food
By Katherine Gillen
•
Published Nov 1, 2021
Everyone knows the Thanksgiving leftovers are just as important as the day-of feast. You probably already have post-holiday plans for the turkey, but what the heck are you going to do with all that stuffing?! We have a few ideas—from Thanksgiving croquettes to stuffing dumplings, these leftover stuffing recipes are bound to make the holidays even more delicious.
What can you do with leftover stuffing?
Turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are easy to repurpose, but stuffing (or dressing, if you prefer) is a bit of an oddball. It’s basically savory bread pudding, and what can you make with that? Plenty of foods, it turns out. For starters, stuffing is especially suited for griddling or frying, since it gets crispy on the outside but retains its moisture. Make stuffing fritters or stuffing cakes, then top them with cranberries, gravy or a fried egg if you’re fancy. You could also craft the stuffing into a leftovers casserole with all that turkey, or simple reheat it with another protein (like chicken thighs).
How long is leftover stuffing good for?
All good things must come to an end, and the life of leftover stuffing is relatively short. Stored in the fridge, you should aim to use up this dish within four days (and that’s true for all your Thanksgiving leftovers). You could also freeze the stuffing for up to a month, but the texture won’t be quite the same once you reheat it, and you can only reheat it once. No worries, though: There’s always next year.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. Stuffing Muffins
Technically, this recipe starts with fresh stuffing, but you can easily use the method to warm up your leftovers instead.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
2. Eggs Baked With Stuffing
Oh, you’re still full from last night’s meal? Not with these savory egg cups on the breakfast menu.
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Well Plated by Erin
3. Cheesy Breakfast Stuffing Cakes
We’ll take a short stack with a side of gravy, please.
The Modern Proper
4. One Pot Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Because after a feast, we don’t even want to *think* about doing dishes.
Spoon Fork Bacon
5. Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
You’re going to need a filling lunch to sustain your post-holiday shopping. This massive sandwich is just the thing.
I Am a Food Blog
6. Thanksgiving Croquettes
If you didn’t think it was possible to improve on Thanksgiving dinner, think again. These crispy bites are made with stuffing and turkey and taste like an indulgent holiday dream.
Yellow Bliss Road
7. Turkey And Stuffing Casserole
Casserole is a classic for a reason: You just toss everything in a baking dish and go.
Show Me the Yummy
8. Leftover Turkey Cornbread Casserole
Bonus points if you top this dish with a layer of gooey, bubbly cheddar cheese.
Foodie Crush
9. Stuffed Pork Chops
If you’re so over casseroles, you can also go the gourmet route and nestle your leftover stuffing into a few pork chops.
I Am a Food Blog
10. Crispy Stuffing Cakes With Quail Eggs
They’re so tiny and cute, but if you can’t find quail eggs, just make the stuffing cakes larger and use chicken eggs.
How Sweet Eats
11. Day-after-thanksgiving Breakfast Hash With Cheddar Mashed Potato Pancakes
You’re either team crispy stuffing or team soft, and this one goes out to team crispy.
Cook at Home Mom
12. Leftover Stuffing Waffles
With cranberry sauce instead of maple syrup and a fried egg for good measure.
Darn Good Veggies
13. Acorn Squash With Sage Apple Stuffing
Whether you make Darn Good Veggies’s sage apple stuffing or your own, this dish proves that leftover stuffing can be oh-so-classy.
Let's Stay In
14. Turkey Roulade With Cherry And Sausage Stuffing
What’s that? You’re ready for round two? Use your leftovers to stuff a second turkey breast if you just can’t get enough Thanksgiving.
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Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
15. Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash
We wish we could eat every meal straight out of a gourd. (If you don’t have acorn squash on hand, any kind will do.)
Whitney Bond
16. Easy Stuffing Biscuits
These are practically begging to be turned into turkey sliders.
Gimme Some Oven
17. All-in-one Thanksgiving Casserole
Using up alllll those Thanksgiving leftovers has never been simpler. And yes, it takes an hour to make, but 45 minutes of that is it cooking in the oven, giving you ample time to whip up a co*cktail (or binge an episode of Squid Game).
Recipe Tin Eats
18. Pork Sausage And Apple Stuffing In Pancetta Cups
We plan on pairing these guys with a holiday-ready charcuterie board (and then calling it dinner).
Whitney Bond
19. Instant Pot Turkey Soup With Stuffing Dumplings
Your oven called, and it’s desperate for a break, so fire up the Instant Pot instead. The leftover stuffing dumplings are pretty ingenious.
Feasting at Home
20. Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins
Don’t stop at stuffing in your muffins! Add dried cherries, chorizo and whatever else is hiding in your fridge.
Pinch of Yum
21. Loaded Turkey Panini For Thanksgiving Leftovers
If you don’t have a panini press, just use a hot skillet and a spatula to squish this sammie to oblivion.
Make It Dairy Free
22. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
We can all but guarantee your local pizzeria doesn’t have this on the menu.
Whitney Bond
23. Mushroom Spinach Turkey Quiche With Stuffing Crust
Homemade pie crust? No way. Store-bought? Nope. Stuffing? That’s more like it.
Half Baked Harvest
24. Thanksgiving Leftovers Croque Madame
This is a treasure trove of textures just waiting to be bit into.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
25. Hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash
Swap the filling in this recipe for your leftover stuffing and you’re on your way to dinnertime.
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Katherine Gillen
Senior Food Editor
Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...
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