Leftover Stuffing Recipes: 16 Great Ideas (2024)

Comethe season of holiday feasts stuffing is a turkey’s sidekick. No matter how much you stuff that turkey, there just always seems to be a heaping mound of leftovers. Stuffing is delicious, flavorful and aromatic – but day after day of it? Yeah, that gets old real fast. Keep food boredom at bay by taking the leftover stuffing and recreating how you serve it, for an entire week! No waste, no complaints of the same thing served over and over. With these reinvented leftover stuffing recipes, you can keep meals hot and fresh (in taste and in style) so much so – you’ll forget they were leftovers at all.

1. Breakfast Stuffing Cakes

It makes the most sense to start with a breakfast idea, as the first meal after a turkey dinner is this one. Served with a side of bacon and a freshly cracked fried egg, it’s a great way to keep on loving those savory flavors right into the morning.

The flavors of this recipe are so rich and savory, it’s most definitely going to be a next-day hit. If you have holiday overnight guests this is a surprising and impressive way to continue to host them into the morning.

http://www.wellplated.com/leftover-stuffing-recipe-stuffing-cakes/ Photo by: Well Plated

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2. Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup

Making dumplings out of stuffing? Genius. Making a soup from both turkey and stuffing leftovers? The perfect next-day comfort food.

A soup made from leftovers is also relatively smart for the days following a holiday feast. After all that heavy food, sometimes your stomach may need a little break with a relaxing soup that’s a little easier to digest.

http://www.katiescucina.com/2013/12/turkey-stuffing-dumpling-soup/ Photo by: Katie’s Cucina

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3. Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Balls

The perfect appetizer and snack that will take little to no effort to make, but aims to please those palates!

Incredibly simple in concept, these bite-sized snacks will be a popular appetizer without being too reminiscent of a holiday feast. Why is that exactly? Well, the bacon overpowers with it’s succulent and salty taste, so that stuffing is merely a compliment to the whole mouth-full.

http://whoneedsacape.com/2016/10/bacon-wrapped-stuffing-bites/ Photo by: Who Needs A Cape?

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4. Leftover Casserole

Casseroles are a life essential. Why? Because all the prep is done in advance, meaning nobody needs to stand by the stove AND…you can freeze it to use at a later date.

Not looking to have the same type of meal with leftovers this week? Freeze a casserole and rock it next month!

http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/thanksgiving-leftover-casserole/ Photo by: Fav Family Recipes

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5. Leftover Sandwich

This takes your stuffing, and all it’s best buddies and makes it into a gorgeous sandwich that you can feel good about eatingafter the holidays.

This rings especially true when creating lunches that you and your family can take along for the following week. It’s much easier than sending knives and forks to devour a leftover feast anyhow.

http://www.andiemitchell.com/lighter-thanksgiving-leftover-sandwich-turkey-cranberry-sauce-recipe/ Photo by: Andie Mitchell

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6. Stuffing Muffins

Let’s just call these STUFFINS! These leftover muffins look a little like cupcakes – but that’s not frosting you see on top, that’s mashed potatoes. YUM.

Using your leftovers in a collaboration like this is a glorious way to distract from that fact that you’re serving…well, leftovers. I mean, looking at these muffins – nobody is going to complain about them. They’re just going to devour them. Mission accomplished.

http://www.courtneyssweets.com/leftover-stuffing-muffins/ Photo by: Courtney’s Sweets

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7. Stuffed Squash

Spaghetti squash is my favorite squash for one main reason – it’s easy to serve in boat form, filled with delicious things and then baked to perfection. Since it all comes apart delicately with a fork, it’s easy to eat and will be an entirely new take on the leftovers.

Squash is also in its season during the fall and winter months, making this recipe likely pretty budget friendly too. It’s a different flavor spin on the meal you’ve already enjoyed once, so you’re not likely to have any problems with this “repeat” of meals.

http://www.thebrooklyncook.com/thanksgiving-stuffed-spaghetti-squash/ Photo by: The Brooklyn Cook

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8. Mozzarella Stuffing Balls

Cubes of cheese encased in stuffing then rolled in panko and fried to perfection. These are something you’re going to be SAVING stuffing for, forget accidental leftovers. Plan for these. Make all the stuffing!

Serve this appetizer up and watch everyone lose their minds when they bite into this gooey, melty, savory delight.

http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/mozzarella-stuffing-balls/ Photo by: Mrs Happy Homemaker

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9. Stuffing Stuffed Peppers

What to do with leftover turkey stuffing? Stuff it in something new! Peppers make a great little carrier for this – and brings a whole new flavor element to reinvent the leftovers.

