Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers: Easy Turkey Salad Sliders & Creative Recipe Ideas
Turkey Salad Sliders are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few staple ingredients and your delicious leftover Thanksgiving turkey. These delightful mini sandwiches are perfect for game day gatherings, a quick and satisfying light lunch, or any time you crave a taste of holiday comfort in a new, exciting format.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year flies by. It feels like only yesterday we were basking in the warmth of spring, longing for summer, and now here we are, in November, with the first snowflakes gracing the sky. While the colder weather might take some getting used to, there’s no denying the anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving holds a special place in our hearts for many reasons. It’s a time for gratitude, for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in an abundance of delicious food and fine wine. And who could forget the desserts, especially the pies? But if there’s one thing that rivals the main Thanksgiving feast itself, it’s undoubtedly the treasure trove of Thanksgiving leftovers!
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There’s a unique joy in crafting a substantial turkey sandwich on Black Friday, or reheating creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing, generously drenched in gravy. And yes, a slice of leftover pie is always a welcome treat! These post-holiday culinary experiences are often as cherished as the original meal itself.
Considering the delicious bounty that often remains after the holiday festivities, I thought you might appreciate some fresh, creative ideas to transform those Thanksgiving leftovers. Because let’s be honest, while a classic turkey sandwich is wonderful, variety is the spice of life – especially when it comes to extending the holiday cheer!
Just like a classic chicken salad, turkey salad is a versatile and beloved dish, and everyone has their unique twist. Some prefer to add crisp grapes for a touch of sweetness, others crunchy water chestnuts for texture, fresh dill for an aromatic hint, or even different types of mayonnaise. My preference is for a simple, straightforward turkey salad, which makes it incredibly easy to adapt using your succulent leftover Thanksgiving turkey. While serving it on a slice of bread or toast is always a good option, why not elevate it into delightful slider buns? These mini sandwiches are perfectly portioned and incredibly appealing.
In many homes, Thanksgiving means football is just as much a tradition as the turkey itself. These Turkey Salad Sliders are an absolute touchdown for game day snacking! They’re easy to hold, packed with flavor, and ensure everyone can enjoy the game without missing a beat while juggling plates.
Beyond a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, the core ingredients for this simple turkey salad include tender, shredded or chopped turkey, creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery for a refreshing crunch, and finely chopped sweet pickles or pickle relish for that perfect tangy-sweet balance. Simply combine everything in a bowl, mix until well incorporated, and you’re ready to assemble your delicious sliders!
Then it’s time to DIG IN and savor the flavors of fall in a brand new way!
Reflecting on what makes a traditional Thanksgiving meal truly special in my family, it’s all about consistency and beloved recipes. My Mom, bless her heart, prepares the exact same cherished meal every single year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! As everyone arrives, she always sets out a bountiful relish tray, overflowing with an array of fresh, vibrant vegetables and her famous homemade veggie dip that everyone adores. Typically, there’s also a generous meat and cheese tray for nibbling. Guests snack, sip on a glass of wine, and patiently anticipate the grand main course.
Her turkey always emerges from the oven perfectly roasted to a golden-brown hue, magnificently stuffed with my Grandma’s Sausage & Sage Dressing – which is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite part of the entire meal. Alongside this, we enjoy creamy mashed potatoes and rich turkey gravy (a task I happily take on each year), sweet corn, and her incredible cranberry sauce. This isn’t just any cranberry sauce; it’s infused with bright orange notes, making it truly perfect. Of course, warm dinner rolls are always on the table, and I’m always in charge of the pies. My usual selection includes classic pumpkin pie, a decadent pecan pie, and a comforting apple pie, all generously topped with freshly whipped cream. After our grand feast, we settle in, browse the Black Friday ads, and let our satisfied tummies bask in blissful contentment.
Once the feasting and relaxing are done, the remaining leftovers are meticulously divided amongst the family, and we head home, ready to continue the holiday eating experience. But what if, instead of simply consuming those delicious leftovers in their original form, we gave them a new life? I’ve compiled an incredible collection of ideas and recipes, perfect for reinventing all sorts of dishes that might be left over from Thanksgiving, or indeed any holiday featuring roasted turkey and all the beloved trimmings.
Creative Ideas For Thanksgiving Leftovers: Giving Your Holiday Dishes a Second Act
Thanksgiving is a feast, and often, a generous one. Instead of getting tired of the same plate day after day, let’s explore how to transform those cherished holiday dishes into exciting new meals. From the star of the show, turkey, to savory stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce, there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting in your refrigerator. These recipes will help you reduce food waste and extend the joy of your holiday cooking well beyond the main event.
It’s only fitting that we begin our leftover journey with the food everyone most associates with Thanksgiving: the magnificent turkey itself! Beyond the classic sandwich, there are countless ways to enjoy this flavorful poultry.
Savory Recipes for Leftover Turkey:
Your leftover turkey is far more versatile than you might imagine. From hearty soups to comforting casseroles, these recipes offer exciting new ways to savor every last shred of your holiday bird.
