3 Unusual but Delicious Ways to Use up Thanksgiving Leftovers

Everyone looks forward to Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. And then, by Saturday, we’re all sick of those same foods. Gag me with a turkey sandwich, right?

The key to leftovers is making them feel like a different meal with a new texture and flavor profile.

Give leftover stuffing a crunchy panko crust — inside these yummy croquettes is a tender piece of turkey!

Turn butter into a whole new condiment by adding a few spoons of leftover cranberry sauce. And transform those mashed potatoes into potato pancakes.

Is your mouth watering yet? Here is everything you need to know to make magic out of Thanksgiving leftovers.

Following is a look at a few recipes that will have you being thankful all over again. And the good news is, none takes more than a few minutes.

Ingredients for turkey croquettes

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bite-sized pieces of turkey
• Stuffing (If it’s dry, add some melted butter to it.)
• Canola oil
• Flour for dredging
• 3 eggs whisked for egg wash
• Panko
• Leftover gravy

Keep reading for directions and more recipes.

How to make turkey croquettes

Here’s how to make them:

1. Heat canola oil — about 2 inches in depth — in a wide-rimmed skillet or Dutch oven using medium-high heat.
2. Roll stuffing into golf-ball-sized orbs.
3. Press a bite-sized piece of turkey into the middle of each stuffing ball.
4. Dredge balls in flour, then egg wash, then panko.
5. Put croquettes in the hot oil and brown on all sides.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve with hot gravy.

Ingredients for cheesy, savory potato pancakes

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• Handful of chives or scallions
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• Sour cream for garnish

How to make cheesy, savory potato pancakes

Here’s how to make them:

1. Fold egg, cheese and chives into the leftover mashed potatoes and mix to combine evenly.
2. Heat canola oil and butter in a skillet.
3. Form potato and cheese mixture into pancakes.
4. Put into the hot skillet and fry until browned on both sides.
5. Serve with sour cream.

Ingredients for cranberry spread

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 stick softened butter
• 2-3 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce

How to make cranberry spread

There’s just one step to make this: Whip cranberry sauce into butter until smooth.

Voila! Enjoy.