch contrast.

Looking to jazz up that cranberry sauce in exciting ways? Here’s a great recipes to help you use up your leftover cranberry sauce, including one on how to create cranberry BBQ sauce!:

• Leftover Turkey & Cranberry BBQ Sandwiches
• Leftover Cranberry Sauce Bars from Nums The Word
• Leftover Cranberry Sauce Bread from Oh My Veggies

Want more ideas on what to do with leftover berries? Check it out here!

 

Turn Leftover Gravy

Into

Oh, that leftover gravy. Often underestimated, but oh-so versatile. That rich, savory sauce can be the unsung hero that turns humble ingredients into dishes that make your taste buds dance. If you thought gravy’s only calling was yesterday’s turkey or mashed potatoes, get ready to be wowed by its transformative powers!

Transformation Options:

1. Perfect Poutine: For the uninitiated, poutine is the delectable Canadian dish made up of crispy fries, cheese curds, and a generous drizzle of warm gravy. It’s comfort food to the max. Use your leftover gravy to whip up this dish, and you might just find yourself making extra gravy next time, just for this!

2. Classic Chicken Pot Pie: Turn that gravy into the creamy, flavorful filling of a chicken pot pie. Combined with tender chicken pieces, vegetables, and encased in a flaky pie crust, this dish will warm you from the inside out. It’s nostalgia in a pie dish!

3. Biscuits and Gravy: A southern classic! Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, creamy gravy make for the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish. Transform your leftover gravy into a morning treat, and start the day on a delicious note.

4. Gravy-Topped Meatloaf: Revive that traditional meatloaf by giving it a juicy, savory makeover. Pour your reheated gravy over slices of meatloaf for a dinner that feels both nostalgic and gourmet. Trust us, this pairing will have everyone asking for seconds!

5. Shepherd’s Pie Elevator: Use your leftover gravy as the base for a sumptuous shepherd’s pie filling. Layered with mashed potatoes, and cooked to perfection, the gravy brings together minced meat and veggies in a harmonious melody of flavors. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish!

**Chef’s Tip: When reheating gravy, add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

Gravy isn’t just for drizzling! Get inspired with these great recipes to help you use up your leftover gravy:

• Leftover Gravy Poutine
• Leftover Turkey & Gravy Pot Pie from Recipe Tips
• Easy Shepherds Pie (From Leftovers!) from Grits and Gouda

 

Turn Leftover Dinner Rolls

Into

You know those slightly stale dinner rolls that no one seems to be reaching for the day after Thanksgiving? Before you think of tossing them, let’s pause for a moment. They might look a bit sad, but those rolls are chock-full of potential! From gourmet breakfast dishes to sumptuous sides, these bread heroes are ready for their encore. Let’s explore the many ways you can revamp those leftover dinner rolls and make them the star of a whole new dish!

Transformation Options:

1. Heavenly Bread Pudding: Turn those leftover rolls into a dessert that’s worth drooling over! Tear them into chunks, soak in a creamy custard mixture, and bake until it’s delightfully golden on top. Drizzle with caramel or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a heavenly finish.

2. Crispy Croutons: Who said salads have to be boring? Dice those dinner rolls, toss them in olive oil, season, and bake until they’re crispy and golden. Perfect for adding a crunch to your salads or soups!

3. Gourmet Garlic Bread: Slice your rolls, slather with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then broil until they’re toasted and aromatic. Perfect as a side for pasta or just munching on its own.

4. Savory French Toast: Think French toast is just for breakfast? Think again! Dip sliced dinner rolls in a savory egg mixture with herbs, then pan-fry until golden. Serve with sautéed veggies or a dollop of sour cream for a delightful brunch or dinner twist.

5. Bread Bowl for Soup: Hollow out those rolls and fill them with your favorite thick soup or stew. Whether it’s clam chowder, broccoli cheddar, or beef stew, a bread bowl adds a touch of coziness to any meal.

Don’t let those rolls go stale! Transform them into delightful dishes with these great recipes to help you use up your leftover dinner rolls:

• What to Do with Leftover Bread
• Easy Pull-Apart Garlic Rolls from Brown Eyed Baker
• How To Make Monkey Bread With Leftover Buns from Oh Clary

 

Turn Leftover Turkey

Into

If there’s a crown jewel of Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s the turkey. Tender, flavorful, and abundant, there’s so much more to this bird than next-day sandwiches (although, let’s be real, those are pretty amazing too). Before resigning that bird to just sandwich duty, consider the myriad of culinary possibilities it offers. From rich broths to globally inspired dishes, that turkey is ready to take you on a delightful culinary journey even after the main event. Dive in and let’s discover how you can turn the remaining turkey into a series of mouthwatering meals!

Transformation Options:

1. Sandwich Haven: Elevate your sandwich game by piling on that turkey with some cranberry sauce, a smear of brie or cream cheese, and maybe some crisp lettuce. Toasted or cold, it’s a classic that never disappoints.

2. Bone Broth Bonanza: Those bones aren’t just for the trash! Simmer them down to create a nutritious and rich bone broth. Perfect as a warming drink, or as a base for soups and stews.

3. Ramen Remix: Add a twist to your regular ramen by tossing in chunks of turkey. Combined with a savory broth, fresh veggies, and your choice of noodles, it’s an Asian delight that’s sure to please.

4. Turkey Tetrazzini: A creamy pasta dish that’s a tried and true comfort meal. Combine turkey bits with mushrooms, pasta, and a luscious sauce, then bake to perfection. Topped with grated cheese, it’s a cheesy wonder you can’t resist.

5. Turkey Tacos: Bring some zest to those turkey leftovers! Shred the meat, then sauté with onions, bell peppers, and a good dose of taco seasoning. Stuff into taco shells or tortillas, top with your favorite fixings, and there you have a Tex-Mex treat ready in minutes.

That bird has a lot more to offer post-Thanksgiving dinner. Feast your eyes on these great recipes to help you use up your leftover turkey:

• The Bobbie – Thanksgiving Sandwich
• Leftover Turkey Miso Ramen
• Leftover Turkey Bibimbap Buddha Bowl
• Leftover Turkey Cobb Salad
• Leftover Turkey in Pumpkin Chili
• Leftover Thanksgiving Cream of Turkey Soup with Garlic Croutons
• How to Make Bone Broth
• Slow Cooker Bone Broth – Asian Style

 

And there you have it, friends! Turning those Thanksgiving leftovers into culinary masterpieces is easier than you thought, right? I hope these ideas inspire you to see your holiday extras in a whole new delicious light. Instead of reheating the same meal over and over, get creative and relish the flavors of Thanksgiving in fresh and exciting ways. Until next time, keep those taste buds dancing and those ovens humming. Cheers to food, fun, and loving your leftovers! 🦃🍂🥧