Turkey Remix: Delicious Ways to Reimagine Your Leftovers

What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers: Delicious and Creative Ideas

Thanksgiving leaves us full of gratitude… and food. The leftovers from the feast are the perfect opportunity to enjoy those festive flavors in new and exciting ways. If you’re wondering what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers, here are some creative ideas with a Puerto Rican twist.

1. Gourmet Turkey Sandwiches

Transform leftover turkey into a spectacular sandwich. Use rustic or criollo bread, add shredded turkey, gravy, stuffing, and a bit of cranberry sauce. For a Puerto Rican touch, include slices of sweet plantain or queso del país (local cheese) and heat it on the grill.

2. Comforting Turkey Soup

Make a homemade broth with the turkey bones. Add leftover turkey, and root vegetables like yautía, malanga, or sweet potato, and season with sofrito, garlic, and culantro. Perfect for those rainy November days.

3. Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Tacos

Fill flour tortillas with shredded turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Add a local twist with spicy mayo or mayo-ketchup and garnish with pickled onions.

4. Turkey and Mashed Potato Croquettes

Mix leftover turkey and mashed potatoes to form croquettes. Dip them in egg and breadcrumbs, then fry until golden. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.

5. Fresh Salads with a Festive Twist

Create a salad with shredded turkey, mixed greens, walnuts, roasted sweet potato chunks, and a bit of cranberry sauce as a dressing. Light, fresh, and flavorful.

6. Turkey Empanadas

Fill empanada dough discs with turkey, veggies, and a bit of gravy. Fry or bake them for an easy and tasty snack.

7. Leftover Casserole

Combine turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and gravy in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with butter, then bake until golden. It’s an easy option for a family lunch.

8. Thanksgiving Pizza

Use a pizza crust, spread gravy instead of tomato sauce, and top with turkey, stuffing, mozzarella cheese, and a bit of cranberry sauce. Bake and enjoy a festive and unique pizza.

9. Leftovers Bowl

Assemble a bowl with turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. A practical and delicious option for a quick lunch.

10. Freeze Leftovers for Later

If you have too many leftovers, portion and freeze them. Turkey, stuffing, and gravy freeze well, and you can use them in other recipes over the coming weeks.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Leftovers

• Refrigerate quickly: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours to prevent spoilage.
• Incorporate local flavors: Add a Puerto Rican twist with ingredients like culantro, hot sauce, or plantains.
• Plan your meals: Organize leftovers into portions and decide which recipes to prepare during the week.

With these ideas, your Thanksgiving leftovers can become new, delicious culinary creations. Make the most of every bite and give your feast a flavorful second life!