Thanksgiving is a feast of abundance — full plates, overflowing bowls, and second (or third) helpings. But when the big day is over, you’re often left with a fridge full of half-finished dishes and containers of delicious food you don’t want to waste. For plant-based eaters, the challenge is turning those vegan Thanksgiving leftovers into new, exciting meals that taste fresh rather than repetitive.
The good news? You can transform everything from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables into creative, hearty, and wholesome dishes with just a few simple tricks. This guide covers easy vegan recipes that make the most of what’s left, ensuring nothing goes to waste and every bite still feels festive.
Why Repurpose Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers?
Vegan cooking often centers on creativity, and Thanksgiving is no exception. While the holiday may leave you with lentil loaves, roasted vegetables, and cashew-based sauces, these components are incredibly versatile. Repurposing leftovers:
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Reduces food waste: You’re saving resources and respecting the ingredients you’ve already cooked.
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Saves time: You already did the hard work; now you’re just remixing.
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Keeps meals exciting: Instead of reheating the same plate, you can reinvent it into soups, wraps, casseroles, or breakfast dishes.
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Extends the holiday flavor: You’ll keep that cozy, autumnal taste alive for a few more days.
So, let’s get into the best vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipes that bring new life to your post-holiday meals.
1. Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowl
If you’re short on time, this is your go-to. Simply layer your leftover dishes into one hearty, colorful bowl for a balanced and comforting meal.
What You’ll Need:
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Leftover mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
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Roasted vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, etc.)
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A protein source (lentil loaf, tofu turkey, or tempeh)
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Gravy or cranberry sauce for topping
How to Make It:
Reheat each component separately, then layer potatoes on the bottom, veggies next, and your protein on top. Drizzle with warm vegan gravy and finish with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
This combination of textures and flavors feels indulgent while being perfectly balanced — a comforting post-Thanksgiving meal in a single bowl.
2. Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins
Turn leftover sweet potatoes into crispy, stuffed perfection. This dish makes a fantastic lunch or quick dinner when you’re craving something flavorful yet easy.
What You’ll Need:
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Leftover baked or mashed sweet potatoes
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Leftover veggies (spinach, peas, roasted corn)
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Chickpeas or lentils
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Olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper
Directions:
Scoop out the sweet potato flesh and mix it with the veggies and chickpeas. Refill the skins, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden. Serve with a drizzle of tahini or leftover cashew cream sauce.
The result? A crispy, protein-packed dish with all the flavors of Thanksgiving in every bite.
3. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This one is a classic way to breathe new life into your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers — particularly mashed potatoes and vegetables.
You’ll Need:
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Leftover mashed potatoes
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Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
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Lentils or crumbled tofu for the base
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Vegan gravy or vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Sauté the lentils or tofu in a pan with garlic, herbs, and a little olive oil.
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Mix in leftover vegetables and gravy to create a hearty filling.
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Spread the mixture into a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden.
This dish is comforting, filling, and perfect for those chilly post-holiday evenings.
4. Leftover Stuffing Patties
If you made vegan stuffing, you’re already halfway to creating crispy, golden patties that are perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish.
You’ll Need:
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Leftover vegan stuffing
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A small amount of flour or chickpea flour to bind
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Olive oil for frying
How to Make:
Form the stuffing into small patties and lightly coat them in flour. Pan-fry on both sides until crispy. Serve with cranberry sauce, vegan aioli, or atop a salad for a crunchy addition.
They taste indulgent yet use up one of the most common Thanksgiving leftovers.
5. Thanksgiving Leftovers Wrap
Wraps are a fun and portable way to use what’s left from your holiday meal. You can customize them to your taste, and they’re great for lunch on the go.
Ingredients:
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Tortillas or lavash bread
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Leftover lentil loaf or tofu turkey
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Mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash
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Cranberry sauce or gravy
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Spinach or kale for freshness
Directions:
Lay your tortilla flat, spread a thin layer of mash, add slices of your protein, some greens, and a drizzle of cranberry sauce or gravy. Roll tightly and warm in a skillet for a few minutes to crisp the outside.
Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures — savory, creamy, and slightly sweet.