- Chicken (or Turkey) Ala King – This super easy recipe transforms leftover turkey and frozen veggies into a rich, creamy dish. Serve it over warm biscuits, tender noodles, or fluffy baked potatoes for a satisfying meal that feels completely fresh.
- Chicken (or Turkey) Tortilla Soup – From Lemon Blossoms, this healthy and flavorful soup is incredibly easy to make and stands as a complete meal on its own. It’s especially delightful when adorned with all your favorite amazing toppings like avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
- Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping – Another gem from Lemon Blossoms, this comforting pot pie features tender chunks of turkey and mixed vegetables, all baked in a rich, creamy, and savory sauce. The golden biscuit crust adds a wonderfully rustic and satisfying finish.
- Roast Turkey Tater Tot Casserole – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish brings a delicious and fun twist to a classic comfort food. This casserole uses your leftover turkey, combined with a creamy base and topped with crispy tater tots for a family-friendly favorite.
- Easy Turkey Tetrazzini – West Via Midwest offers this delightful turkey casserole, made with a luscious cheesy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and tender noodles. It’s an excellent and hearty way to utilize that leftover turkey, creating a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.
- Smoked Chicken (Turkey) and Grapes Hand Pies – From Take Two Tapas, these charming hand pies are perfect for a light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or convenient tailgate food. The combination of savory turkey and sweet roasted grapes creates a uniquely delicious flavor profile.
- Turkey and Roasted Sweet Potato Risotto – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish presents a creamy, indulgent risotto that beautifully combines the savory notes of leftover turkey with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. It’s a sophisticated way to repurpose holiday ingredients.
Whether your holiday spread featured a mountain of fluffy mashed potatoes, sweet and caramelized sweet potatoes, or even both, it’s highly probable you’ll have some delicious leftovers. Don’t let them go to waste; instead, transform them into something wonderfully new and exciting!
Delectable Recipes for Leftover Potatoes:
Mashed or sweet, leftover potatoes are incredibly versatile. Turn them into creamy soups, crispy croquettes, or decadent baked dishes that will be just as loved as the original side.
- Baked Mashed Potatoes – This recipe elevates simple mashed potatoes by baking them with a generous topping of melted cheese and crunchy French fried onions. It’s a fantastic side dish or even a light meal on its own.
- Sweet Potato Bisque with Truffle Oil – From Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish, this bisque combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the luxurious, earthy aroma of truffle oil. Served with buttery, crunchy homemade croutons, it creates a scrumptious and elegant soup.
- Southwest Potato Croquettes – Take Two Tapas offers these enticing croquettes, where mashed potatoes are seasoned with zesty Southwest spices and then fried until golden and crisp. They make for perfect little dippable appetizers that are full of flavor.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Dress up your leftover mashed potatoes to resemble a fully loaded baked potato. This dish is baked in the oven until bubbly and delicious, making it an excellent accompaniment to BBQ or grilled meats.
Honestly, in my family, the leftover stuffing (or “dressing” as we lovingly call it) is usually the most coveted and fiercely debated item in the fridge. Its rapid disappearance has often sparked playful, yet serious, arguments! BUT, if you are lucky enough to have leftover stuffing, there are some truly fantastic and creative ways to put it to good use.
Innovative Recipes for Leftover Stuffing:
Don’t just reheat it! Leftover stuffing can be the base for crispy appetizers, savory breakfast casseroles, or unique bite-sized snacks.
- Deep Fried Cornbread Dressing Balls – From Take Two Tapas, these crispy, golden Deep Fried Cornbread Dressing Balls served with a tangy Cranberry Dip are the perfect appetizer, transforming your leftover stuffing into an irresistible party bite.
- Sourdough Stuffing Egg Casserole – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish offers a brilliant way to use your leftovers by creating this flavorful sourdough stuffing egg casserole. The stuffing adds incredible depth and savory notes to this easy-to-make brunch dish, requiring very little effort for a big reward.
- Leftover Stuffing Bacon Cups – West Via Midwest presents these ingenious bacon cups, designed to use up every bit of your leftover stuffing! Simply form bacon into cups, spoon in the savory stuffing, top with some vibrant cranberries and crunchy nuts, and bake for a truly delicious, bite-sized snack or appetizer.
Sweet & Savory Recipes for Leftover Cranberries:
Whether you have homemade cranberry sauce or fresh berries, cranberries add a bright, tart counterpoint to many dishes. Here are some ways to use up this vibrant leftover.
- Sugared Cranberries – Pictured above, these festive little bites are a joy to behold and to eat. They make a fantastic snack on their own and are a wonderful, sparkling addition to any cheese and charcuterie board, adding a pop of color and tart sweetness.
- Cranberry Centerpiece – While not a recipe, this idea shows you how to craft an incredibly easy and elegant centerpiece using fresh cranberries, adding natural beauty to your holiday table long after dinner.
- Cranberry Orange Christmas Pound Cake – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish suggests freezing your leftover cranberry sauce and then using it to bake this absolutely delicious and festive pound cake for Christmas. It’s a perfect way to extend the holiday flavors.
