Leftovers, to some they’re a quandary, to others, they’re an opportunity – an opportunity to give new life to those delicious dishes you spent so long preparing for Thanksgiving. We say seize the opportunity and mix it up in the days following the big Turkey Day.

Here are our favorite ways to reuse those tasty leftovers:

Mary Ann

This is a legendary, very old school (circa 1995?), not-in-the-least-bit-gourmet recipe that I made for my kids when they were little. They are not little anymore and they still love it.  It’s tasty as only things with a can of cream of chicken soup in them can be. Presenting Turkey Enchiladas…

Pair with Middle Sister Surfer Chick Sauvignon Blanc.

Natalie

One of my favorite post-Thanksgiving treats is a Turkey Torta Sandwich. Transform your leftover sliced turkey into a fresh sandwich with bright flavors using the recipe below. Get more creative day-after Thanksgiving sandwich ideas here on our blog, including a video on how to put them all together!

Turkey Torta Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Thinly Sliced Red Onion
• Peppercorns
• Cinnamon Stick
• White Wine Vinegar
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Hot Sauce
• Sour Cream
• Favorite Toasted Roll
• Sliced Leftover Turkey
• Sliced Avocado
• Shredded Lettuce
• Cotija Cheese, crumbled
• Cilantro Sprigs

1. Soak onion, peppercorns and cinnamon stick in vinegar for one hour, then drain.

2. Mix lime juice, hot sauce and sour cream.

3. Build the sandwich:  Spread the sour cream mixture on the roll.  Add a layers of turkey, avocado, lettuce, cotija cheese, and pickled onion.  Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Pair with Middle Sister Goodie Two-Shoes Pinot Noir.

Chelsea

Growing up in a house where many a casserole dish was served, I have a funny habit of keeping a can or two of cream of mushroom soup in my pantry. I recently followed this recipe from Campbell’s Kitchen with some leftover chicken that would also be yummy with turkey.

Instead of the frozen veggies, I sautéed up some fresh veggies I had in the fridge. And instead of cream of potato soup, I used cream of mushroom. If you have the time, making biscuits from scratch would really kick this recipe into delicious overdrive. But, there’s something about popping open a container of refrigerated biscuit dough that brings me back to my childhood…

Use what you have and give that Thanksgiving turkey new life!

Pair it with a glass of Girl & Dragon Pinot Grigio.

Sue

Growing up, my Mom used to make these every year and we loved them.

Thanksgiving Toasted Sandwich Pockets

Ingredients:

• 1 Pocket pie iron (aka “pudgy pie” & “hobo pie” makers)
• 2 Slices of your favorite bread
• Spreadable butter
• Leftovers galore! Some suggestions: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce

1. Butter each of your slices of bread.

2. Lay 1 piece of bread, butter side down, onto your pie iron (We’re using the Diablo Toasted Sandwich Maker). Spoon about 4 tbsp of leftovers onto the bread (have fun with combinations!). Place the other piece of bread on top of the leftovers, butter side out, and close the iron.

3. Cook over an open flame (or a stovetop on medium heat) for about 2 minutes on each side. Open up your iron and enjoy!

Pair with Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red.

Aliza

My favorite leftover recipe for Thanksgiving is always turkey soup. My mom makes batches of it, and it freezes well for future meals. She also adds red pepper flakes or salsa to give it heat. I like adding cayenne pepper to it for the same reason. Comfort food with a Mexican flair.

This recipe from Food Network has many of the same elements and flavors as my mom’s recipe.

Pair it with Middle Sister Drama Queen Pinot Grigio.

Angeles

You can either prepare this in one large casserole dish OR get bonus points for setting out the leftovers and letting everyone build their own in individual-sized ramekins. Each person gets to recreate their favorite part of the meal!

1. Lightly butter the bottom of a casserole dish.

2. Layer the following: mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, shredded turkey mixed with a small amount of gravy, butternut squash, potatoes, corn, turkey & gravy, stuffing

3. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, until warmed through.

4. Bake another 5-10 minutes uncovered to crisp up the top layer of stuffing.

5. Serve with gravy & homemade fresh cranberry sauce.

Pair with Middle Sister Rebel Red.

Kaysha

I also agree that one of the tastiest and most versatile ways to get rid of leftovers is to turn them into sandwiches! This recipe for Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce will really kick those ho-hum sandwiches up a notch.