As much as I enjoy cooking, I don’t always have the time or energy, which is why I love leftovers. But when it comes to a big food holiday like Thanksgiving, sometimes the leftovers feel a little overwhelming. I mean, as delicious as turkey dinner is, chances are I’m not going to enjoy eating the same plate four days in a row! I don’t know about you but that’s a recipe for boredom for me. Enter: repurposing leftovers.
Repurposing leftovers is a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, prevent food waste, and keep your taste buds interested! You take components of one meal and turn them into a new dish. Here are a few examples:
- Add leftover roasted chicken, carrots, and sweet potato into a fried rice dish.
- Take leftover salmon, corn, and tomatoes, and throw them into tortillas for fish taco night
- Leftover roasted vegetables and potatoes? Add them to a frittata!
- Add leftover chicken and vegetables to a soup or stew
Thanksgiving is one of those unique opportunities when you have access to lots of leftovers to transform them into something different and delicious. Think soups/stews, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and casseroles! Why not start with the first meal of the day? This Thanksgiving Leftovers and Apple Breakfast Casserole is a nourishing breakfast for the day after the big holiday.
Reminiscent of holiday flavors with apple and sage, this casserole is mostly savory but the apple provides an ever-so-subtle hint of sweetness. Loaded with leftover turkey and sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole is protein-packed and sure to keep you satisfied throughout the morning. The recipe calls for frozen shredded hash browns as the base but you can use any starch you had at your dinner – think mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted sweet potato, etc. And feel free to throw a handful of roasted veggies in there for good measure (I think Brussels sprouts would be delish in this!).
If you’re strapped for time (because who isn’t around the holidays), make this casserole ahead of time, pop it in the refrigerator overnight, and then it’s ready to bake in the morning!
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!