Serve alongside a protein of choice, or add the protein right into the peppers, too. This is definitely a way to renew your love for stuffing without overdoing it (especially if you’re on day 3 or 4 of leftovers).

http://blessherheartyall.com/thanksgiving-leftovers-stuffed-bell-peppers Photo by: Bless Her Heart Y’all

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10. Stuffing Waffles

The easiest fool-proof way to eat up that stuffing is by wafflefying them. It only takes a few ingredients added to the already-amazing leftover stuffing, and you’ve got yourself a whole new plate.

Eat these with your other leftovers right on top, as-is, or maybe with a freshly cracked fried egg and some gravy. However you do it, this is a must try.

http://www.justataste.com/thanksgiving-leftover-stuffing-waffles-recipe/ Photo by: Just A Taste

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11. Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls & Cranberry Dipping Sauce

Who doesn’t love eggs rolls with their Chinese take out? They’re absolutely delicious, and can be equally as good when they’re given a Thanksgiving or Christmas makeover!

Instead of plum sauce, try creating this memorable cranberry dipping sauce that will make your leftovers taste like high quality take out.

https://www.cakenknife.com/thanksgiving-leftover-stuffed-egg-rolls/ Photos and Recipe By: Cake N Knife

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12. Thanksgiving Pizza

As if we needed one more way to make pizza! But when something is as legendary and delicious as pizza, you have to switch things up and see how many ways it can be enjoyed.

This pizza helps you use the leftover stuffing as an excellent pizza topping. The more carbs, the better!

https://www.thegunnysack.com/thanksgiving-pizza/ Photos and Recipe By: The Gunny Sack

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13. Creamy Turkey Casserole

Have a friend who didn’t have a great holiday season? Or maybe you know someone who has lost a loved one? Creating a home-cooked casserole packed with their favorite holiday foods will warm their hearts and help them feel a little less alone when they are feeling down.

Spread the holiday cheer and food with this creamy turkey casserole. It’s not only going to be received well but thoroughly enjoyed.

https://cutefetti.com/2014/12/holiday-leftovers-creamy-turkey-casserole.html?crlt.pid=camp.4X51jmS9dnUn Photos and Recipe By: Cutefetti

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14. TurkeyAnd Stuffing Meatloaf

Meatloaf just got significantly more scrumptious! You can create one memorable meatloaf that your family will absolutely love with the turkey dinner leftovers that are in your fridge.

Serve it up with some cranberry sauce on the side for a dash of sweet flavor in this savory meal.

http://12tomatoes.com/turkey-stuffing-meatloaf/?utm_source=glp-&utm_medium=social-pin&utm_content=Link&utm_term=&utm_campaign=turkey-stuffing-meatloaf Photos and Recipe By: 12 Tomatoes

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15. Turkey Poutine

We are always looking for different excuses to enjoy a good poutine, and when there are turkey dinner leftovers, it’s the perfect reason to whip up a unique poutine that everyone can get on board for.

Instead of cheese curds, try out some turkey and stuffing drizzled with homemade turkey gravy. Mmmm….

https://www.rockrecipes.com/turkey-poutine/ Photos and Recipe By: Rock Recipes

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16.Stuffins

You can prepare this recipe for a big holiday dinner but it’ll work great for leftovers too! To create this recipe skip the stovetop steps and go straight to preparing them for the muffin tin.

An egg will help the leftover stuffing to bind together and in no time you’ll have yourself perfectstuffins.Enjoy them with dinner or pack them for lunches.

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/stuffins-stuffing-muffins/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE:FORKLY

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17. Turkey, Stuffing, And Cranberry Quesadilla

Enjoy a warm delicious quesadilla that uses your holiday leftovers! For this recipe, not only will you have an opportunity to use your leftover stuffing, but also your turkey and cranberry sauce too!

Aside from your leftovers, you’ll also need flour tortillas and shredded cheese. These take only a few minutes to put together which means you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner in no time.

https://www.dealsplus.com/blog/turkey-stuffing-cranberry-quesadilla/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DEALS PLUS

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18. Thanksgiving Turkey And Waffles Sandwich

Why not combine two recipes into one delicious bite? This recipe takes the idea of a leftover sandwich and combines it with leftover stuffing waffles.

To begin you’ll start by following the waffle recipe. For this, you’ll use leftover stuffing and chicken broth. Combining the eggs will help bind everything together, and once the waffles are cooked you can assemble your sandwich using the rest of your leftovers such as turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

https://realfoodbydad.com/turkey-and-waffles-thats-waffled-stuffing/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: REAL FOOD BY DAD

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19. Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Burritos With Spicy Cranberry Salsa

Enjoya untraditionalburrito using your leftover stuffing. These burrito bowls can come together in under 30 minutes!

