The day after Thanksgiving should start slow—with strong coffee, cozy slippers, and a breakfast that practically cooks itself. Luckily, Thanksgiving leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving. Instead of another turkey sandwich, turn yesterday’s feast into a morning spread that feels intentional, comforting, and completely new. These ideas keep things simple while still delivering big flavor, and they’re perfect whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a couple of sleepyheads drifting through the kitchen.
Turkey Hash with Crispy Potatoes
Leftover roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes can be the backbone of a deeply satisfying hash. Cook a little onion in butter or olive oil, add diced turkey, fold in the potatoes, and let the mixture sit in the pan undisturbed long enough to develop a golden, crunchy crust. A few chopped herbs revive the flavors instantly. Top with a fried egg for good measure.
Stuffing Waffles (Yes, Really)
Stuffing becomes magic when pressed in a waffle iron. The edges crisp beautifully, the inside stays tender, and you get plenty of nooks for gravy or a drizzle of cranberry sauce. Just moisten your stuffing with a splash of stock or milk if it feels dry, press, and cook until browned and crisp. Like a turkey hash, this is great topped with a runny fried egg!
Cranberry Swirl Yogurt Bowls
For something lighter, swirl leftover cranberry sauce into plain Greek yogurt. Add granola, toasted nuts, or bits of leftover pie crust for a breakfast parfait that tastes like a holiday dessert.
Turkey-and-Greens Breakfast Quesadillas
Chop up leftover sautéed greens or roasted vegetables, add chopped turkey, and tuck everything into tortillas with melty cheese. Serve with cranberry salsa (fold minced jalapeños and lime juice into cranberry sauce) for a sweet-savory punch.
Leftover Rolls are Tomorrow’s Bread Pudding
Those extra dinner rolls can turn into a simple baked breakfast pudding with milk, eggs, spices, and a little maple syrup. Add chopped apples or raisins and bake until puffed and custardy (check out our Bread Pudding recipe for some guidance).
