Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into delightful Turkey Salad Sliders. Incredibly easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients, these savory bites are perfect for game day gatherings, a light and satisfying lunch, or whenever you crave a taste of the holiday spirit.
As the vibrant colors of autumn deepen, our thoughts inevitably turn to Thanksgiving. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming spring, and now the chill of November is in the air, with the first snowflakes gracing the sky. Time truly does fly, especially as we get older, and before we know it, the holiday season is upon us.
There’s so much to cherish about Thanksgiving: the warmth of family, the clinking of glasses filled with good wine, and, of course, a bountiful spread of incredible food. And let’s not forget the pie – that sweet, comforting culmination of the meal. But what truly extends the joy of the holiday beyond the main event? Thanksgiving leftovers! They are, without a doubt, the next best thing, offering a chance to savor those cherished flavors for days to come.
Reimagine Your Holiday Feast with Turkey Salad Sliders
The post-Thanksgiving period brings its own culinary delights. Picture this: arriving home after a busy Black Friday shopping spree, eager for a delicious, easy meal. What could be better than a generously piled turkey sandwich, or perhaps some warmed-up mashed potatoes and stuffing, smothered in rich gravy? And, yes, more pie! The magic of Thanksgiving truly continues with the creative repurposing of its delicious remnants.
If your Thanksgiving feast tends to produce an abundance of turkey and trimmings that miraculously survive beyond Friday morning, you’re in for a treat. This article is dedicated to exploring innovative and mouth-watering ways to give those leftovers a second life, starting with our star recipe: effortless Turkey Salad Sliders.
Just as a classic chicken salad offers endless variations, so too can turkey salad be adapted to your preference. Some enjoy the sweetness of grapes, others the crunch of water chestnuts, or the fresh aroma of dill. My personal preference leans towards a simple yet flavorful approach, which makes it incredibly easy to adapt for your leftover turkey. While serving it on a slice of bread or toast is always a solid choice, consider elevating the experience by using soft, sweet slider buns. These mini sandwiches are perfect for sharing and provide a delightful handheld experience.
In many homes, Thanksgiving is synonymous with football. These Turkey Salad Sliders are an absolute touchdown for game day snacking! They are quick to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and offer a welcome change from traditional game-day fare. They’ll keep everyone fueled and happy, whether they’re cheering on their favorite team or simply enjoying the post-holiday relaxation.
Beyond the essential salt and pepper, my go-to ingredients for turkey salad are straightforward: succulent chopped or shredded turkey, creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, and a touch of chopped sweet pickle or pickle relish for that perfect tangy-sweet balance. Simply combine these elements, and you’re ready to create something truly delicious!
It’s time to dig in and savor every bite!
Reflecting on my own family’s Thanksgiving traditions, the meal is a meticulously crafted affair that remains consistent year after year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My Mom always orchestrates a magnificent feast. Guests are greeted with a sprawling relish tray, brimming with fresh vegetables and her renowned veggie dip, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. A generous meat and cheese tray usually accompanies it, inviting everyone to snack and enjoy a glass of wine as they patiently anticipate the main course.
Mom’s turkey is always roasted to golden perfection, its savory aroma filling the house. It’s traditionally stuffed with my Grandma’s Sausage & Sage Dressing, which is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite part of the entire meal. Alongside, there are fluffy mashed potatoes swimming in rich turkey gravy (my designated task each year), sweet corn, and her signature cranberry sauce. This unique sauce, with its subtle hint of orange, is simply perfect. Of course, warm rolls are a must, and I always take charge of the pies: pumpkin, pecan pie, and a classic apple, all served with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. After dinner, we settle in, browsing holiday ads and allowing our satisfied tummies to bask in blissful contentment.
Once the festivities wind down, the precious leftovers are carefully and evenly divided amongst everyone before we head home. But why simply reheat these delicious remnants when you can creatively transform them? I’ve gathered an array of incredible ideas and recipes designed to repurpose all sorts of items that might be left over from Thanksgiving, or indeed, any holiday celebration featuring turkey and its delightful trimmings.
Creative Ideas for Delicious Thanksgiving Leftovers
It’s only fitting that we begin our leftover journey with the undisputed star of Thanksgiving: the turkey itself!
Savory Recipes for Leftover Turkey:
- Chicken (or Turkey) Ala King – This incredibly easy recipe transforms leftover turkey and frozen veggies into a rich, creamy dish. Serve it over warm biscuits, tender noodles, or baked potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Chicken (or Turkey) Tortilla Soup – From Lemon Blossoms, this healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup is a complete meal in itself. Customize it with all your favorite toppings for an extra special touch.
- Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping – Also from Lemon Blossoms, this recipe features tender chunks of turkey and vibrant vegetables baked in a creamy, savory sauce, all crowned with a golden, flaky biscuit crust.
- Roast Turkey Tater Tot Casserole – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish offers a delicious and fun twist on a beloved comfort food classic, ingeniously utilizing your leftover turkey.
- Easy Turkey Tetrazzini – West Via Midwest brings us this delightful turkey casserole, featuring a cheesy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and noodles. It’s a superb way to enjoy your leftover turkey in a new, exciting format.
- Smoked Chicken (Turkey) and Grapes Hand Pies – Courtesy of Take Two Tapas, these savory hand pies make for a great light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a fantastic addition to your tailgate party spread.
- Turkey and Roasted Sweet Potato Risotto – Another gem from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish, this recipe creates a wonderfully creamy risotto, blending the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes with the richness of leftover turkey.
Whether your feast included fluffy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or both, chances are you’ll have some delicious remnants. Give them a fresh new identity!
Creative Uses for Leftover Potatoes:
- Baked Mashed Potatoes – Reinvigorate your mashed potatoes by baking them with a layer of gooey cheese and crunchy French fried onions. It’s an irresistible side dish that feels brand new.
- Sweet Potato Bisque with Truffle Oil – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish presents this luxurious bisque, where sweet potatoes meld beautifully with earthy truffle oil and buttery, homemade croutons for a truly scrumptious experience.
- Southwest Potato Croquettes – From Take Two Tapas, these croquettes feature mashed potatoes infused with zesty Southwest seasoning, then fried until golden and crisp. They make perfect dippable appetizers for any gathering.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Elevate your leftover mashed potatoes by transforming them into a “loaded baked potato” experience, complete with all the fixings and baked until bubbly. This dish pairs wonderfully with BBQ!
In my family, leftover stuffing is a highly coveted item, often leading to friendly squabbles over its disappearance from the fridge. But if you’re lucky enough to have leftover stuffing, or as we affectionately call it, Dressing, there are some fantastic ways to enjoy it once more!
Delicious Recipes for Leftover Stuffing:
- Deep Fried Cornbread Dressing Balls – Take Two Tapas brings us these irresistible Deep Fried Cornbread Dressing Balls, served with a vibrant Cranberry Dip. They are an ideal appetizer made from your holiday stuffing.
- Sourdough Stuffing Egg Casserole – From Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish, this casserole is a brilliant way to put your leftovers to good use. The stuffing infuses incredible flavor into this easy brunch dish, coming together with minimal effort.
- Leftover Stuffing Bacon Cups – West Via Midwest offers a creative solution to use up every last bit of your stuffing. Simply form bacon cups, spoon in the stuffing, and top with some cranberries and nuts for a delicious, bite-sized snack.
My Mom’s Cranberry Sauce – a vibrant blend with tantalizing hints of orange.
Innovative Recipes for Leftover Cranberries:
- Sugared Cranberries – As seen above, these little jewels are not only a delightful snack but also an elegant addition to any cheese or charcuterie board, adding a burst of festive color and flavor.
- Cranberry Centerpiece – While not a recipe, this idea shows you how to create a stunning and simple centerpiece using fresh cranberries, adding a touch of natural beauty to your holiday decor.
- Cranberry Orange Christmas Pound Cake – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish suggests freezing your leftover cranberry sauce to bake this absolutely delicious pound cake for Christmas, extending the holiday flavors.
- Baked Brie with Cranberries – Lemon Blossoms offers an impressive holiday appetizer: creamy brie and cranberries encased in flaky puff pastry, a show-stopping dish for any festive gathering.
- Honey Roasted Cranberry Ricotta Crostini – From Take Two Tapas, this recipe creates a festive crostini appetizer. Honey-roasted cranberries are drizzled over a creamy bed of orange-flecked ricotta cheese on a crispy baguette, perfect for any party.
- Roasted Cranberry Bourbon Crush – Another inventive idea from Take Two Tapas, this refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of cranberries and cranberry juice with caramel-hinted bourbon and bubbly lemon-lime soda.
After that luscious pecan pie has been thoroughly enjoyed, don’t let any leftover pecans go to waste! There are countless delightful ways to utilize them in new and exciting treats.
Sweet Recipes for Leftover Pecans:
- Graham Cracker Toffee – Pictured above, this toffee is incredibly easy to make and consistently one of the first treats to vanish from my holiday dessert trays. It’s absolutely perfect for any upcoming cookie exchange!
- Caramel Toffee & Pecan Fudge – This sweet and rich toffee fudge, made with creamy caramel and crunchy pecans, is a delightful addition to your holiday baking list, offering a luxurious bite.
- Toasted Pecans – Take Two Tapas shares the secret to making perfectly buttery toasted pecans (or any other type of nuts). These versatile nuts can then be used to enhance a wide variety of recipes and dishes.
- Sugared Pecans – Create these elegant sugared pecans to serve on cheese boards, or lovingly package them as thoughtful hostess gifts. They add a touch of gourmet sweetness to any occasion.
Once the pumpkin pie is a sweet memory, you might find yourself with leftover pumpkin puree. Don’t let it go to waste – repurpose this versatile ingredient into new, comforting creations!
Heartwarming Recipes for Leftover Canned Pumpkin:
- Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze – This might just be the most exquisite way to kickstart your day. A rich, spiced coffee cake topped with a decadent brown butter glaze, offering pure breakfast bliss.
- Pumpkin Pie Croissant Bundles – Easy-to-make croissants filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, pumpkin, and aromatic fall spices. This lower-calorie recipe skips added sugar, allowing you to enjoy those beloved fall flavors guilt-free.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Wontons – Take Two Tapas presents these crispy chocolate pumpkin wontons, filled with creamy pumpkin pie, sweet chocolate, topped with a maple sour cream glaze, and elegantly dusted with powdered sugar.
- Mini Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip – Soft and chewy spice cookies are served alongside a creamy bowl of pumpkin dip, creating a perfect combination for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy treat.
Ah, pie – truly my favorite of all desserts! My grandma always taught me the wisdom of having extra pie crust on hand, even if it was just for a simple sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. But with these recipes, you can get a little more creative and turn those leftover crusts into something truly special.
Delightful Leftover Pie Crust Recipes:
- Pumpkin Spice Swirls – Leftover Pie Crust Cookies – Pictured above, these charming little bites are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite warm beverage, offering a comforting and spiced treat.
- Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard Copycat – Recreate the beloved Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard at home! This copycat recipe features spiced apples, creamy vanilla ice cream, and crunchy cinnamon pie crust pieces for an authentic taste.
- Simple Pie Crust Cookies – An easy yet elegant idea: cut pie crust into fun shapes with cookie cutters, then dust them with your favorite flavored sugar for a quick, delightful snack.
- Pie Crust Cookies with Pecans and Whiskey Caramel Sauce – Take Two Tapas offers an elevated twist where pie crust is transformed into easy cookies, topped with a pecan, and decadently drizzled with a rich whiskey caramel sauce. A truly gourmet treat!
Pin This Entire Collection of Leftover Recipes!
With so many fantastic options, I sincerely hope you discover a few recipes that will inspire you to transform YOUR Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly fabulous! If you try any of these ideas, I would absolutely love to hear all about your culinary adventures.
Now, let’s circle back to our star, the Turkey Salad Sliders. Here’s the quick and easy recipe you’ve been waiting for!
Gobble ’til you wobble,
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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 4 votes)
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
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Spoon onto slider buns. Serve.