13 Clever Recipes That Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Taste Brand New

Got leftover turkey or ham and looking for some tasty ideas? These easy recipes will help you turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious meals the whole family will love. From hearty soups to cheesy pizzas, you’ll find plenty of new favorites to enjoy while making the most of those leftovers!

Table of Contents

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza

Oval pizza topped with orange squash pieces, green beans, turkey, pecans and cheese, on foil. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a fun and easy pizza! Top your pizza crust with leftover turkey, ham, and cranberry sauce for a holiday twist on a family favorite. This recipe uses an herbed olive oil instead of a red sauce base, which feels a little fancy but is still easy to make. Perfect for repurposing those leftovers into something everyone will love. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Corn Chowder (For Turkey!)

A wide view of chicken corn chowder in a bowl being scooped by a spoon. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This creamy, comforting soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey!. Turn leftover turkey into a cozy, comforting chowder, just swap chicken for turkey. You can also use ham in place of turkey. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Cranberry vinaigrette dressing on a table with salad and other salad topping ingredients. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Use up your leftover cranberry sauce to create this tangy Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing! It’s a great way to add a festive twist to salads, and the sweetness from the cranberry perfectly complements any leftover turkey or ham, which you can throw on the salad too. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup (For Turkey!)

Wide view of inside a slow cooker close up full of chicken noodle soup with big chicken pieces, egg noodles, carrots, peas and corn. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Use leftover turkey in place of chicken to make this easy, hearty Chicken Noodle Soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food, so fast to make, and a great way to repurpose those holiday leftovers in a warm, flavorful dish. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

One Pot Creamy Chicken & Rice (Use Turkey!)

Wide view of creamy chicken and rice in the pan from overhead with a wooden spoon stirring. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This creamy one-pot dish is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey while making a simple, satisfying dinner. With tender rice and a rich sauce, it’s an easy weeknight meal that saves time and reduces those holiday leftovers in a new way! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Creamy Cheesy Calzone

Wide view of chicken, cheese and spinach calzones cut in half to see the filling stacked on a plate. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Stuff leftover turkey or ham into a golden, cheesy Chicken Calzone in place of the chicken for a handheld meal the whole family will love! It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into a fun dish that’s both tasty and filling. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Tortilla Soup (For Turkey!)

A bowl of chicken tortilla soup topped with shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, lime wedge, and a dollop of sour cream, with a spoon inside with other bowls of ingredients on the counter nearby. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Transform your leftover turkey into a flavorful Tortilla Soup that’s packed with veggies and flavor, just swap turkey for chicken. This hearty soup is perfect for using up leftovers and will keep everyone coming back for more. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Fried Rice

Fried Rice is the perfect recipe to give new life to leftover turkey or ham! With veggies and savory soy sauce, this dish comes together quickly and is a great way to clear out the fridge after the holiday feast. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

Wide view close-up of ham and cheese pinwheel rolls topped with sesame and poppy seeds close up in the pan. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Turn leftover ham into these savory Ham & Cheese Pinwheels! With melted cheese and ham wrapped in a soft tortilla, these pinwheels are great for an easy quick meal or party snack. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili (For Turkey!)

Overhead wide view of creamy chicken chilli soup with corn in a slow cooker from above with a ladle close up. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Use leftover turkey in this creamy, comforting Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili! Packed with beans and topped with cheese, this chili is easy to make and is a perfect use for that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe With Ham

Wide view of the top of a bowl filled with potato soup and topped with bacon — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Leftover ham makes this potato soup recipe extra delicious! This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and a great way to use up your holiday ham. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIP E

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders (For Turkey!)

Three chicken bacon ranch sliders gooey on a aluminum foil lined pan from the side. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Turn leftover turkey into these irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders! With crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and tender turkey, these sliders are a fun way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Cavatappi Mac and Cheese with Ham

A wide view of a casserole dish with baked cavatappi macaroni and cheese mixed with ham, partially scooped out to reveal the creamy interior texture. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Leftover ham is the perfect addition to this creamy Cavatappi Mac and Cheese! This easy dish is full of cheesy goodness and is a great way to use up both your ham and pasta leftovers. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE