Home Vegan Post Creative Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You’ll Actually Look Forward To

Creative Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You’ll Actually Look Forward To


Once the big feast is over and the dishes are washed, one beautiful part of Thanksgiving remains: the leftovers. Whether you hosted the meal or headed home with a container or two from family, vegan Thanksgiving leftovers can easily be transformed into brand-new dishes that feel exciting, fresh, and delicious. With just a little creativity, your mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, gravies, and cranberry sauce can become the foundation for meals you’ll genuinely look forward to eating over the next several days.

This guide focuses on creative vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipes designed to help you reimagine your holiday spread. These recipes minimize waste, stretch your ingredients further, and offer simple ways to repurpose flavors without repeating the same plate over and over. From savory waffles to comforting soups to hearty breakfast ideas, you’ll find options for every type of leftover and every craving.

As you savor your post-holiday meals, you can also embrace the season with style through The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — a cozy addition to your Thanksgiving weekend wardrobe.

Let’s explore how to give your leftovers new life.

Why Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers Are So Easy to Repurpose

Vegan ingredients lend themselves incredibly well to creative leftover transformations. Many plant-based dishes have a neutral or complementary flavor profile that makes them versatile for soups, wraps, stir-fries, casseroles, and breakfast dishes.

1. Veggies are flexible.

Roasted vegetables can become tacos, salads, hashes, or blended soups.

2. Grains and legumes blend seamlessly into bowls and patties.

Quinoa, lentils, and rice-based dishes can be reworked into burgers, fritters, or pilafs.

3. Sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing can transform into entirely new textures.

Waffles, croquettes, or savory cakes make these leftovers feel fresh again.

4. Sauces and gravies add instant flavor to new dishes.

A drizzle of leftover gravy makes everything cozier.

5. Desserts can reinvent themselves.

Pumpkin pie oatmeal? Absolutely.

With these possibilities in mind, here are creative recipes that make the best use of your plant-based Thanksgiving spread.

1. Stuffing Waffles With Herb Gravy

Stuffing waffles are a beloved day-after-Thanksgiving classic — and the vegan version is just as craveable.

How to make them:

  • Mix leftover stuffing with a little vegetable broth to rehydrate it.

  • Press it into a well-greased waffle iron.

  • Cook until crisp and golden.

These waffles are deeply savory, crunchy on the outside, and soft inside. Pair with warmed leftover vegan gravy for a comforting brunch or lunch.

Why it works:

The herbs in stuffing become even more aromatic when crisped, and the waffle shape adds fun and texture.

2. Creamy Roasted Vegetable Soup

Leftover roasted root vegetables — carrots, potatoes, onions, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips — make the perfect base for an easy blended soup.

Directions:

  • Simmer your roasted veggies in vegetable broth.

  • Blend with a splash of coconut milk or unsweetened plant milk.

  • Season with thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Optional upgrades:

  • Add red lentils for extra protein.

  • Top with crunchy roasted chickpeas.

This soup is warming, nutrient-rich, and ideal for cold post-holiday evenings.

3. Cranberry Sauce Breakfast Parfaits

Leftover cranberry sauce makes an excellent topping for vegan yogurt parfaits.

Assemble with:

  • Coconut milk yogurt

  • Cranberry sauce

  • Granola

  • Fresh apples or pears

Why it’s great:

It transforms a traditional Thanksgiving condiment into a bright, fruity breakfast or snack that feels like a treat.

4. Mashed Potato and Herb Patties

Mashed potatoes become soft, pillowy patties with a crispy exterior when pan-fried.

Instructions:

  • Combine leftover mashed potatoes with minced herbs and a tablespoon of flour.

  • Shape into small patties.

  • Pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet until golden.

Serving ideas:

Top with leftover gravy, vegan sour cream, or sautéed mushrooms.

These patties can anchor a meal or serve as a hearty breakfast.

5. Roasted Veggie Tacos With Lime Crema

Tacos are one of the easiest ways to reinvent leftovers.

Fill your tortillas with:

  • Roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash)

  • Black beans or lentils

  • Shredded cabbage

  • A squeeze of lime

Add a quick vegan crema:

  • Blend vegan mayo or cashews with lime juice and garlic.

These tacos are colorful, nourishing, and packed with flavor.

6. Post-Thanksgiving Buddha Bowls

Turn your leftovers into vibrant bowls that feel completely new.

