Just because Thanksgiving dinner is over doesn’t mean the deliciousness has to stop! If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of leftovers that no one’s excited to eat, it’s time to give them a second life. This year, why not turn those delicious leftovers into an eye-catching, mouthwatering charcuterie board? From turkey and cranberry sauce to cheese, crackers, and more, we’ll show you how to make your leftovers feel fresh and festive again!
Leftover Turkey
If you’re tired of reheating turkey for the 5th night in a row, here's a fun twist: slice up your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on your charcuterie board. It's a fun and fancy way to reinvent your leftovers. You can even get creative and make mini turkey sandwiches using the leftover rolls and top them with other leftovers like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Make a quick and easy turkey poutine recipe if you still have some turkey left. Add fries, cheese curds, gravy, and turkey to a small bowl and place it on the board.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce
If you’ve got extra cranberry sauce lying around, don’t let it go to waste! It makes the perfect spread for crackers or baguette slices. Or, turn it into festive thumbprint cookies that’ll add beautiful color to your charcuterie board. Bonus: These cookies are perfect for gifting, too—they stack easily and stay fresh for a few days, making them a sweet little holiday treat in a gift bag or container.
Leftover Stuffing
Leftover stuffing makes a fantastic addition to your charcuterie board! You can turn it into mini stuffing balls—just combine shredded turkey and stuffing, form them into balls, bake them, and place them right on the board for a savory bite. Another idea is to make stuffing waffles and then top the waffles with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a dollop of cranberry sauce.
Leftover Cheese
Whether in cubes, slices, or crumbles, the leftover cheese from your Thanksgiving spread will bring rich, creamy goodness to your charcuterie board. They’ll add flavor and texture, making it even more fun to snack.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Reheating mashed potatoes is fine... but what if you could make them unforgettable? Try frying up some shallots and tossing them on top for an easy, flavorful upgrade. Or, skip the microwave entirely and turn those leftover mash into a dip instead. Mix in some bacon, cheese, and green onions, and you’ll have a new favorite way to enjoy leftovers!
Leftover Crackers
Instead of snacking on those leftover crackers, top them with whatever’s left from your Thanksgiving spread. When assembling your board, spread them in neat rows or in a fan shape. Use them as a base for turkey and cranberry sauce, or layer them with mashed potatoes and a slice of cheese for a comforting bite. Arrange some cheese, nuts, pickles, or sliced apples near the crackers so guests can quickly grab and build their perfect combination!
And there you have it – a creative and delicious way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers! A post-feast charcuterie board is the perfect way to savor the flavors of the holiday without any waste. Trust us, those leftovers will vanish in no time. Don’t forget to bookmark this article so you can keep the holiday vibes going and make the most of your feast!