- Baked Brie with Cranberries – Lemon Blossoms offers this impressive holiday appetizer where creamy baked brie and sweet cranberries are enveloped in flaky puff pastry. It’s an elegant and crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Honey Roasted Cranberry Ricotta Crostini – From Take Two Tapas, this festive crostini appetizer is perfect for any party. It features honey-roasted cranberries drizzled over a creamy bed of orange-flecked ricotta cheese, all served on a crispy baguette.
- Roasted Cranberry Bourbon Crush – Take Two Tapas presents a refreshing cocktail combining the deep flavors of roasted cranberries with tart cranberry juice, hints of caramel from bourbon, and the effervescence of bubbly lemon-lime soda. A delightful way to use up those berries.
After that glorious pecan pie is enthusiastically devoured, you might find yourself with a handful of leftover pecans. Instead of letting them linger in the pantry, there are so many creative and delicious ways to utilize these buttery, crunchy nuts!
Sweet & Simple Recipes for Leftover Pecans:
Pecans are a holiday staple, and their buttery crunch is perfect for a variety of sweet treats. Don’t let those extra nuts go to waste; transform them into new delights.
- Graham Cracker Toffee – Pictured above, this toffee is remarkably easy to make and is consistently one of the first treats to disappear from my holiday dessert trays. It’s absolutely perfect for any cookie exchange or holiday gift giving that you have coming up.
- Caramel Toffee & Pecan Fudge – This rich and sweet toffee fudge is made even more decadent with the addition of caramel and crunchy pecans. It’s an ideal candidate for your holiday baking list, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
- Toasted Pecans – Take Two Tapas provides a simple guide to making perfectly buttery toasted pecans (or any other type of nuts!). These are fantastic for snacking, garnishing, or as a key ingredient in a wide variety of recipes and dishes, adding depth of flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Sugared Pecans – These candied pecans are incredibly versatile. Make them to add a sweet, crunchy element to your cheese boards, or elegantly wrap them as thoughtful hostess gifts during the festive season. They’re always a hit!
The delicious pumpkin pie may be but a fond memory, but often, a can of pumpkin puree remains untouched, or perhaps you have extra from making your pie. Don’t let that precious pumpkin go to waste! Instead, give it a wonderful new purpose with these creative recipes.
Delightful Recipes for Leftover Canned Pumpkin:
Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pie! It adds moistness and flavor to countless baked goods and desserts. Repurpose your leftover pumpkin into these comforting and delicious treats.
- Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze – This might just be the absolute best way to start your day after Thanksgiving. This moist, flavorful coffee cake, enhanced with pumpkin and a rich brown butter glaze, is pure breakfast bliss.
- Pumpkin Pie Croissant Bundles – These incredibly easy-to-make croissants are filled with a delectable mixture of cream cheese, pumpkin, and classic fall spices. It’s a lower-calorie recipe that doesn’t require added sugar, allowing you to enjoy the beloved flavors of fall guilt-free.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Wontons – From Take Two Tapas, these crispy wontons are filled with a creamy pumpkin pie mixture and sweet chocolate. They’re fried to perfection, then topped with a delightful maple sour cream glaze and dusted with powdered sugar, creating an irresistible dessert.
- Mini Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip – Soft and chewy spice cookies are served alongside a creamy, flavorful pumpkin dip, making this a perfect pairing for entertaining. It’s a wonderfully autumnal treat that guests will adore.
Mmm, pie! It’s undeniably one of my favorite desserts. My grandma always taught me to keep extra pie crust on hand, even if it was just for a simple treat sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. But you can get a little more creative than that with these fantastic recipes, turning those leftover scraps into something truly special.
Clever Leftover Pie Crust Recipes:
Never discard leftover pie crust again! These recipes offer inventive ways to use up those extra dough scraps, transforming them into quick and easy snacks or delightful desserts.
- Pumpkin Spice Swirls – Leftover Pie Crust Cookies – Pictured above, these adorable little bites are incredibly satisfying to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. They’re quick, easy, and full of cozy fall flavors.
- Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard – This copycat recipe recreates the iconic Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard. It’s made with warmly spiced apples, creamy vanilla ice cream, and pieces of cinnamon-dusted pie crust, offering a refreshing and nostalgic treat.
- Pie Crust Cookies – A simple yet charming idea: use cookie cutters to cut shapes from your leftover pie crust, then bake and dust them with flavored sugar. These are perfect for a quick sweet bite or to decorate with kids.
- Pie Crust Cookies with Pecans and Whiskey Caramel Sauce – Take Two Tapas takes pie crust cookies to a gourmet level! The pie crust is transformed into easy cookies, topped with a pecan, and then luxuriously drizzled with a rich whiskey caramel sauce.
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With so many incredible options, I genuinely hope you discover a couple of these recipes that inspire you to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly fabulous and delicious! If you do give them a try, I would absolutely love to hear all about your creations and experiences. Share your favorite new ways to enjoy post-holiday meals!
Now, let’s circle back and focus on the star of our original show: the quick and easy Turkey Salad Sliders recipe. It’s time to get cooking!
Gobble ’til Ya Wobble, 
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Print Recipe
Turkey Salad Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 cups turkey chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle chopped, or sweet pickle relish
- 6 slider buns
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
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Spoon onto slider buns. Serve.
Nutrition