Thanksgiving leftovers are usually great, but with recipes like these, they’re practically gold. Picture a table where the only debate isn’t over who gets the last roll but who’s walking off with that last bit of cranberry magic. These 17 dishes aren’t just for the main event—they’re the kind you’ll be hiding in the back of the fridge to make sure you snag seconds. It’s the kind of Thanksgiving where leftovers are worth a strategy!
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
When chilly weather knocks, nothing beats a warm bowl to keep hands and hearts cozy. Imagine a blend of hearty vegetables whipped into a creamy consistency, perfect for dipping your favorite crusty bread. That’s what you get with Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. It’s a hug in a bowl, ideal for warming up after a day in the brisk outdoors, promising a comforting end to any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
Fasolakia Lathera
If you’re looking to bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your Thanksgiving table, look no further. Fasolakia Lathera, a staple Greek dish, combines green beans in a way that’s both light and rewarding. It’s an ode to simplicity, letting the natural flavors shine, making it a refreshing counterpart to the heavier holiday staples. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most heartwarming meals.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
For those who argue that side dishes steal the show, here’s something that stands stacks above the rest. Au Gratin Potato Stacks are not your everyday side; they bring elegance and rich flavors in bite-sized portions. Layered with creaminess and a golden-brown crust, they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something spectacular. Fight over them if you must, but ensure everyone gets a taste.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
On days when the cold seems unshakeable, a vibrant bowl of soup can work wonders. Red Pepper & Tomato Soup bursts onto the scene with its bright colors and smoother-than-velvet texture. It’s a concoction that not only warms but invigorates, serving as the perfect starter to awaken the senses for the feast ahead. Let this soup be a beacon of warmth, welcoming everyone to the table with its inviting aroma.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Imagine winding down a hearty meal with a drink that encapsulates the essence of Thanksgiving in a glass. Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned does just that, merging classic cocktail charm with the beloved flavors of apple pie. It’s a celebratory toast to traditions, old and new, making every sip a moment to reminisce and be thankful for. This drink doubles as a dessert, offering a sophisticated blend of comfort and joy.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Often overlooked, the humble beet green finds its moment to shine, proving that no part of the vegetable should go to waste. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta delivers a wonderful mix of slight bitterness balanced with the salty crispness of pancetta. It’s a side that speaks volumes, adding depth and a dash of color to your plate. This dish champions the idea of full utilization in the kitchen, wrapped up in a bundle of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Sunshine Salad
In the midst of autumn’s cozy embrace, it’s nice to have a dish that brings a bit of brightness to the table. Sunshine Salad is just that, a vibrant mix of flavors that feels like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. It’s a refreshing palette cleanser amongst heavier dishes, promising to keep spirits high and conversations lively. This salad proves that salads have a rightful place in Thanksgiving gatherings, offering a fresh counterbalance.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
End your evening on a smoky note with Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour, a cocktail that packs a punch and soothes the soul. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and sour, offering a sophisticated twist on classic flavors. This drink captures the essence of fall, combining the warmth of a fireside chat with the boldness of an adventurer. Sip slowly and enjoy the complexity of this modern classic, a fitting end to a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Wild Rice Salad
With textures that pop and flavors that sing, Wild Rice Salad is a celebration of harvest in a dish. It’s a testament to the beauty of grains and their ability to upgrade a meal from good to unforgettable. This salad brings an earthy foundation to the table, complementing traditional dishes with its unique profile. It’s not just a side; it’s a main event for those who appreciate the subtleties of well-cooked grains.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Who says a turkey needs to be roasted for hours to be delicious? Air Fryer Turkey Breast challenges traditional methods by delivering juiciness and flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s a godsend for those seeking to simplify their holiday cooking without sacrificing taste. This recipe is a reminder that innovation in the kitchen can lead to spectacular results, making it a top contender for leftovers everyone will want to claim.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Add a tangy twist to your table with Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon, a dish that marries tartness with the smoky sweetness of bacon. It’s a bold move away from the ordinary, offering a complex flavor profile that challenges and delights. This side dish dares to be different, standing out as a memorable companion to more traditional fare. It’s a conversation starter, proving that Thanksgiving is not just about the classics.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
upgrade your appetizer game with Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels, a sophisticated yet simple treat that guests won’t be able to resist. They’re a testament to the magic of flaky pastry combined with the rich flavors of prosciutto. Perfect for nibbling while the main event is being prepared, these pinwheels are a surefire hit for those looking for a bite of elegance. Savory and addictive, they set the stage for the feast to come.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Smoked Turkey Thighs
Move over traditional turkey; Smoked Turkey Thighs bring a whole new level of flavor to your holiday table. This dish is for those who crave the deep, rich tastes that only smoking can provide. It’s a game-changer, offering an alternative to the usual that’s both succulent and unforgettable. Choose this for a smoky twist on your Thanksgiving feast, and watch as it becomes the topic of conversation.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Thighs
Cider Sangria
For a refreshing take that combines autumn’s best flavors, Cider Sangria is a crowd-pleaser. It marries fruit and spice in a drink that’s both invigorating and comforting. This sangria variation is a clever nod to the season, ideal for sipping as you mingle and enjoy the company of loved ones. It’s proof that not all sangria is reserved for summer picnics, making a case for its place at the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria
Beef Wellington Bites
When elegance meets convenience, you get Beef Wellington Bites, a miniature version of the classic that promises none of the fuss but all of the flavor. Each bite is a journey through layers of taste, from the tender beef to the rich mushroom duxelles, all wrapped in a crisp pastry. It’s a luxurious addition to any holiday spread, offering a fine dining experience without the need to book a reservation.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
If comfort had a flavor, it would taste like Turkey Pot Pie Soup. This dish takes all the beloved components of its namesake and transforms them into a warming bowl of goodness. It’s the essence of Thanksgiving in a soup, providing a soothing meal that invites reflection and gratitude. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch the next day, this soup is a comforting reminder of holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Imagine crispy outside, soft inside, and all-around deliciousness. That’s what Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes offer, a side dish that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. It’s a modern twist on a Thanksgiving classic, proving that even the humble sweet potato can be transformed with the right technique. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear quickly and become a staple in future thanksgiving feasts.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes