What Can You Make With Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Thanksgiving dinner may be over, but that doesn’t mean the delicious food has to end. If you have a container of leftover Thanksgiving stuffing sitting in your refrigerator, you might be wondering what to do with it besides reheating it alongside turkey and gravy.

The good news is that leftover Thanksgiving stuffing is one of the most versatile holiday leftovers. Its combination of bread, herbs, vegetables, butter, and savory seasonings makes it an excellent ingredient for entirely new meals.

From crispy stuffing waffles and cheesy breakfast casseroles to turkey-stuffed peppers and comforting soups, there are plenty of creative ways to turn leftover stuffing into something your family will actually look forward to eating.

Whether you have traditional bread stuffing, cornbread dressing, sausage stuffing, or homemade herb stuffing, these 15 easy recipes will help you make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers without wasting food.

Can You Use Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing to Make New Meals?

Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving stuffing can be transformed into breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, and even quick snacks.

Because stuffing already contains flavorful ingredients such as onions, celery, sage, thyme, and butter, you don’t need many additional seasonings to create another delicious dish.

Some of the best ways to reuse stuffing include:

• Turning it into crispy waffles or patties.

• Combining it with eggs for breakfast casseroles.

• Using it as a topping for turkey pot pie.

• Mixing it with cheese to make stuffing balls.

• Adding it to stuffed peppers or mushrooms.

• Making a hearty casserole with leftover turkey and gravy.

• Creating savory muffins for quick snacks.

The secret is choosing a recipe that works with the texture of your stuffing. Moist stuffing works particularly well in casseroles and baked dishes, while firmer stuffing is excellent for waffles, patties, and crispy appetizers.

1. Crispy Leftover Stuffing Waffles

One of the most creative ways to reuse Thanksgiving stuffing is to turn it into savory waffles.

Stuffing waffles develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft and flavorful inside. They are especially delicious topped with leftover turkey, warm gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover Thanksgiving stuffing

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons chicken or turkey broth, if needed

• Cooking spray or melted butter

• Leftover turkey and gravy for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.

2. Place the stuffing in a mixing bowl.

3. Add the egg and mix until combined.

4. If the stuffing seems too dry, add a little broth.

5. Spoon the mixture into the waffle iron and spread it evenly.

6. Close the waffle iron and cook for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. Carefully remove the waffle and serve with warmed turkey and gravy.

Helpful tip: Allow the stuffing waffle to cook until it becomes firm before opening the waffle iron. Opening it too early can cause the waffle to fall apart.

2. Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing Breakfast Casserole

Thanksgiving stuffing makes an excellent base for a hearty breakfast casserole.

The bread absorbs the eggs and milk, creating a savory breakfast bake similar to a traditional breakfast strata.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

3. Spread the stuffing evenly across the bottom.

4. Sprinkle the sausage or ham over the stuffing.

5. Whisk together the eggs, milk, and black pepper.

6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the stuffing.

7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

8. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the center is set and reaches 165°F.

Let the casserole rest for approximately 5 minutes before slicing.

This recipe is perfect for the morning after Thanksgiving when you want something filling without spending much time cooking.

3. Cheesy Leftover Stuffing Balls

Stuffing balls are an easy appetizer made with just a few ingredients.

They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory Thanksgiving flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs, if needed

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Combine the stuffing, egg, and cheese in a bowl.

3. Mix until the ingredients hold together.

4. Add breadcrumbs if the mixture is too wet.

5. Roll into golf-ball-sized portions.

6. Arrange on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and the centers reach 165°F.

Serve with warm turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

These stuffing balls are also great for holiday parties and casual family gatherings.

4. Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

If you have both turkey and stuffing remaining after Thanksgiving, combining them into a casserole is one of the easiest ways to create another complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded

• 3 cups leftover stuffing

• 1½ cups turkey gravy

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a medium baking dish.

3. Spread the shredded turkey across the bottom.

4. Add the mixed vegetables.

5. Pour the gravy over the turkey and vegetables.

6. Spread the stuffing evenly on top.

7. Drizzle with broth if the stuffing is dry.

8. Sprinkle cheese over the top if desired.

9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, until heated through to 165°F.

This comforting casserole tastes like Thanksgiving dinner in a single dish.

5. Crispy Stuffing Patties

Stuffing patties are an excellent choice when you want something quick and inexpensive.

