Try as you might, theres a pretty good chance youll find yourself with Thanksgiving leftovers after the main meal has wrapped up. Rather than eating the same thing for days on end, why not get creative? One of the most versatile dishes you might be working with is stuffing. The herb-laden dish is a great base for plenty of meals, like bread pudding, waffles and more. Weve rounded up the best leftover stuffing recipes that help you make the most of it.
While theres nothing wrong with sitting down with a plate of stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans day after day, we cant blame you if it starts to get a little boring. Creative preparation methods like adding marinara sauce and ground beef to make meatballs, or adding in some cheese and other elements to make a cozy casserole, are easy ways to make your leftover stuffing feel like something you and your family are excited to eat.
This is a hearty, cozy way to use up your leftover stuffing. The addition of marinara sauce and ground beef creates a different flavor profile, so it wont feel like youre eating the same thing all over again.
How adorable are these muffins? Theyre made with baby kale and flavorful Gruyère. You can top them with a fried egg for an easy, satisfying breakfast or snack.
The holidays are a time for enjoying delicious food and spending quality time with loved ones. After the big turkey dinner, chances are you’ll have leftovers, including the stuffing. Instead of eating the same leftovers day after day, get creative with that leftover stuffing!
Here are 17 fun ways to transform leftover turkey stuffing into tasty new dishes
1. Stuffing Casserole
One of the easiest ways to use up leftover stuffing is to bake it into a hearty casserole. Simply combine the stuffing with cooked turkey or chicken, vegetables, broth or cream soup, and cheese. Top with breadcrumbs or fried onions and bake until bubbly and browned.
2. Stuffing Muffins
Jazz up your leftover stuffing by baking it into savory muffins Combine stuffing with shredded cheese, vegetables, and eggs. Scoop the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for a handy on-the-go snack
3. Stuffing Waffles
Leftover stuffing also makes a great addition to waffle batter. Fold cooked stuffing into the batter along with eggs, milk, and spices like sage. Cook the stuffing waffles and top with maple syrup or gravy for a sweet and savory breakfast.
4. Stuffing Bread or Biscuits
For a unique twist, bake leftover stuffing into the batter for homemade bread, biscuits, or muffins. The stuffing adds great texture and flavor to homemade baked goods.
5. Stuffing Meatballs
Ground turkey or beef cooked into meatballs along with some leftover stuffing, cheese, and spices makes for a delicious appetizer or main course.
6. Stuffed Peppers
Scoop cooked stuffing into hollowed bell peppers and top with tomato sauce and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
7. Stuffing Egg Rolls
Get creative with egg roll wrappers! Fill them with leftover stuffing and veggies for handheld hot pockets. Fry or bake the egg rolls until the wrappers are crispy.
8. Stuffing Balls
Simply form leftover stuffing into bite-sized balls, roll in bread crumbs, and bake or fry until golden brown. Enjoy as a side, app or snack.
9. Stuffing Dumplings
Place spoonfuls of stuffing into dumpling dough. Boil, steam, or bake the dumplings until the dough is cooked through. The stuffing adds great flavor!
10. Stuffing Hash
Cook leftover stuffing with potatoes, veggies, meat and spices for a hearty stuffing hash. Top with eggs for breakfast or enjoy on its own for dinner.
11. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Bake acorn squash halves and scoop out the flesh. Mix with stuffing and fill the shells for a seasonal vegetarian entree.
12. Stuffing Shepherd’s Pie
Layer leftover stuffing along with turkey and veggies in a casserole dish. Top with leftover mashed potatoes and bake for a comforting shepherd’s pie.
13. Stuffing Pizza
Spread stuffing over a pre-baked pizza crust. Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella and any other favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is bubbly for a creative pizza.
14. Stuffing Patties
Bind leftover stuffing together with eggs and flour to form savory patties. Cook the patties on the stovetop like crab cakes for a fun side dish.
15. Stuffing Quesadillas
Jazz up quesadillas by filling a tortilla with cheddar cheese, stuffing, and other tasty fillings like turkey, salsa or veggies. Grill the quesadilla until the cheese melts.
16. Stuffing Strata
This breakfast casserole bakes layers of torn bread, stuffing, cheese, eggs, and sausage into a creamy, hearty dish.
17. Stuffing Arancini
Arancini are fried risotto balls that are coated in breadcrumbs. Make your own version stuffed with stuffing! The stuffing adds great texture and flavor.
Those are just a few of the many creative possibilities when it comes to using up leftover stuffing. With a little imagination, you can give boring old stuffing new life in a variety of dishes. Next time you have extra stuffing on hand, try incorporating it into breakfast, apps, sides, casseroles, baked goods, and more. Your taste buds will thank you.
Meatball Heroes from Leftover Stuffing Recipe
Thursdays stuffing can become game day sandwiches. Pile these creative meatballs onto hero rolls and top them with plenty of melty cheese and extra sauce.
Get the Meatball Heroes from Leftover Stuffing recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Its stuffing for breakfast! Our dream come true.
Get the Leftover Stuffing Waffles recipe.
Giant Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich
This huge Thanksgiving sandwich brings together all the classics: stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and of course, turkey.
Get the Giant Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich recipe from Delish. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
These mushrooms packed with stuffing and cream cheese make a perfect appetizer or snack.
Get the Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Leftover stuffing gets repurposed into crunchy croutons in this ultimate post-Thanksgiving salad. Genius!
Get the Leftover Thanksgiving Salad recipe from Delish. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
This one fulfills your Taco Bell craving and uses up all your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Get the Thanksgiving Crunchwrap recipe from Delish.
If youre looking for a tried-and-true classic the day after Thanksgiving, you can never go wrong with a leftover turkey sandwich.
Get the Thanksgiving Sandwich recipe from Delish. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Top potato chips with leftover stuffing — along with cheese and shredded turkey — for the perfect post-Turkey Day party app.
Get the Friendsgiving Nachos recipe from Delish.
What To Do With Leftover Stuffing
FAQ
What can you do with leftover turkey and stuffing?
- Spread the stuffing in an even layer in a prepared baking dish.
- Mix the turkey, vegetables, and mayonnaise together. Spread over the stuffing.
- Mix the potatoes and cheese together. Spread over the turkey mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is heated through.
How long is leftover turkey stuffing good for?
Is leftover stuffing safe? Stuffing or dressing would stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days after cooking if stored properly in the fridge. Alternatively, you can store it in the freezer for up to a month.
What can I make out of stuffing?
- Stuffin’ Muffins. …
- Red Onion and Cheddar Bread Pudding. …
- Meatball Heroes from Leftover Stuffing Recipe. …
- Leftover Stuffing Waffles. …
- Ham, Cheddar, and Red Onion Bread Pudding. …
- Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole. …
- Leftover Stuffing Waffles. …
- Chicken Stuffing Casserole.