
You’ve made the grocery runs, chopped, seasoned, basted and baked — now the big meal is done. Once the plates are cleared and the family naps have begun, you’re left staring at an all-too-familiar sight: a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers.
There’s nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned reheat. Still, a bit of creativity can turn those Turkey Day classics into fresh, crowd-pleasing dishes your family will love just as much the second time around. From hearty sandwiches to cozy casseroles, your Food Town has rounded up some of our favorite ways to make the most of your leftovers and keep the good eating going all weekend long. Read on and get inspired!
One of the easiest ways to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers is to turn them into a flavor-packed sandwich. Forget the simple turkey-and-bread combo. With just a few extra steps you can create something worthy of the holiday itself!

Layer roasted turkey with creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and stuffing between thick slices of toasted bread for a leftovers sandwich that’s as indulgent as the original meal. Feeling adventurous? Add a drizzle of gravy before enjoying. Our Turkey, Brie, Bacon and Cranberry Sandwich recipe is also a decadent take on holiday flavors.
Food Town Tip: If you’re looking for additional inspiration for your post-holiday eats, our Sandwiches Pinterest board is a great place to start.
When you’ve had your fill of traditional Thanksgiving flavors, take things south of the border. Leftover turkey makes the perfect protein for tacos, enchiladas or even a cozy tortilla soup.
Try this simple recipe for Thanksgiving Enchiladas:
You’ll end up with a totally new take on your Thanksgiving meal — one that’s fun for the kids to help assemble and tasty to enjoy together as a family. If you’d rather keep it simple, cook shredded turkey with your favorite taco seasoning and serve it in warm tortillas topped with cranberry salsa.
For a Tex-Mex handheld, try a turkey torta. Made with sliced turkey, refried beans, avocado and Cotija cheese on a crusty roll, this sandwich packs layers of rich, savory flavor. Top it off with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick that takes it over the top.
Don’t overlook your side dishes! Many classic Thanksgiving sides can be transformed into quick and easy baked goods that taste nothing like leftovers.
Mashed sweet potatoes can become sweet potato muffins or pancakes, while extra cranberry sauce adds tart flavor to cranberry oatmeal bars or thumbprint cookies. You can even fold leftover pecan pie filling into brownie batter for a decadent dessert remix.
For a little breakfast magic, combine mashed sweet potatoes with oats, eggs and cinnamon to create a sweet potato breakfast bake. Top it with a sprinkle of brown sugar and chopped pecans for a warm start to your post-Thanksgiving morning. These quick bakes pair perfectly with your morning coffee and taste so good no one will guess they started out as leftovers.
When in doubt, layer it out. Casseroles are a no-fuss way to use up multiple leftovers at once, and they reheat beautifully for days. Our Turkey Casserole recipe is a great way to put those holiday eats to use again! Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from rolling up your sleeves and creating something all your own with what you’ve got.
Consider starting out by spreading a layer of mashed potatoes in a baking dish, followed by turkey and stuffing. Pour gravy over the top, sprinkle with cheese and bake until warm and lightly browned. The result is pure comfort food and a great way to feed the whole family. You can even swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand: green bean casserole adds texture, while a handful of fried onions adds a satisfying crunch.
Food Town Tip: Our Casserole Creations & One-Pot Meals Pinterest Board is full of easy ideas for cozy winter dishes the whole family will love.
Mashed potatoes might just be the most versatile of all Thanksgiving leftovers. Turn them into potato pancakes by mixing in a beaten egg, some flour and a sprinkle of green onions. Fry until golden brown and serve with sour cream for a savory snack.
You can also repurpose mashed potatoes into a shepherd’s pie. You’ll love our Mexican Style Shepherd’s Pie recipe, but it can also be a lot of fun to just go off the cuff. Layer turkey or ground beef, mixed veggies, a hearty topping of potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. (Have other leftovers that would go well in there? Add them, too!) Bake until bubbly and enjoy.
After days of heavy holiday meals, something warm and light can hit the spot. Turn your leftover turkey bones into a flavorful homemade turkey stock by simmering them with carrots, celery, onion, garlic and herbs.
Use that broth as the base for an Easy Homemade Turkey Soup, wild rice soup or even a turkey and corn chowder. It’s a delicious way to use every part of the bird while also filling your home with cozy aromas all over again.
No matter which creative spin you put on your Thanksgiving leftovers, the right ingredients can make all the difference. From fresh bread and pantry staples to herbs, spices and baking essentials, yourneighborhoodFood Town has everything you need to reimagine your Thanksgiving feast.
So, go ahead. Dig into those leftovers and make something new out of the holiday you worked so hard to create. After all, good food deserves a few encore meals. And when you’re ready for your next grocery run, remember: At Food Town, it’s your town.
If you can't find an item you're searching for, let us know! We're always looking for ways to improve your Food Town experience, and we'll do our best to make that product available. Make a suggestion
27 Houston-Area Locations