Hi Reader,

I sometimes love Thanksgiving leftovers more than the actual Thanksgiving dinner. Let’s be honest: The pressure is off, the kitchen is calmer, and you can eat straight from the fridge in sweatpants without judgment. That, my friends, is freedom.
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In our house, the leftover ritual is sacred. The One constructs sandwiches so tall they required engineering blueprints—layers of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, even a little gravy for “moisture control.” Me? I whip up Thanksgiving pot pies, turning turkey scraps into a soulfultastes dish that tasted better than the bird ever did on Thursday. And both of us sneak cold pumpkin pie for breakfast, fork in hand, no shame whatsoever.
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Leftovers aren’t just reheats—they’re reinventions. They’re where creativity and comfort shake hands. And they’re proof that the holiday glow lingers long after the last relative has waddled home.

Leftover Wizardry 101

1. The legendary sandwich. Layers of turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and gravy between toasted bread—it’s the crown jewel of leftovers.
2. Soup it up. Turkey bones + veggies = a stockpot of golden broth that carries you through winter.
3. Reimagine the sides. Mashed potatoes become croquettes, stuffing becomes breakfast hash, veggies become frittatas.
4. Freeze for a rainy day. Turkey soup, casseroles, and even gravy freeze beautifully—stretching the feast for weeks.
5. Dessert is breakfast. Cold pie with coffee the next morning isn’t indulgence; it’s tradition.

And my friend Marissa Stevens of Pinch and Swirl sent out this nifty guide to freezing leftovers. Duh... Never cross my mind, because we don't have leftovers! They're gone by Friday night. Enjoy Marissa's site, and drop her a note if you use her guide. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you!

Freezer Guide

• Turkey: Airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for 2 to 3 months.
• Gravy: Airtight freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for 2 to 3 months.
• Stuffing: Airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for 1 month.
• Rolls: Airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for 2 to 3 months.

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WHAT'S INSIDE...

• ​Thanksgiving Leftovers Muffins​
• ​Turkey Tetrazzini​
• ​Leftovers Turnovers​
• ​Crispy Mashed Potato Tacos​
• ​Hot Brown Sandwich​
• ​Turkey Cranberry Sandwich With Stuffing​
• ​Hot Turkey Sandwich​
• ​Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili​

​Thanksgiving Leftovers Muffins​

These Thanksgiving leftovers muffins make magnificent use of all of your holiday extras by layering stuffing, gravy, turkey, and mashed potatoes in a muffin tin for a savory and surprising day-after nosh.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Turkey Tetrazzini​

This turkey tetrazzini casserole is made with cooked turkey, creamy mushroom sauce, egg noodles, and a crispy panko-Parmesan topping. It's easy to prepare, uses only one pan, and is a great way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Leftovers Turnovers​

These Thanksgiving leftovers turnovers are filled with cold turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing or dressing, cranberry sauce, whatever leftovers are lurking in your fridge. An easy supper solution that'll earn you accolades.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Crispy Mashed Potato Tacos​

These crispy mashed potato tacos, filled with crunchy cabbage, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh pico de gallo, and cilantro, are unconventional yet absolutely delicious.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Hot Brown Sandwich​

A hot brown sandwich is an easy and iconic excuse to smother leftover turkey with bacon and a bubbling hot cheese sauce. Maybe Thanksgiving should come more than once a year.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Turkey Cranberry Sandwich With Stuffing​

This turkey cranberry sandwich with stuffing is a classic post-Thanksgiving must. Slices of sturdy bread, mayo, cranberry sauce, turkey, stuffing, and gravy. The best part of Thanksgiving...besides the people at the table.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Hot Turkey Sandwich​

I make these whenever my daughter comes for lunch. I usually grill them and sometimes add avocado to make them even moister.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili​

Turkey and sweet potato chili is the perfect combination of heartiness and healthy. But no worries, you'd never guess from the taste that it's anything but indulgent as heck.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​