Five Easy Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers
November 25, 2025
Here are some inventive ideas to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious new meals.
Updated on November 11, 2025, to reflect the latest information. This post was originally published on August 9, 2024.
Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the fixings. But once the big day is over, you're often left with a fridge full of tasty leftovers. Rather than simply reheating the same plate over and over, why not get creative?
1. Turkey Cranberry Sandwich with a Twist
The turkey sandwich is a classic leftover go-to, but you can elevate it by adding a few extra elements. Start with a hearty bread option, such as ciabatta or a crusty baguette. Spread a layer of leftover cranberry sauce on one side and a generous slather of creamy Brie (or even goat) cheese on the other. Pile on the turkey slices and a handful of fresh arugula or spinach for some crunch. Press the sandwich in a hot skillet with a little butter until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. The result? A gooey, sweet and savory delight that’s perfect for lunch.
2. Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
Leftover stuffing often ends up forgotten in the back of the fridge. Instead, transform it into a delectable appetizer or side dish by using it to stuff mushrooms. Choose large, firm mushrooms like cremini or portobello and remove the stems. Spoon the stuffing into the mushroom caps and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and crispy. These savory bites are perfect for a cozy snack or to serve at your next holiday gathering.
3. Thanksgiving Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
Turn your Thanksgiving feast into a comforting, one-dish meal by creating a shepherd’s pie. Start by spreading a layer of leftover mashed potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish. Next, layer on your turkey, followed by a big helping of gravy. Add some leftover vegetables like green beans, carrots or even Brussels sprouts. Top it off with another layer of mashed potatoes and a sprinkling of shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the top is golden and bubbling, about 20-25 minutes. This dish is the ultimate in post-Thanksgiving comfort food.
4. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Do you have leftover pumpkin pie? Turn it into a decadent milkshake! Crumble a slice of pumpkin pie (crust and all) into a blender. Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, a splash of milk, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Blend until smooth and serve in a tall glass with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This rich and creamy treat is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving dessert in a whole new form.
5. Cranberry Sauce Parfait
Leftover cranberry sauce can be more versatile than you think. Layer it in a parfait for a quick and easy breakfast or dessert. Start with a spoonful of cranberry sauce in the bottom of a glass, followed by a layer of Greek yogurt. Add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts for a crunch and repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass. Finish with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. This parfait is a refreshing change from the heavier Thanksgiving desserts and can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Remember that Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring or repetitive! With a little creativity, you can transform your post-holiday meals into something new and exciting. Whether it’s a turkey sandwich with a gourmet twist, a hearty shepherd’s pie or a sweet and creamy milkshake, these recipes will make you look forward to leftovers just as much as the main event. So go ahead, embrace your inner chef and give those Thanksgiving remnants a delicious makeover!
September marks National Life Insurance Awareness month and GBU Life is partnering with Optimity to bring our members a financial wellness check-in.
District 684 Brentwood, Pennsylvania and District 699 Frankenmuth, Michigan
A Life Dedicated to Heritage, Fellowship, and Service
The GBU Life Scholarship Awards support students in college, trade programs, non-college programs, and graduate school, helping them achieve their dreams, setting them on a career path and realizing life goals. Since its founding, the GBU Foundation has awarded 4,500 scholarships and educational grants totaling more than $3.2 million. In 2025, 215 members received $226,000 to support their two‑year, four‑year and graduate studies. Here’s a look at where the rubber meets the road — as we check in on past grantees to see how their scholarship awards have helped them stay on course, where they are now, and where they hope to be in the future.
There are people who give, people who serve, and people whose lives are changed because of both. All were represented at the GBU Foundation Community Grant Awards event on April 9, 2026.
The GBU Foundation, established by GBU Life in 1963 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowers donors to turn generosity into meaningful community impact.
To celebrate our 134th anniversary, GBU Life launched the Birthday Bash initiative, calling upon the GBU Life community to honor our fraternal legacy through service. GBU Life invited members, producers, and community leaders to assemble and deliver shelf-stable cake kits for individuals and families who may otherwise go without a birthday celebration. What can seem like a simple act of service could be the spark of hope someone needed.
GBU Life is expanding the power of your member benefits with an enhancement to LawAssure, the easy‑to‑use online service that helps you prepare essential legal documents from home.
A guide for navigating miscarriage, stillbirth, and the grief that follows.
There’s something about summer that makes even the simplest meal feel like a celebration.