Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, but that abundance often flows directly into the trash.
According to a study by ReFED, Americans waste roughly 316–320 million pounds of food during Thanksgiving alone, the equivalent of $550 million in grocery value. That’s not just a bad holiday habit , it’s a major drain on household budgets and the environment.
The average household throws away around 6 pounds of edible food per week, according to a Mitre-Gallup survey. And during Thanksgiving, over 90% of holiday hosts admit they intentionally prepare more food than guests will eat — which all but guarantees a mountain of leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of those leftovers, which practical tips for storing, freezing, and remixing – without breaking the bank.
Portion, Pack, and Preserve Thanksgiving Leftovers
One of the first lessons in leftover management: pack it out fast. Use airtight containers and portion leftovers into meal-sized servings. You’re more likely to reach for something you’re able to finish in one sitting. Freeze items that you don’t plan on diving into right away; mashed potatoes, soups, dressing, and pies are surprisingly freezer-friendly.
Label everything with the date. It might feel extra, but “first in, first out” helps ensure you use what you’ve saved.
Switch Up Your Turkey Beyond the Sandwich
Post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches are a classic for a reason, but go a step above bread and mayo to truly enjoy the spoils of your holiday dinner.
Turkey soup: Simmer the carcass with vegetables, herbs and broth for a beautifully fragrant but frugal meal.
Casseroles: Use turkey, dressing and even green beans for a delightful layered bake. Top your casseroles with fried onions or cheese for a rich, crunchy finish.
Fried rice or stir-fry: Use diced turkey, rice, any veggies on hand, along with a generous splash of soy sauce to create a quick meal that is both nourishing and no-waste.
Stretch the Sides
Thanksgiving side dishes are flavor powerhouses, so repurpose them creatively:
Mashed potato pancakes: Mix leftover mashed potatoes with an egg (or two), form patties, and fry them until crispy.
Stuffing waffles: Press stuffing into a waffle iron for a fun twist.
Green bean fritters: Bind leftover green beans with egg and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry.
Brunch and Snack Hacks
Leftovers don’t just have to be dinner fare. Turn them into snacks or midday meals for a filling moment any time of day.
Breakfast scrambles: Toss shredded turkey or diced potatoes into scrambled eggs.
Turkey breakfast hash: Sauté any leftover meat, stuffing, or veggies with onions and serve topped with a fried egg.
Thanksgiving burrito: Wrap leftover protein, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes in a tortilla to enjoy portable, festive treat.
Save the Extras — Even the Scraps
Turkey bones, veggie bits, or gravy can easily become budget gold. Make bone broth by simmering the turkey carcass with water, aromatics, and fresh herbs. Once the broth is strained, freeze the stock in ice cube trays for future use.
Make gravy ice cubes to pop out when the occasion calls for rich flavor. Start by pouring leftover gravy into small containers or an ice cube tray, then thaw and reheat when needed. Onion peels and extra carrot shreds aren’t just flavor enhancers for broth – they’re also great additions to compost piles if you garden.
Share the Thanksgiving Leftovers (and Love)
If you don’t want to leave uneaten food languishing in the fridge, there are other options to explore. Make sure to send guests home with to-go containers. While most Thanksgiving hosts already adhere to this tradition, make sure to have plenty of lidded containers on hand to cut down on waste.
Local shelters or food banks may also accept home-cooked meals; just call or check their information page before a drop-off. Alternatively, try a post-holiday potluck or deliver sealed portions of Thnksgiving leftovers to neighbors who’d appreciate a ready-to-eat meal.