What to do with leftover turkey

On By Littum

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There’s always the Black Friday turkey sandwich option for your Thanksgiving leftovers. But if you’re looking for ways to spice up your meal plans after Turkey Day, you’ve come to the right place.

“Of course, there’s nothing like enjoying that Thanksgiving meal again—these flavors are special,” James Beard Award-nominated chef Jerome Grant tells USA TODAY. “But getting creative with leftovers is a great way to stretch the holiday spirit without feeling like you’re eating the same thing every day. It’s fun, it reduces waste, and it’s a chance to put a new spin on those classics.”

Food experts share their out-of-the-box Thanksgiving recipe ideas — and how to make sure said leftovers are still safe to eat.

Recipes for leftover turkey

Again, no shame in just eating Thanksgiving leftovers as they are the next day. But Grant and Washington, DC-based dietitian Caroline ThomasRD, CDCES, also offers plenty of ideas for making the same foods feel new again. Turkey is “as versatile as a lean protein,” Thomason says, making it the perfect centerpiece for countless recipes, including the ones below:

  • Turkey and vegetable soup or stew: Put leftover vegetables and herbs in a pot with a broth. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, save the turkey carcass and simmer to make stock from scratch.
  • Turkey tacos with salsa and avocado
  • Turkey pie with vegetables, gravy and a flaky pie base
  • Breakfast hash with turkey and sweet potato
  • Turkey fried rice topped with a fried egg and chilli crisp

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How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?

Unless you’re using a buffet warming tray that heats up to at least 140°F, your leftover turkey should be put away in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours, according to Carothers. It should go in an airtight container, and if frozen, reheat to at least 165°F before consuming, adds Thomason.

“Thanksgiving leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for up to four days—until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat them—or you can place them in the freezer to enjoy later,” says Carothers. “If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will remain at their best quality for up to two to six months.”

This refrigeration rule includes all other leftovers—we’re talking mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese, and the rest of your Thanksgiving dinner lineup.