They can be served alongside eggs for breakfast or used as a savory side dish at dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons flour or breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine the stuffing, egg, and flour in a bowl.

2. Mix until the ingredients hold together.

3. Shape into small patties.

4. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Add the patties without overcrowding the pan.

6. Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through to 165°F.

Serve with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a fried egg.

For extra flavor, mix a little shredded cheddar cheese or chopped green onion into the stuffing before forming the patties.

6. Thanksgiving Stuffing-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a creative way to turn leftover stuffing into a completely different dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers

• 2 cups leftover stuffing

• 1 cup chopped cooked turkey

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup turkey gravy or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.

3. Mix the stuffing, turkey, and gravy in a bowl.

4. Spoon the mixture into each pepper half.

5. Arrange the peppers in a baking dish with a small splash of water.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling reaches 165°F.

These stuffed peppers are a delicious alternative to eating another traditional Thanksgiving plate.

7. Leftover Stuffing Egg Muffins

Stuffing egg muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch.

They are also easy to portion and reheat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup diced cooked turkey or ham

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.

3. Divide the stuffing evenly among the muffin cups.

4. Whisk together the eggs and milk.

5. Stir in the turkey and shredded cheese.

6. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing.

7. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the centers are fully set and reach 165°F.

Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the pan.

They make an excellent grab-and-go breakfast after a busy holiday weekend.

8. Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Grilled Cheese

A stuffing grilled cheese sandwich combines two comfort foods into one satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 slices sandwich bread

• ½ cup leftover stuffing

• 2 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese

• ¼ cup chopped leftover turkey

• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Warm the stuffing and turkey until they reach 165°F.

2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.

3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet.

4. Add one slice of cheese.

5. Spread the warmed stuffing and turkey over the cheese.

6. Add the remaining cheese and second slice of bread, buttered side up.

7. Cook over medium-low heat until golden brown.

8. Carefully flip and cook the other side until the cheese melts.

Serve with cranberry sauce for dipping.

The combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, and savory stuffing makes this sandwich especially satisfying.

9. Leftover Stuffing-Topped Turkey Pot Pie

Traditional turkey pot pie usually features a pastry crust, but leftover stuffing can make an excellent alternative topping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing

• 2 cups cooked turkey

• 1½ cups turkey gravy

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Combine turkey, gravy, vegetables, and broth in a saucepan.

3. Heat the mixture until hot.

4. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

5. Spread the leftover stuffing over the top.

6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the stuffing is golden and the filling reaches 165°F.

This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of turkey pot pie without requiring homemade pastry.

10. Leftover Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms make a delicious appetizer and are surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 12 large white or cremini mushrooms

• 1 cup leftover stuffing

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 2 tablespoons chicken broth, if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Remove the mushroom stems and finely chop them.

3. Combine the stuffing, chopped stems, Parmesan, and melted butter.

4. Add a little broth if the mixture is too dry.

5. Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps.

6. Arrange on a greased baking sheet.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling reaches 165°F.

These mushrooms are ideal for using up smaller amounts of leftover stuffing.

11. Leftover Stuffing Breakfast Hash

A Thanksgiving breakfast hash is a great way to use several leftovers at once.

Combine stuffing with potatoes, turkey, and eggs for a filling skillet meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing

• 1 cup diced cooked potatoes

• 1 cup chopped cooked turkey

• ½ cup diced onion

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2–4 eggs

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and cook until softened.

3. Add the cooked potatoes and turkey.

4. Cook until warmed through.

5. Crumble the stuffing into the skillet.

6. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly crispy and the leftovers reach 165°F.

7. Cook the eggs separately to your preferred doneness.

8. Serve the eggs over the stuffing hash.

A spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side adds a delicious sweet contrast.

12. Leftover Stuffing Savory Muffins

Savory stuffing muffins are easy to serve as snacks, appetizers, or side dishes.

Unlike stuffing egg muffins, these contain just enough egg to bind the stuffing together while keeping a more traditional stuffing texture.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Grease a standard muffin tin.

3. Combine the stuffing, eggs, broth, cheese, and butter.

4. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups.

5. Press gently to help each muffin hold its shape.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and heated through to 165°F.

7. Allow to rest for several minutes before removing.

These muffins are especially good with leftover turkey gravy.

13. Leftover Stuffing and Turkey Soup

Stuffing can also be used to add flavor and body to homemade turkey soup.

