Let’s face it, sometimes Thanksgiving leftovers taste even better than the original feast. However, if you cook enough for a small army and start to get tired of eating the same meal again and again, you’ll want to start thinking of ways to get creative. Here are a couple of recipes using some popular Thanksgiving foods in new ways! They’re easy dishes that the kids are sure to love.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
What You’ll Need:
›› 1 sheet Hawaiian rolls (12 ct)
›› 3 cups leftover turkey (or more to preference – sliced or shredded)
›› 1 cup cranberry sauce
›› 1/2 cup whole grain mustard
›› 5 tablespoons butter, melted
›› 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
›› 1 round of brie
›› Optional (to taste): Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper, parsley, dried chopped onion
Instructions:
›› Mix cranberry sauce with mustard and set aside
›› Preheat oven to 350°.
›› Cut entire slab of rolls in half lengthwise (don’t pull rolls apart). Place bottom slab in a casserole dish.
›› Layer the bottom slab with turkey, cheese, and the cranberry/mustard mixture. Top with the other slab of the rolls.
›› Whisk together melted butter and Worcestershire sauce before pouring mixture over the sandwiches.
›› Cover with foil and let sit up to 10 minutes before putting into the oven and baking for 20 minutes.
›› Uncover and cook an additional five minutes.
›› Top with optional extras (salt & pepper, parmesan, parsley, and chopped onion) before slicing into individual sliders. Serve warm!
Mashed Potato Balls
NOTES: This recipe is based off preference and “eyeballing.” Adjust the measurements according to your taste and how much leftover mashed potatoes you have left! If your leftover mashed potatoes are too dry/crumbly, try heating them up again and adding a bit more milk. If you can’t get them to the correct consistency, you can also try adding an egg.
WHAT YOU’ll NEED:
›› 5 cups leftover mashed potatoes
›› 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
›› 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
›› 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (more for garnish)
›› 2 eggs (beaten, for egg wash)
›› 1 cup breadcrumbs
›› Oil for frying (your preference – I used avocado oil)
›› Optional: Italian seasoning, cayenne, garlic powder, salt & pepper (mix in with breadcrumbs – to taste)
Instructions:
›› Add the mashed potatoes, bacon, cheese, and green onions in a bowl and mix until combined.
›› Roll the mixture into 1-2 inch balls, then chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
›› Heat your choice of oil (around 1.5-2 inches deep) in a deep pan to 350°.
›› Put the egg wash in one bowl, and the breadcrumbs (mixed with your choice of seasonings) in another bowl.
›› Dip each mashed potato ball in the egg, before rolling in the seasoned breadcrumbs and placing in the oil to fry. Don’t overcrowd your pan with too many of the mashed potato balls at once. Use tongs to flip the potatoes after around 2-3 minutes (until brown) to cook the entire ball evenly.
›› Once the entire mashed potato ball has browned, lay them on a baking rack or a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with optional garnishes (I used shredded parmesan and additional green onion).