What the Heck Do I Do With Leftovers? (7 Smart Fixes)
Turn Extra Food Into Tasty Meals & Cut Down on Waste
Thanksgiving dinner is one of the best meals of the year. But when the big day is over, the leftovers can pile up - fast. Instead of tossing them out, you can turn those extras into simple meals your family will enjoy.
And of course, if you need a little extra temporary fridge space - or you’re taking food on the go this holiday season - the Solar Go-Fridge is a great option. It keeps food cold without using ice. Which means your food won’t get soggy & spoiled by melted ice.
Here are 7 smart ways to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers - and stretch your food a little further.
1. Thanksgiving Sandwiches
This one’s a classic. Stack leftover turkey (or ham), stuffing, cranberry sauce, and even a bit of gravy between two slices of bread or leftover rolls. Toast it for a warm, melty treat.
💡 Quick tip: Feeling fancy? Use a panini press or skillet to crisp the outside for extra flavor.
2. Turkey Soup
Boil your leftover turkey bones to make a rich broth.
Homemade broth is a good skill to learn. It helps you use every part of the bird and cut waste.
Add chopped turkey, carrots, onions, celery, and some noodles or rice. You’ve got a hearty soup that keeps everyone warm and full.
Bonus: Freeze some for later — it’s perfect for cold winter days.
3. Stuffing Muffins
Mix stuffing with a beaten egg and press it into a muffin tin. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. You’ll get crispy, golden stuffing cups — great for breakfast or snacking.
These muffins are also easy to pack for travel or emergencies. They store well in a cooler like the Solar Go-Fridge, so you have food ready when you need it.
4. Mashed Potato Patties
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with a little cheese and green onion. Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden brown.
These cook fast and use very little fuel. This makes them handy if you’re cooking on a small stove, grill, or backup heat source in a survival situation.
5. Thanksgiving Quesadillas
Toss some turkey, mashed potatoes, and shredded cheese into a tortilla. Heat until it’s crispy and the cheese is melted. Dip in leftover cranberry sauce or gravy for extra flavor.
Self-reliance tip: Tortillas last longer than bread and take up less space. They’re a smart pantry item for any home emergency kit.
6. Cranberry Breakfast Parfaits
Layer leftover cranberry sauce with yogurt and granola. Granola is a great long-lasting food. Keep extra on hand since it stores well and gives you quick energy.
It’s a fresh and easy breakfast that helps balance out the heavier meals from the week.
Bonus: Cranberry sauce also works as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes. It adds flavor and helps stretch your pantry items.
7. Freeze It for Later
If you’re short on time (or just can’t eat another bite of turkey), freeze your leftovers. Portion them out into freezer bags or containers. Label and date them so you can use them later - even in a few weeks when you’re craving comfort food again.
At 4Patriots, we believe in wasting less and using what you have. Reusing leftovers is a simple way to stretch your resources, save money, and show gratitude for what you’ve got - all values that go hand-in-hand with self-reliance.
Plus, turning leftovers into new meals helps make the most out of every dollar you spend on food - and in uncertain times, that matters more than ever.