6. Vegan Thanksgiving Soup
When you have odds and ends — a few roasted veggies here, a little stuffing there — turning it all into a soup is both practical and delicious.
What You’ll Need:
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Any combination of leftover vegetables
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A base: vegetable broth, gravy, or coconut milk
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Herbs: thyme, sage, rosemary
How to Make:
Combine chopped leftovers with broth in a pot, simmer for 15 minutes, and blend for a creamy version or leave it chunky for a rustic style. Adjust seasoning and serve with leftover bread or rolls.
It’s warm, satisfying, and the perfect comfort food for the weekend after Thanksgiving.
7. Vegan Breakfast Hash
Transform your leftovers into a hearty breakfast that keeps the holiday spirit alive. This dish combines potatoes, veggies, and plant protein for a filling morning meal.
Ingredients:
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Leftover roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
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Peppers, onions, or greens
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Tofu or tempeh for protein
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A sprinkle of smoked paprika or turmeric
Instructions:
Sauté the tofu or tempeh until golden, then add the leftover veggies and potatoes. Season generously and cook until everything is crispy on the edges.
Serve with a side of avocado or leftover cranberry relish for contrast. It’s a great way to use small portions that wouldn’t otherwise make a full meal.
8. Mashed Potato Waffles
This fun twist gives leftover mashed potatoes new life as savory waffles — crisp on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for brunch.
You’ll Need:
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2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
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¼ cup flour (or gluten-free flour)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt, pepper, and herbs
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a thick batter and press in a waffle iron until golden. Serve with vegan gravy, sautéed mushrooms, or leftover green beans for a creative and satisfying meal.
These waffles also make a great base for open-faced sandwiches or vegan “chicken and waffles” with tofu nuggets.
9. Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole
Combine your leftovers into one cohesive baked dish that feels brand new. Think of this as a second Thanksgiving dinner — easy and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients:
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Leftover lentils, vegetables, and potatoes
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A small amount of gravy or vegetable broth
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Bread crumbs for topping
Directions:
Layer your ingredients in a baking dish: vegetables on the bottom, protein next, and mashed potatoes on top. Pour over some gravy or broth, sprinkle breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
It’s bubbling, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd (or enjoying as meal prep for the week).
10. Cranberry Oat Bars
If you have leftover cranberry sauce, don’t let it go to waste — turn it into a sweet treat that’s perfect with coffee or tea.
You’ll Need:
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2 cups rolled oats
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½ cup flour
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½ cup maple syrup
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½ cup melted coconut oil
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1 cup cranberry sauce
Directions:
Mix oats, flour, syrup, and oil to form a crumbly dough. Press half into a baking pan, spread cranberry sauce over it, and top with the remaining oat mixture. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
Once cooled, cut into bars. These are chewy, tangy, and a great way to enjoy your leftovers for breakfast or dessert.
Tips for Storing and Reusing Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers
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Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
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Label containers so you remember what’s what.
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Freeze smartly: Gravy, soups, and casseroles freeze well; salads and mashed potatoes typically don’t.
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Reheat gently: Use an oven or stovetop to maintain texture, not the microwave when possible.
Properly stored leftovers can last 3–4 days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer, so you can enjoy them long after the holiday ends.
A Mindful Approach to Post-Holiday Eating
Repurposing your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers isn’t just about convenience — it’s about gratitude and mindfulness. You’re respecting the effort, resources, and ingredients that went into your meal. Each new dish becomes an opportunity to continue the celebration without excess or waste.
That same mindfulness extends to other parts of a compassionate lifestyle. For instance, The Dharma Store offers vegan-themed T-shirts made from organic cotton — perfect for expressing your values year-round while supporting sustainable fashion.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving may be just one day, but with a little creativity, its flavors can last all week. These vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipes help you reimagine your holiday meal into soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and snacks that feel fresh and satisfying.
From crispy stuffing patties to cozy shepherd’s pie, each idea celebrates the abundance of the season while reducing waste. You’ll save time, stretch your ingredients, and keep your meals deliciously plant-based — proving that gratitude can extend well beyond the holiday table.