Build your bowl with:

  • A base of rice, quinoa, or any grain you have

  • Roasted vegetables

  • A scoop of stuffing or lentils

  • Cranberry sauce for brightness

  • Drizzled vegan gravy or tahini sauce

Why it’s satisfying:

Buddha bowls let you use small portions of many leftovers while balancing carbs, protein, and veggies.

7. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Using Leftovers

This dish practically builds itself if your fridge is full of roast vegetables and mashed potatoes.

How to assemble:

  • Sauté leftover vegetables with lentils or chickpeas for the filling.

  • Add a splash of leftover gravy.

  • Spread mashed potatoes on top.

  • Bake until golden.

This comforting pie reuses several leftovers at once and tastes even better the next day.

8. Sweet Potato and Stuffing Breakfast Hash

A Thanksgiving leftovers hash is pure comfort food and perfect for the morning after.

Combine in a skillet:

  • Roasted sweet potatoes

  • Crumbled stuffing

  • Onions

  • Optional vegan sausage or mushrooms

Finish with:

Fresh herbs or a drizzle of gravy.

This hearty breakfast is filling and uses multiple leftovers effortlessly.

9. Holiday Leftovers Vegan Quesadillas

Quesadillas are ideal for repurposing roasted vegetables and hearty sides.

Fill tortillas with:

  • Roasted veggies

  • Mashed potatoes or stuffing

  • Vegan cheese (optional)

Cook until crisp:

Serve with cranberry salsa or hot sauce.

They’re quick, fun, and full of unexpected flavor.

10. Leftover Lentil Loaf Sandwiches

If you made a vegan lentil loaf or main dish roast, slice it up for next-day sandwiches.

Layer with:

  • Leftover cranberry sauce

  • Greens

  • Vegan aioli

  • Pickled onions

Panini-style pressing makes the flavors meld beautifully.

11. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

A creative way to repurpose leftover vegan pumpkin pie.

Stir into cooked oatmeal:

  • Slices of pumpkin pie (minus the crust if preferred)

  • A splash of plant milk

  • Cinnamon

It tastes like a warm, spiced bakery treat but doubles as a cozy breakfast.

12. Leftover Gravy Mushroom Pasta

Vegan gravy makes an excellent pasta sauce.

Steps:

  • Sauté mushrooms until browned.

  • Add leftover gravy to the pan.

  • Thin with a bit of plant milk or pasta water.

  • Toss with pasta of your choice.

This transforms gravy into a silky, savory sauce perfect for weeknight dinners after the holiday.

13. Roasted Vegetable Flatbread Pizzas

Flatbreads or naan are the perfect canvas for holiday leftovers.

Top with:

  • Olive oil or leftover gravy

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Fresh herbs

  • Vegan cheese if you like

Bake until crisp for an easy lunch or dinner.

14. Leftover Cranberry BBQ Glazed Tofu

Turn cranberry sauce into a barbecue-inspired glaze.

Mix for the glaze:

  • Cranberry sauce

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Smoked paprika

  • A little brown sugar

Coat baked tofu or tempeh:

Serve with leftover sides or rice for a tangy, bold dish.

15. Thanksgiving Harvest Fried Rice

Fried rice is incredibly forgiving and versatile.

Combine in the pan:

  • Day-old rice

  • Leftover roasted veggies

  • Green onions

  • A splash of soy sauce

  • A drizzle of leftover gravy for depth

This is a quick, satisfying way to use up small amounts of multiple dishes.

Tips for Making Creative Vegan Meals from Leftovers

To stretch your leftovers further and keep meals exciting, use these strategies:

1. Combine multiple leftovers into one new dish.

Bowls, hashes, and casseroles are perfect for this.

2. Add fresh elements.

Fresh herbs, greens, or citrus can make leftover-heavy dishes feel bright again.

3. Use sauces to pull everything together.

A drizzle of gravy, tahini, or vinegar can transform flavor quickly.

4. Try different cuisines.

Thanksgiving ingredients work surprisingly well in tacos, fried rice, or flatbreads.

5. Don’t be afraid to freeze.

Soups, mashed potatoes, lentil loaves, and roasted vegetables freeze beautifully for future meals.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be repetitive — with a little creativity, they can become some of the best meals of the week. These creative vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipes help you stretch your ingredients, minimize food waste, and enjoy fresh new dishes full of flavor and comfort. From savory waffles to energizing bowls to cozy soups, the possibilities are nearly endless.

And if you’re relaxing through the holiday weekend, consider browsing The Dharma Store for vegan-themed, organic cotton t-shirts that make the perfect cozy wear after a long day of cooking or enjoying your delicious leftovers.