Thanksgiving dinner is all about abundance — plates piled high, second helpings of stuffing, and that last slice of pumpkin pie. But when the feast is over, you’re often left with an overflowing fridge of vegan roasts, mashed potatoes, and gravy that beg for a second act. Instead of reheating the same dishes on repeat, you can turn those leftovers into new, crave-worthy meals that are fast, fun, and budget-friendly.
This guide shares 8 creative vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipe ideas that will make you actually look forward to the next few days of eating. Each recipe is simple, adaptable, and perfect for keeping that cozy holiday flavor alive.
And if you love showing off your vegan pride while you cook, check out The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from soft, organic cotton — the perfect gift for yourself or your favorite plant-based foodie.
1. Vegan Leftover Stuffing Waffles
If you have leftover stuffing, don’t just reheat it — crisp it up into savory waffles.
How to make it:
Mix about 2 cups of leftover stuffing with a few tablespoons of vegetable broth to moisten it, then press it into a preheated waffle iron. Cook until golden and crispy on the outside.
Serving ideas:
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Top with warm vegan gravy and cranberry sauce.
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Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a brunch-style twist.
These waffles are crunchy, comforting, and a great way to enjoy leftovers without the heaviness of another huge plate.
2. Mashed Potato Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Mashed potatoes are the perfect base for a cozy shepherd’s pie. Layer your Thanksgiving leftovers into a new meal that feels fresh but tastes like the holiday.
How to make it:
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Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and any leftover veggies in olive oil.
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Add cooked lentils or leftover vegan roast pieces for protein.
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Pour in a bit of vegetable broth and a spoon of leftover gravy.
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Spread mashed potatoes on top, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
This dish freezes beautifully and reheats well, making it an ideal meal for busy post-holiday evenings.
3. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Oat Bars
Got extra cranberry sauce? Use it to bake sweet, tangy oat bars that taste like dessert but are wholesome enough for breakfast.
How to make it:
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Combine oats, almond flour, a little maple syrup, and coconut oil for a crust.
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Press half into a pan, spread cranberry sauce on top, then crumble the rest of the oat mixture over it.
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Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden brown.
These bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week — perfect for snacking while you binge your favorite holiday movies.
4. Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers Wraps
If you’re tired of traditional plates, wrap it up! These handheld meals are fresh, flavorful, and portable.
How to make it:
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Spread hummus or mashed potatoes onto a large tortilla.
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Add leftover stuffing, slices of vegan roast, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of cranberry sauce.
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Roll tightly, slice in half, and warm in a skillet or sandwich press.
They’re a great next-day lunch option that doesn’t feel like reheated leftovers.
5. Vegan Gravy Ramen Bowl
This is one of the most surprising ways to transform vegan Thanksgiving leftovers — turning gravy into a rich noodle soup base.
How to make it:
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Thin out leftover vegan gravy with vegetable broth until it’s soup-like.
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Add noodles (ramen or rice noodles work great), leftover roasted vegetables, and bits of vegan roast.
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Finish with a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
It’s a warming, umami-packed meal that brings comfort and creativity to your post-holiday days.
6. Leftover Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet potatoes from your Thanksgiving table can easily become breakfast the next day. Sweet, fluffy, and spiced with cinnamon, these pancakes are a hit with kids and adults alike.
How to make it:
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Mix leftover mashed sweet potatoes with oat flour, baking powder, plant milk, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup.
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Cook like regular pancakes on a lightly oiled griddle.
Top with sliced bananas, crushed pecans, or leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart finish.
7. Vegan Thanksgiving Grain Bowl
A vegan grain bowl is a smart and satisfying way to use up various small portions of leftovers.
How to build it:
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Base: Use cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
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Veggies: Add roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots.
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Protein: Include lentils, chickpeas, or chopped vegan roast.
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Sauce: Drizzle with warmed vegan gravy or a tahini dressing.
It’s a nutritious, low-waste lunch option that can be customized for each person at the table.
8. Leftover Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
If your fridge holds the remains of a pumpkin pie or some leftover filling, blend it into a delicious smoothie that tastes like dessert in a glass.
How to make it:
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Combine ½ cup leftover pumpkin pie filling (or a slice of pie without crust) with 1 frozen banana, 1 cup plant milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Blend until smooth.
This is the ideal pick-me-up for the morning after Thanksgiving — rich, nourishing, and loaded with flavor.
Bonus: Tips to Keep Leftovers Fresh and Flavorful
Before you dive into cooking, make sure your Thanksgiving leftovers are stored safely and taste their best for the next few days.
1. Cool Quickly:
Don’t leave leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours. Divide them into smaller portions before refrigerating.
2. Store Smart:
Use airtight containers and label them with the date. Most vegan leftovers will last 3–4 days in the fridge.
3. Freeze for Later:
Vegan gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and most roasts freeze well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months.
4. Reheat Gently:
Reheat on low to medium heat and add a splash of plant milk or broth to keep things moist and flavorful.
How to Plan a “Leftovers Lunch Party”
Instead of eating leftovers solo, make it social! Invite friends or family over for a “Leftovers Lunch Party.”
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Set out a spread of your vegan leftovers in small bowls.
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Offer wraps, grains, and sauces so everyone can build their own plates.
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Add a simple salad or soup to freshen up the meal.
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Play upbeat music and relive your favorite moments from Thanksgiving dinner.
This is a wonderful way to avoid food waste while extending the joy of the holiday.
Sustainable Thanksgiving Living
Reducing food waste is one of the most powerful ways to live more sustainably — and reimagining leftovers is part of that effort. By transforming yesterday’s meal into something new, you save money, reduce waste, and keep the holiday spirit going just a little longer.
And if you want to express your commitment to compassion and sustainability beyond your kitchen, wear it proudly with a vegan t-shirt from The Dharma Store. Their shirts are made from organic cotton, ethically produced, and designed for those who believe kindness extends to every part of life.
Wrapping Up
Leftovers don’t have to feel like an afterthought. With a little creativity, your Thanksgiving dishes can take on entirely new forms — hearty waffles, savory pies, nourishing bowls, and more. These vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipe ideas let you enjoy every bite of your hard work, while keeping your meals fresh, fun, and planet-friendly.
Remember: a great vegan Thanksgiving doesn’t end on Thursday night. It continues in your kitchen for days afterward — in every crispy stuffing waffle, every spoonful of cranberry oat bar, and every sip of pumpkin pie smoothie.
Reinvent. Reheat. Rejoice. That’s the true spirit of a compassionate Thanksgiving.