Hosting Thanksgiving is all about food & family, but after everyone’s stuffed and the family goes off to their own homes, you get the gift of a fridge that’s ready to burst. It can feel a little overwhelming to figure out what to do with it all, and you might be tempted to just pile everything back on the next day's dinner plate like Thanksgiving Part 2, but we can be a little more creative than that. If you ask me, leftovers can be an opportunity to get creative and turn them into something that feels -- and tastes -- completely different.

One of my favorite parts? Getting the kids in on it. Montessori ideas say kids learn best by doing, and honestly, what better way to teach them about cutting down on waste than letting them help out in the kitchen? They can sort ingredients, measure stuff out, and come up with fun ways to reuse everything. It’s a nice mix of cooking and learning about sustainability. Plus, it gives them some hands-on independence, all while you’re making sure not a single bit of that Thanksgiving spread goes to waste.

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Before you start whipping up those leftover creations, it’s good to remember a couple things about food safety. Leftovers are usually good for about 3-4 days in the fridge, so you’ll want to eat them up or toss 'em in the freezer for later. If you go the freezing route, stuff like turkey, gravy, and sides can last up to three months—but, do yourself a favor and store everything separately. That way, you keep the flavors fresh and make reheating a lot easier. For example, keeping the turkey and gravy apart means your turkey won’t end up all soggy.

Thanksgiving’s basically the day for stuffing yourself, but with leftovers, it’s a good time to dial it back and get into some more balanced meals. You can turn those leftovers into smaller, well-portioned dishes that let you still enjoy the holiday flavors without overdoing it. A good tip is to pack everything into single-meal portions so you’ve got easy lunches or quick dinners for the week. Staying organized like this not only saves time but also cuts down on waste.

You better believe it -- you can easily turn the extra turkey into new meals. 

Simmer turkey bones in water with onion, garlic, and herbs. Once you’ve got a flavorful broth, throw in any leftover veggies and grains you’ve got around — maybe try some quinoa, celery, rice, or carrots. Turkey soup is hearty, low-effort, and perfect for those chilly November days. The best part? You can freeze portions of the soup for later, which comes in clutch when you need a quick, comforting meal on a busy day (and, honestly, most days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are very, very busy).

Grab the forks and shred that leftover turkey, hit it with some taco seasoning, and toss it in a skillet with spices to give it a whole new flavor. Serve it up with tortillas, salsa, and whatever fresh veggies you’ve got — avocado or lettuce are great. If your kids are like mine, they'll love assembling their own tacos, and it’s a fun way to make a meal that feels like a total change.

For something a little lighter, chop up turkey and mix it with some mayo or Greek yogurt, then toss in celery and dried cranberries. This turkey salad is perfect in sandwiches or thrown over some greens for a quick, easy lunch. It’s a nice break from all the heavier holiday food, and the cranberries add a little festive sweetness without being too much.

Instead of trying to eat a mound of microwaved potatoes, you can easily turn them into new meals that are just as satisfying as the big Thanksgiving feast. 

Mix the mash with a bit of flour, a couple of eggs, and whatever seasonings you prefer. Fry them (you don't need a basket fryer -- a hot skillet with some oil works) until the outside turns golden and crispy. Serve these babies with sour cream for a classic touch, or switch things up with applesauce for a sweet twist. They’re a great option for a snack if you need one, or you can eat them instead of regular pancakes for breakfast.

Want something cozy but feeling lazy? Layer mashed potatoes in a bowl with leftover stuffing, turkey, and a little gravy on top. You’ve got yourself a mini Thanksgiving meal in one bite—only it's way to prepare. Add some leftover veggies too, if you feel like rounding out the dish. When you need a warm, filling meal without much effort, this is a good weeknight last-minuter.

The perfect topping for shepherd’s pie is mashed potatoes. Layer leftover meat or veggies in a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Pop it in the oven until it’s bubbly and hot. You've just taken random leftovers and turned them into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels a lot more put-together than it really is.