Start with store-bought burrito bowls such as the Old El Paso Stand n’ Stuff Flour Tortillas. Then fill the bowls with your leftover stuffing and turkey and then add shredded cheese. You’ll also be provided with a delicious cranberry sauce salsa recipe that reinvents your leftover cranberry sauce.

http://sarahscucinabella.com/2013/11/20/cheesy-turkey-stuffing-burritos/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SARAH’S CUCINA BELLA

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20. Stuffing Baked Eggs

Combine a delicious baked egg with your leftover stuffing for an exciting wholesome breakfast. This recipe is so easy you have to try it!

You’ll begin by reheating the leftover stuffing in the oven until it’s reached a golden perfection. You’ll then add a cracked egg into each bowl and bake again until the eggs have set around the edges. Considering this meal requires minimal effort you could even make this on a busy weekday morning.

https://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2015/11/stuffing-baked-eggs-recipe PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: KITCHEN KONFIDENCE

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21. Leftover Stuffing And Chorizo Egg Cups

Searching for exciting breakfast ideas? Look no further and try these leftover stuffing and chorizo egg cups. In addition to leftover stuffing, for this recipe, you’ll need Spanish chorizo, onion, and eggs.

Before assembling your egg cups, you’ll want to saute the chorizo and onion in a skillet. Once the onions are softened you’ll add the leftover stuffing and cook for a few more minutes. Then using your handy dandy muffin tin you’ll create the perfect single-sized servings.

https://unihomemaker.com/2013/12/03/leftover-stuffing-and-chorizo-egg-cups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: UNI HOMEMAKER

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22. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

When I think about chicken cordon bleu I often think of a fancy meal that requires a lot of work. Fortunately, this recipe transforms your leftover stuffing into a meal that will taste as if it came straight from a restaurant.

Additionally, this is a casserole recipe and this means it’s not onlyeasybut it can feed the whole family. Combine chicken, ham, cheese, broccoli florets, and your leftover stuffing into a casserole dish to create a new family favorite.

https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SIX SISTERS STUFF

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23. Thanksgiving Shepard’s Pie With Stuffing Crust

Enjoy a delicious Shepard’s pie with your family with the convenience of using holiday leftovers. This Shepard’s pie utilizes your leftover stuffing for the perfect pie crust.

The filling is made up of leftover turkey, carrot, dried cranberries, and a few other ingredients. If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes from your holiday dinner follow the recipe to create a delicious cloud-like topping.

https://pastrychefonline.com/thanksgiving-shepherds-pie-with-stuffing-crust/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PASTRY CHEF ONLINE

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24. Leftover Stuffing And Turkey Croquettes

Croquettes are delicious crunchy fried bites that can be filled with an array of different kinds of foods. Here, you’ll use your leftover stuffing and turkey and turn them into a delightful bite. Enjoy them for a light dinner or share with friends for a tasty snack.

This croquette recipe isvery easyto follow andperfectlyutilizes your leftovers. With just a few other simple ingredients you’ll have these whipped up in no time.

http://www.justalittlebitofbacon.com/leftover-turkey-stuffing-croquettes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: JUST A LITTLE BIT OF BACON

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25. Turkey, Stuffing, And Cranberry Sausage Rolls

These may look similar to the leftover stuffing egg roll recipe but I assure you they’re different. If you love sweet and savory then you’ll love these because they’re the best of both worlds!

In addition to your leftover stuffing, turkey and cranberry sauce, all you’ll need is frozen puff pastry and an egg. You’ll combine your leftovers until they resemble the consistency of meat. Fill the pastry, roll up into little sausages and bake to a golden perfection. They’re crunchy and flaky on the outside and soft and tasty on the inside!

https://culinaryginger.com/turkey-stuffing-and-cranberry-sausage/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CULINARY GINGER

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26. Leftover Stuffing Breakfast Casserole

Last but surely not least, you could use your leftover stuffing to creating this exciting breakfast casserole. It’s easy to put together and can feed your entire family.

Better yet, you can bake this the night before and reheat in the morning – perfect for busy weekday mornings! You’ll need just 4 ingredients for this recipe; leftover stuffing, eggs, milk, and grated cheese. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

https://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/leftover-stuffing-breakfast-casserole/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SWEET AND SAVORY BY SHINEE

Leftover Stuffing Recipes: 16 Great Ideas (2024)

FAQs

How to use leftovers creatively? ›

Creative Leftover Ideas for Common Ingredients:

Leftover cooked meats can be incorporated into sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes, while meat scraps can be #repurposed into flavorful stews or tacos. Leftover rice and pasta can be transformed into flavorful fried rice or baked pasta dishes.

