Reinventing Thanksgiving Leftovers With Nachos, Pizza And More

The turkey is not the only thing that will get stuffed on Thanksgiving as many may still be recovering from a food coma on Friday.

After all the festivities are done all that is left is the leftovers, which some may argue is the best part. A bit of sweet potatoes, turkey, stuffing and cranberries is all you need to transform your Thanksgiving into pizza, pie, nachos and more.

Here are some recipes to help you get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers:

Leftover Thanksgiving Salad

By Allrecipes

Prep 20 minutes; Ready In 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
• 1/2 cup cubed cooked ham
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 hard-cooked egg, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine the turkey, ham, cranberries, egg, and basil in a mixing bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Nachos

By Blessherheartyall.com

Prep Time 5 minutes, Cook Time 5 minutes, Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• Enough GF corn tortilla chips to fill the bottom of your baking pan
• 2 cups leftover turkey chopped and pulled
• 2-3 cups shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese depends on how cheesy you want it
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup white onion chopped
• 1/8 cup green onion chopped
• 1-2 jalapenos thinly sliced
• sriracha
• 1-2 tsp taco seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to low broil.
2. Fill the bottom of a baking pan with tortilla chips. add the turkey and then the cheese evenly on top of the chips.
3. Sprinkle the tomatoes, green and white onions, and jalapenos on top.
4. Drizzle with sriracha and sprinkle with the taco seasoning.
5. Broil for 4-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the outside chips/cheese are starting to turn a nice golden brown color.
6. Remove from heat, allow to cool a few minutes, and serve while cheese is still stringy and melty. Enjoy it messy!

Turkey Pot Pie

By Food Network

Prep Time 20 minutes, Cook Time 50 minutes, Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups shredded turkey
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 prepared pie crust
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Melt butter in saucepan and cook chopped onion until tender. Stir in celery and carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in turkey, parsley and peas. Pour mixture into casserole. Top with pie crust and brush with egg. Bake for 30 minutes until crust is golden.

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

By The Cookie Rookie

Prep Time 10 Minutes, Cook Time 20 Minutes, Total Time 30 Minutes

Servings 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover or pre-prepared mashed potatoes, cold
• 1 1/2 cup Borden shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 3/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
• 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 cup panko style bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, shredded cheddar, onions, and bacon. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 inch balls, rolling with your hands to create the shape. Push 1 colby jack cube into the center of each ball, and then re roll the mashed potato mixture around it to make it round again. Place on a plate and repeat with the rest of the mashed potatoes. Set in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
2. In a shallow bowl, place the egg. In another shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan, and salt and pepper.
3. Start by dipping each ball into the egg mixture, shaking off the excess, and then rolling in the panko mixture. Pat to make sure the panko adheres well and that the mashed potatoes are fully covered. Set back on the plate and set aside.
4. Heat a large pot or dutch oven with about 2-3 inches of oil to 375F.
5. Carefully drop in the mashed potato balls 3-4 at a time into the hot oil, allowing them to be fully submerged. Use a slotted spoon to lightly stir as they fry to make sure they don't stick to the bottom or sides of the pot. Fry each for 2-3 minutes or until they are fully browned and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining mashed potato balls until they are all fried.
6. Serve while hot and enjoy!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza

By Land O Lakes

Prep Time 15 min, Total Time 30 Minutes

Servings 8

Ingredients

1 (13.8-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza crust dough
2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup mashed potatoes
1/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
3/4 cup stuffing
1/2 cup turkey gravy

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Press pizza dough into rectangle on greased baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.
3. Melt butter over medium heat in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes or until garlic is softened. Add mashed potatoes and milk; stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese; stir to combine. Spread potato mixture over hot, partially baked pizza crust.
4. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing over potato mixture. Drizzle with gravy; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 10-12 minutes or until browned and cheese is melted.

Have your own Thanksgiving leftover recipes? Tell us in the comment section below!

(Image via Shutterstock)

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