After the Thanksgiving feast, there’s often an abundance of leftovers. Instead of reheating the same meal, why not get creative and transform those leftovers into new and exciting dishes? In this compilation, we’ll explore 11 easy and delicious ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers, from turkey pot pie to cranberry sauce muffins. These recipes are perfect for enjoying the flavors of Thanksgiving in a whole new way.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 3 cups of leftover turkey, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is golden brown.
- Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Add the turkey and peas: Stir in the chopped turkey and frozen peas. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the turkey mixture into the prepared pie dish. Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly and place it over the filling, trimming any excess pastry. Cut a few slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving leftover turkey pot pie!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey: Using leftover turkey in this pot pie adds a rich, savory flavor and helps to reduce food waste. It’s a great way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors in a new and exciting dish.
- Puff pastry: Puff pastry is a versatile and easy-to-use pastry that adds a light and flaky texture to the pot pie. It’s a quick and convenient option for topping the pie.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic add flavor, color, and nutrients to the pot pie. They also help to bulk up the filling and make it more satisfying.
- Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds depth of flavor to the filling and helps to create a rich and savory sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought broth for convenience.
- Peas: Frozen peas are a classic addition to pot pie, adding sweetness and texture to the filling. They also provide a pop of color.