Because the bread absorbs liquid, it creates a thicker, heartier soup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup leftover stuffing

• 2 cups cooked shredded turkey

• 5 cups chicken or turkey broth

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 1 cup chopped celery

• ½ cup diced onion

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.

2. Add onions, carrots, and celery.

3. Cook for approximately 5 minutes.

4. Pour in the broth.

5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender.

6. Add the cooked turkey and stuffing.

7. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches 165°F.

8. Season with black pepper as needed.

The stuffing will gradually break down and thicken the broth.

Helpful tip: Start with a small amount of stuffing. Adding too much can turn the soup into a thick, porridge-like mixture.

14. Leftover Stuffing Quesadillas

If you want something completely different from traditional Thanksgiving food, try making stuffing quesadillas.

Ingredients

• 2 large flour tortillas

• 1 cup leftover stuffing

• ½ cup chopped cooked turkey

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Warm the stuffing and turkey until they reach 165°F.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

3. Lightly butter one side of a tortilla.

4. Place it buttered side down in the skillet.

5. Sprinkle half the cheese over the tortilla.

6. Add the warm stuffing and turkey.

7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

8. Cover with the second tortilla.

9. Cook until golden brown, then carefully flip.

10. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the second tortilla is crispy.

Slice into wedges and serve with cranberry sauce or sour cream.

15. Thanksgiving Stuffing Pizza

Leftover stuffing can even become a delicious pizza topping.

This recipe combines several Thanksgiving favorites into a fun and unexpected meal.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pizza crust

• 1 cup leftover stuffing

• 1 cup chopped cooked turkey

• ½ cup turkey gravy

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup cranberry sauce, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.

2. Spread a thin layer of gravy over the crust.

3. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over the gravy.

4. Add the stuffing and chopped turkey.

5. Top with the remaining cheese.

6. Bake according to the crust instructions, typically 12–18 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the crust is golden, and the toppings reach 165°F.

7. Drizzle with a small amount of cranberry sauce before serving, if desired.

Thanksgiving pizza is a creative way to turn holiday leftovers into a family-friendly dinner.

What Is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing?

If you prefer to enjoy stuffing without turning it into another recipe, reheating it properly can restore much of its original flavor and texture.

The most effective method is usually reheating stuffing in the oven.

How to Reheat Stuffing in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Place the leftover stuffing in an oven-safe baking dish.

3. Add a few tablespoons of chicken or turkey broth.

4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

5. Bake for approximately 15–25 minutes, depending on the quantity.

6. Remove the foil during the final 5 minutes if you prefer a crispy top.

7. Check that the center reaches 165°F.

The broth helps prevent the stuffing from becoming dry while the oven warms it evenly.

Can You Reheat Stuffing in the Microwave?

Yes. Place the stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, add a small splash of broth, and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid.

Heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until the center reaches 165°F.

The microwave is convenient, but it generally produces softer stuffing rather than the crispy texture you can achieve in the oven.

How Long Does Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing Last in the Refrigerator?

Properly stored Thanksgiving stuffing generally lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

For food safety:

• Refrigerate stuffing within 2 hours of cooking or serving.

• Store it in airtight containers.

• Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.

• Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Discard stuffing left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

• Avoid keeping leftover stuffing beyond the recommended refrigeration period.

Stuffing made with meat, sausage, or poultry drippings requires the same careful handling.

If you are unsure how long the stuffing has been stored or whether it was refrigerated promptly, the safest choice is to throw it away.

Can You Freeze Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Yes. Thanksgiving stuffing freezes well, especially traditional bread stuffing and cornbread dressing.

For the best quality, use frozen stuffing within approximately 2–3 months, although properly frozen food maintained continuously at 0°F remains safe longer.

How to Freeze Leftover Stuffing

1. Allow freshly cooked stuffing to cool quickly in shallow containers, refrigerating it within 2 hours.

2. Divide the stuffing into individual or family-sized portions.

3. Place portions in airtight freezer containers or freezer-safe bags.

4. Remove excess air to help prevent freezer burn.

5. Label each container with the freezing date.

6. Freeze at 0°F or below.

When you are ready to use the stuffing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen.

Make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F before serving.

Freezing stuffing in smaller portions is particularly useful when you want to make stuffing waffles, casseroles, or patties later.

How Do You Keep Leftover Stuffing From Drying Out?

