Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, and one of the best parts is the delicious leftovers that follow. Instead of letting that turkey and all the trimmings go to waste, you can transform them into a variety of mouth - watering dishes. Here are some amazing recipes that will make your post - Thanksgiving days just as delightful as the big day itself.

Savory Turkey Soup

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cool day, and a savory turkey soup is the perfect way to use up the leftover turkey. Start by gathering your ingredients. You'll need some leftover turkey meat, chopped into small pieces, the turkey bones (if available), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken or turkey broth, and some herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

First, in a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent. Then, add the carrots and celery and cook for a few more minutes until they start to soften. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Add the turkey bones if you have them, along with the turkey meat. Pour in enough broth to cover the ingredients, and add the herbs. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Once the soup has cooked, you can remove the bones and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you have a comforting meal.

Piled - High Turkey Sandwiches

A piled - high turkey sandwich is a classic way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers. To make this sandwich, you'll need some fresh bread, mayonnaise, mustard, leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and some lettuce and tomato.

Start by spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Then, add a layer of mustard. On one slice of bread, place a generous amount of turkey. Top the turkey with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Add the lettuce and tomato on top of the cranberry sauce. Place the other slice of bread on top, and you have a delicious sandwich. You can also toast the bread for a crispy texture. You can customize this sandwich by adding other ingredients like bacon, cheese, or pickles.

Cheesy Turkey Casserole

A cheesy turkey casserole is a great option for a family dinner. For this recipe, you'll need some cooked pasta, leftover turkey, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), and some breadcrumbs.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, leftover turkey, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Then, add a layer of breadcrumbs. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This cheesy and comforting dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

In conclusion, with a little creativity, you can make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. These recipes not only prevent food waste but also give you a chance to enjoy different flavors in the days after the big holiday. So, don't let those leftovers sit in the fridge; turn them into something delicious!