How long is leftover stuffing good for in the fridge? ›

Do not refrigerate uncooked stuffing. If stuffing is prepared ahead of time, it must be either frozen or cooked immediately. To use cooked stuffing later, cool in shallow containers and refrigerate it within 2 hours. Use it within 3 to 4 days.

Is it better to freeze stuffing, cooked or uncooked? ›

It is safe to freeze uncooked stuffing; however, the ingredients must be combined, put into a shallow container, and frozen immediately. To use it, do not thaw before cooking. Cook from the frozen state until the stuffing reaches 165°F.

In what did recipes did people originally use stuffing? ›

So how far back can we find stuffing used in cooking? Some time between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, a chef by the name of Apicius created a cookbook entitled, “Apicius de re Coquinaria.” In its pages are recipes for stuffed chicken, rabbit, pig, and even dormouse.

How do I make my leftovers more exciting? ›

By reimagining leftovers into new meals, you can make them a little more exciting and even have some fun in the process. Depending on the original taste and seasoning of your leftover meal, you can add leftover meat, vegetables, or seafood to a new creation such as fried rice, pasta, casseroles, tacos, or soup.

What is the best thing to do with the leftover ingredients? ›

Reinvent them. Get creative in the kitchen. Leftover vegetables are easily combined or baked into new dishes. Reinvent grains and meats into fried rice, hash, scrambles, and soups.

Is week old stuffing OK to eat? ›

Stuffing/dressing: If stored properly in the fridge, stuffing or dressing is good to eat up to three to four days after you cooked it. But it'll last about a month in the freezer.

How do you revive leftover stuffing? ›

Bring the baked stuffing to room temperature so that it will reheat evenly (about 30 minutes). Preheat the oven to 350 F and warm the dish covered for 30 to 40 minutes, until it is heated through. To recreate the crispy top found in freshly-baked stuffing, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of the baking time.

Can you eat leftover stuffing? ›

The Best Method: Stovetop. Here's the thing about using a pan, a little butter, and some broth to reheat stuffing: it makes it taste even better than it did the day it was made. The bread gets crisped by the hot pan and the broth helps soften the stuffing that has otherwise absorbed a lot of its original moisture.

Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes? ›

Yes you can. You can freeze mashed potatoes made with plenty of butter and cream, and then reheat them on the big day using one of four methods. Here's how to ace the time management portion of prepping your thanksgiving dinner.

Can you freeze stuffing after it's made? ›

Like we said, you can also freeze stuffing after it's baked. This option is better for freezing leftovers rather than prepping ahead. If you happened to make too much stuffing, you can portion the leftovers into food storage containers and pop in the freezer to enjoy during the days to come.

Why can't you make stuffing ahead of time? ›

Make-ahead stuffing can be prepared and stored in the freezer or refrigerator. "Make-ahead stuffing freezes well and can be made as much as two months early if stored in the freezer properly," Tiner says. "Stuffing that is made ahead and only refrigerated should be used within seven days."

What do southerners call stuffing? ›

But for the Thanksgiving side dish in the South, the term dressing was adopted in place of stuffing, which was viewed as a crude term, during the Victorian era. Although dressing and stuffing are interchangeable terms, the signature ingredient of this Thanksgiving side dish in the South is cornbread.

Is stuffing the same as dressing black people? ›

The stuffing mixture may be cooked separately and served as a side dish, in which case it may still be called 'stuffing', or in some regions, such as the Southern US, 'dressing'. This is from Wiki. Basically, everyone except a tiny percentage of Black people with family in Alabama calls it stuffing.

What country invented stuffing? ›

History. It is not known when stuffings were first used. The earliest documentary evidence is the Roman cookbook, Apicius De Re Coquinaria, which contains recipes for stuffed chicken, dormouse, hare, and pig.

How do you use leftovers effectively? ›

Repurposing leftovers into new meals can make them a little more exciting. Depending on the seasoning of the original meal, you can add leftover meat, vegetables or seafood to fajitas, fried rice, pasta sauce, soup or a casserole. Look for ways to make it different from the original.

What to do with leftovers you don't want? ›

Reimagine Leftovers

Shred leftover meat and turn it into a pasta sauce, combine leftover vegetables into a frittata or make a stir-fry or fried rice using yesterday's rice. You can also pickle them, turn them into a casserole or blitz them into a quick dip or soup to save time.

How to handle leftovers utilized where and when appropriate? ›

Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in storage containers. These practices help keep bacteria out, retain moisture, and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator. Immediately refrigerate or freeze the wrapped leftovers for rapid cooling.

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