Leftover stuffing can become dry because the bread continues absorbing moisture during storage.

Fortunately, restoring moisture is simple.

The best ways to prevent dry stuffing include adding a little chicken or turkey broth before reheating, covering the dish with foil, and avoiding excessive cooking time.

For stuffing patties or waffles, however, a slightly drier texture can actually be beneficial because it helps the mixture develop a crispy exterior.

If your stuffing is already very moist, you may not need to add additional liquid.

Can You Make These Recipes With Cornbread Dressing?

Yes. Most of these leftover stuffing recipes also work with Southern-style cornbread dressing.

However, cornbread dressing often has a softer, more crumbly texture than traditional bread stuffing.

For recipes requiring the stuffing to hold its shape, such as waffles, patties, and stuffing balls, you may need an additional egg or a small amount of breadcrumbs.

Cornbread dressing works especially well in:

• Turkey and dressing casseroles

• Savory breakfast bakes

• Stuffed bell peppers

• Turkey pot pies

• Stuffing muffins

• Stuffed mushrooms

Its rich corn flavor also pairs beautifully with turkey, gravy, sausage, and cheddar cheese.

What Can You Add to Leftover Stuffing to Make It Taste Better?

Sometimes all leftover stuffing needs is a few additional ingredients to make it taste fresh again.

Here are some delicious additions worth trying.

When adding extra ingredients, remember that Thanksgiving stuffing is usually already well seasoned.

Taste before adding more salt, especially when using gravy, bacon, sausage, or cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing

Can You Fry Leftover Stuffing?

Yes. Leftover stuffing can be formed into patties and pan-fried with butter or oil until crispy and golden brown. Adding an egg helps the patties hold together. Heat them to 165°F before serving.

Can You Eat Leftover Stuffing Cold?

Properly cooked and promptly refrigerated stuffing can generally be eaten cold within its safe storage period. However, reheating is recommended when incorporating it into hot dishes, and reheated leftovers should reach 165°F.

What Can You Make With Stuffing Besides Turkey?

Stuffing pairs well with chicken, pork chops, sausage, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, and roasted vegetables. You can use it in casseroles, stuffed peppers, breakfast bakes, and savory muffins without including turkey.

Can You Make Stuffing Waffles Without Eggs?

Yes, although eggs help bind the stuffing together. If your stuffing is naturally moist and holds its shape, you may be able to press it directly into a greased waffle iron. Cook until firm, crispy, and heated through to 165°F.

What Is the Easiest Recipe for Leftover Stuffing?

A turkey and stuffing casserole is one of the easiest options. Combine leftover turkey, gravy, vegetables, and stuffing in a baking dish, then bake until hot and bubbly with a center temperature of 165°F.

Can You Use Leftover Stuffing as Breadcrumbs?

Yes, but the texture matters. Moist stuffing can work as a flavorful binder in meatballs or meatloaf. For a breadcrumb-like coating, spread stuffing into small pieces, dry it thoroughly in the oven, and crumble it. Store the dried crumbs safely and use them promptly.

Can You Make Leftover Stuffing in an Air Fryer?

Yes. Stuffing balls and patties work particularly well in an air fryer. Cook at approximately 350°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness, until crispy and heated through to 165°F. Cooking times vary by appliance.

How Can You Use a Small Amount of Leftover Stuffing?

Even half a cup of stuffing can be useful. Add it to scrambled eggs, use it inside a grilled cheese sandwich, sprinkle it over a casserole, or combine it with cheese to stuff a few mushrooms.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Thanksgiving Stuffing Go to Waste

Leftover Thanksgiving stuffing deserves more than being forgotten in the back of the refrigerator.

With a little creativity, it can become crispy breakfast waffles, cheesy stuffing balls, comforting casseroles, savory muffins, delicious sandwiches, and even pizza.

The beauty of these recipes is that they make use of ingredients you probably already have after Thanksgiving. Instead of buying an entirely new set of groceries, you can combine leftover stuffing with turkey, gravy, eggs, vegetables, and cheese to create satisfying meals.

If you only try one recipe, start with crispy stuffing waffles or a turkey and stuffing casserole. Both are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and transform familiar Thanksgiving flavors into something different.

Thanksgiving may only come once a year, but the delicious meals you can make from its leftovers can keep the celebration going for several more days.

And when you find creative ways to use the food you already have, you save money, reduce food waste, and make every part of your Thanksgiving dinner count.