Leftovers will only last you for a little while. If you need help with the rest of the year’s meals, my  Mealtime Guides  are a great resource for families looking to make healthy, sustainable choices at every meal. These guides provide practical tips on portion sizes, balanced meals, and even ways to introduce more fruits and veggies into your family's diet. 

With advice tailored for each age group, the Mealtime Guides help you plan meals that make the most of what you have, while teaching kids to appreciate both good food and the environment around them.

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving might be stuffing, but you don’t need to limit it to just one meal. There are a lot of ways to keep things fun by reusing it.

For crispy, golden waffles, press leftover stuffing into a waffle iron. They’re especially great for breakfast if you top them with gravy or a fried egg. Breakfast turns into something a bit more savory and different as the stuffing takes on a new texture—fun and crispy.

Hollow out some mushrooms if you’ve got them lying around, and stuff them with leftover stuffing. Pop them in the oven until the stuffing crisps up on top and the mushrooms become tender. For family movie nights or even holiday weekend parties, they’re a perfect snack or appetizer when you want something simple and tasty.

For a savory breakfast casserole, mix your leftover stuffing with cheese and eggs. Add in leftover veggies or turkey for more flavor. Once everything is baked and set, you’ve got an easy meal perfect for brunch or a lazy weekend morning. In one go, it’s a solid way to use up other leftovers too.

Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be where the fun stops—desserts can keep things rolling. Take leftover pie and cranberry sauce, and turn them into sweet treats that feel new again with these ideas.

When I hear "layers of dessert" I think of one thing: parfaits. Layers of yogurt, cranberry sauce and granola make a for a simple and healthy parfait. This snack, which also works for breakfast, gets a nice balance from the tart cranberries. This is another one that the kids can chip in with by layering their parfaits in fun colors or unexpected ways.

How many pies are too many for Thanksgiving? You have so many traditional varieties to choose from so you might have been tempted to just make 'em all. But now that the holiday's over, you probably have pumpkin, apple and more pies left to contend with. Pop it in the blender with ice cream and some milk (or your favorite nondairy substitute) for a fun milkshake. All the classic Thanksgiving flavors come together in this creamy treat. Dessert feels more exciting, and the kids will love it.

For a more portable snack, mix that leftover cranberry sauce into an oatmeal bar recipe. The sweetness of the oats mixes perfectly with the tart cranberry, making these bars great for school lunches or grabbing on the go. This is a fun twist on a classic oat bar and a great way to keep enjoying holiday flavors a little longer.

Assign easy jobs like mashing up some leftover potatoes for pancakes or stirring the turkey soup. They’ll feel like they’re actually helping out, and it makes everything go quicker. Plus, it’s a good way to spend time together.

Set up a "leftover buffet" and let them create their own meals. Lay out the mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, turkey—whatever’s left—and they can make mashed potato bowls or turkey tacos. Their creativity shines, and it gives them a little control.

Cooking together teaches useful skills like planning, figuring out how to work as a team, and measuring. It’s a great way to show them how to reuse food instead of letting it go to waste. Honestly, even if it gets a bit messy, the kitchen becomes a place for some good memories.

Thanksgiving leftovers offer a fun opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. You can turn turkey into tacos or stuffing into waffles, giving everyone a fresh way to enjoy the holiday flavors. Involving kids in these simple recipes also teaches them how to reduce waste and take part in family meals.

Take the time to enjoy cooking with your little ones, letting them help with tasks like stirring the soup or assembling their own mashed potato bowls. It’s a chance to build life skills while making new memories. As a mother and a pediatrician, I understand how important family time is, and how exciting times like the holidays can remind us how the simple things – like cooking with leftovers – can help us build memories that last our lifetimes. 

If getting a long lifetime out of your dishware sounds appealing, I encourage you to take a look at some of our stainless steel dishware, like the Mindful Mealtime set. I bet you’ll find something you and your family will use and enjoy for years to come.