Get Creative with These Thanksgiving Leftover Makeovers!

Can you believe that the holiday season is already here! Thanksgiving is just a few days away, which means that it’s time for cooking, celebrating, and enjoying time with family and friends.

If you’re like me, you enjoy the holiday but not so much the clean-up afterward. You may also find yourself asking what to do with all the leftovers? Well, the great news is I’m here to offer up some tips and ideas you can use this holiday season to ensure your leftovers don’t go to waste.

It is important to note that leftovers won’t stay good forever. Try freezing your leftovers to extend their life, but don’t forget to use them in a timely manner.

Leftover Safety Tips

Keeping up with the USDA’s food safety guidelines is a great way to make sure your leftovers are not only good to eat but safe to enjoy. Check out some of the food safety guidelines below.

Storing Safely- First thing’s first, when storing leftovers, it’s important to be mindful of the days you keep them in the refrigerator after cooking. Most leftovers can be kept for up to 3-4 daysor kept frozen for 3-4 months.

Thaw Safely- If you want to enjoy your leftovers, you must make sure you properly thaw anything you placed in the freezer. When thawing foods, the safest ways are with cold water in a bowl or the refrigerator overnight. If thawing in cold water, be sure to keep food in a leak-proof bag and change the water every 30 minutes.

Divide up your Meals- Separate your foods in separate containers to ensure you can store them properly.

Reheat Safely-When you reheat leftovers, they should reach a temperature of 165° F to reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

Makeover your Leftovers

Who says Thanksgiving only lasts one day! You can enjoy all the delicious foods of Thanksgiving by whipping up some delicious recipes. Recreate your leftovers into new and delicious dishes to enjoy at each meal.

Breakfast- Try out a turkey and egg frittata! Put together your favorite frittata recipe but, just add in some leftover turkey.

Lunch- Lunch with leftovers can be as simple as a turkey sandwich or you can get even more creative. Try out turkey and apple quesadillas! Add in some fresh chopped veggies and enjoy.

Dinner- Try out sweet potato soup with your sweet potato leftovers. Chop up the leftover vegetables and add in some homemade broth, herbs, and spices.

Dessert- Turn some of your already-made desserts into even more delicious desserts. Mae a cranberry pie with your leftover cranberry sauce or recreate your apple pie into apple pie energy bites! Scoop out a ball of apple pie and roll into granola; bake at 350° for 15 mins.

The Thanksgiving leftover ideas can be endless. Enjoy your made-over leftover meals this holiday and don’t be afraid to get creative.

Your Turn to Action: What will you create with your Thanksgiving Leftovers? Let me know in the comment section below!