The big holiday feast may be over, but chances are your fridge is still packed with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. Instead of letting those delicious leftovers go to waste, why not turn them into something new, exciting, and just as comforting? With a little creativity, you can give your holiday favorites a second life while saving money, cutting down on food waste, and extending the flavors of Thanksgiving a little longer. During thanksgiving week in the US, about 200 million turkeys are thrown out each year.
Here are five delicious and resourceful ways to make the most of every bite.
1. Turkey and Veggie Soup
Turn leftover turkey bones and trimmings into a rich, flavorful broth. Add any leftover vegetables, herbs, and shredded turkey for a comforting, nutrient-packed soup that warms the whole family.
2. Thanksgiving Sandwiches with a Twist
Layer leftover turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a little gravy on your favorite bread or roll. For extra flavor, toast the sandwich or add cheese for a warm, gooey treat.
3. Turkey Fried Rice or Grain Bowls
Chop leftover turkey and mix it with rice, quinoa, or farro. Toss with leftover roasted vegetables, a splash of soy sauce or olive oil, and a sprinkle of herbs for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
4. Stuffing-Stuffed Peppers or Squash
Use leftover stuffing as a filling for bell peppers or small winter squash. Top with cheese or a drizzle of sauce, bake until tender, and you’ve got a creative, vegetable-packed second meal.
5. Turkey and Vegetable Casserole
Combine leftover turkey, vegetables, mashed potatoes, or stuffing in a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly for a hearty, easy-to-share meal that uses up a variety of Thanksgiving scraps in one dish.
Holiday dinners don’t have to end with food waste.
Leftovers can spark delicious new meals that save money and honor the effort that went into preparing the feast. And once the cooking and experimenting are done, don’t forget the cleanup. Tru Earth’s Dishwasher Tablets and Multi-Surface Cleaner make it easy to tackle the mess without adding more plastic to the pile. With a little creativity in the kitchen and a sustainable approach to cleanup, you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping both your home and the planet a little cleaner.
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Prevent Food Waste at Home
