12 Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Stuffing and Turkey After Thanksgiving

The holidays are over and you’re staring down a fridge full of leftovers wondering – what am I going to do with all this stuffing and turkey? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. After many years of experimenting, I’ve come up with 12 awesome recipes to transform those leftovers into delicious new dishes.

As a busy mom trying to feed a family of 5, using up leftovers is crucial for me. I hate to see food go to waste, so finding tasty ways to reinvent our Thanksgiving meal has become one of my specialties. These recipes will have you looking forward to leftovers!

Make Stuffing Bread or Muffins

One of the easiest leftovers recipes is turning stuffing into bread or muffins. Just mix the stuffing with eggs, broth or milk, form it into a loaf or muffins and bake. The stuffing already has the perfect savory flavor and texture, you just need to bind it together. I like adding dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a little crunch. The kids love these stuffing muffins for breakfast or an after school snack.

Stuffing Waffles with Cranberry Sauce

Here’s a fun way to start your day after Thanksgiving – stuffing waffles! Make a simple batter with eggs, milk and leftover stuffing, then cook them up in a waffle iron. Top with turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce for a sweet & savory breakfast. You can even add mashed potatoes for a “loaded” waffle.

Bake Stuffing into a Frittata or Strata

An easy make-ahead breakfast is a baked egg dish like a frittata or strata. Simply combine eggs, milk or cream, cheese, veggies and turkey or sausage with the leftover stuffing. Pour into a greased baking dish, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning. This is one of my favorite ways to use up stuffing – so easy!

Stuffing Stuffed Peppers

Reinvent your leftovers by stuffing them into hollowed out bell peppers. Mix together stuffing, turkey, veggies, beans or rice and spoon into bell pepper halves. Top with cheese and bake until hot and melty. The sweet peppers pair perfectly with the savory stuffing. You can make these ahead of time and just bake before serving.

Turn Stuffing into Dumplings or Gnocchi

A unique way to use leftover stuffing is turning it into dumplings or gnocchi to float in your soup. Mix the stuffing with egg or flour to bind it together. For dumplings, drop spoonfuls into simmering broth. For gnocchi, form into balls or logs, boil briefly until they float, then add to soup. I love the extra flavor these savory soft dumplings add to turkey noodle soup.

Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops or Chicken Breasts

Fancy stuffed pork chops or chicken breasts are easy with leftover stuffing. Simply cut a pocket into the chops or breasts and stuff with flavorful stuffing and cranberries or apples. Pan fry or bake until the meat is cooked through. The built-in side dish makes this an easy weeknight dinner. Kids love breaking open their chops to reveal the yummy stuffing inside.

Stuffing Balls

We’re all familiar with stuffing inside the turkey, but baking extra stuffing into balls is an awesome way to use leftovers. Simply form leftover stuffing into 1-2 inch balls, place on a baking sheet and bake at 400F until browned, about 15 minutes. These crispy baked stuffing balls are great snacks, party appetizers, or sides at dinner. Add dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Turn Stuffing into Meatballs or Meatloaf

Love turkey meatballs or meatloaf? Use leftover stuffing instead of breadcrumbs to bind the ground meat together The stuffing adds so much more flavor than plain breadcrumbs. Add an egg and form into balls or a loaf shape Bake the meatballs until browned or the meatloaf until cooked through and you’ve got a tasty new entree.

Make a Stuffing Casserole

Casseroles are king when it comes to using up leftovers. One of the easiest and tastiest is a stuffing casserole. Layer cooked turkey, vegetables like green beans or carrots stuffing and gravy in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until heated through and bubbly. You can pack this with any other leftovers you need to use up. It’s a whole new comforting meal.

Bake Stuffing into a Pot Pie

Reimagining stuffing as the crust of a pot pie is genius! Press the stuffing into the bottom of a pie plate or casserole dish to form the crust. Fill with leftover turkey, veggies, gravy, or creamy sauce. Top with more stuffing and bake until hot and golden brown. This is ultimate comfort food at its finest – kids and adults will devour it!

Blend into Stuffing Soup

Of course you can always turn those leftovers into soup. Saute aromatics like onion and celery, then add broth, chopped leftover turkey and stuffing. Season with sage, thyme and pepper. Simmer until thick and flavorful. You can also add veggies, beans or pasta. Blending a bit of the stuffing right into the soup adds comforting texture and substance.

Stuffing Turkey Sliders

For a fun party food, make turkey stuffing sliders! Shape leftover stuffing into mini buns and flatten slightly. Layer with slice turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy or mashed potatoes. Top with another stuffing bun. These handheld stuffed sandwiches put all those leftovers to delicious use!