The day after Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean eating the same plate of leftovers over and over again. In fact, with a little creativity, your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers can turn into a whole new feast — one that’s even more exciting than the first meal.
Whether your fridge is overflowing with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or cranberry sauce, there are endless ways to reimagine those ingredients into fresh, satisfying dishes. From savory waffles to comforting soups and handheld wraps, these vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipe ideas make post-holiday meals something to look forward to.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 8 simple, flavor-packed ways to reuse your vegan holiday leftovers. You’ll also find tips for safe storage, freezing, and reducing waste — all while keeping things deliciously plant-based.
Why Reimagine Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers?
Thanksgiving dinner is often a labor of love, with hours spent prepping, cooking, and baking. But after the feast ends, the leftovers can pile up — and if you’re vegan, you know it’s not always easy to find fresh inspiration that doesn’t just reheat the same old plate.
Reimagining leftovers into new dishes helps you:
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Reduce food waste while saving time and money.
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Create variety so meals feel exciting instead of repetitive.
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Experiment with flavors — like turning mashed potatoes into crispy fritters or cranberry sauce into breakfast parfaits.
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Make meal prep easy for busy post-holiday days.
A little planning turns your Thanksgiving leftovers into creative, nourishing comfort food that keeps the celebration going all weekend.
Storage and Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Before diving into recipes, let’s make sure your leftovers stay fresh and safe to enjoy.
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Cool leftovers quickly: Transfer food into shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
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Use airtight containers: Helps maintain freshness and prevents odors from mixing.
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Label and date everything: Especially helpful if you’re storing multiple dishes.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days: Or freeze for up to 2–3 months.
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Reheat safely: Heat to 165°F to ensure proper food safety.
Pro tip: Portion leftovers before storing — it makes assembling new dishes later much easier.
8 Vegan Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes That Actually Excite
Let’s turn those vegan Thanksgiving extras into next-level dishes. These recipes are flexible, so you can mix and match depending on what you have on hand.
1. Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Why you’ll love it: Crispy on the outside, tender inside — these waffles make the perfect savory breakfast or brunch dish.
Ingredients:
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Leftover vegan stuffing
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A splash of vegetable broth or plant milk (to moisten)
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Olive oil spray for waffle iron
Instructions:
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Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.
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Mix stuffing with a little liquid until it sticks together.
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Spoon onto the waffle iron and press firmly.
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Cook until crispy and golden.
Serve with: Mushroom gravy or a drizzle of vegan aioli.
Bonus tip: Add chopped kale or spinach to the mixture for extra greens.
2. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Why you’ll love it: These crispy potato cakes are comforting and satisfying — great for breakfast or as a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
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Leftover mashed potatoes
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Chopped green onions
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Flour or breadcrumbs (for binding)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine ingredients in a bowl and form into patties.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve with: Vegan sour cream, applesauce, or leftover cranberry sauce.
Storage: Freeze uncooked patties for up to a month.
3. Thanksgiving Leftovers Buddha Bowl
Why you’ll love it: The easiest way to enjoy leftovers in a fresh, balanced way.
Ingredients:
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Leftover roasted veggies (Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes)
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Quinoa, rice, or farro
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Leftover greens or salad mix
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Cranberry sauce for dressing
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A drizzle of tahini or balsamic glaze
Instructions:
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Reheat veggies and grains.
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Layer everything in a bowl.
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Drizzle with cranberry-tahini dressing (mix cranberry sauce + tahini + lemon juice).
Customization: Add tofu, chickpeas, or lentils for extra protein.
4. Cranberry Oat Breakfast Parfait
Why you’ll love it: A healthy and refreshing way to use up leftover cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
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Leftover cranberry sauce
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Coconut yogurt or almond yogurt
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Rolled oats or granola
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Chopped nuts or fruit
Instructions:
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In a glass, layer yogurt, oats, and cranberry sauce.
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Repeat layers and top with nuts or fruit.
Optional twist: Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Make-ahead: Assemble in jars for grab-and-go breakfasts all weekend.
5. Sweet Potato Tacos
Why you’ll love it: A fun and flavorful twist on leftovers — these tacos are hearty, colorful, and easy to assemble.
Ingredients:
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Leftover roasted sweet potatoes
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Black beans
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Shredded cabbage or kale
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Avocado slices
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Tortillas
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Lime wedges and salsa
Instructions:
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Reheat sweet potatoes and black beans.
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Warm tortillas and fill with your favorite toppings.
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Squeeze lime and drizzle with salsa or vegan ranch.
Pro tip: Add leftover stuffing crumbles for a salty crunch.
6. Leftover Gravy Mushroom Pasta
Why you’ll love it: Turns leftover vegan gravy into a creamy, savory pasta sauce in minutes.
Ingredients:
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Leftover vegan gravy
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Pasta of choice
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Mushrooms and garlic
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Olive oil or vegan butter
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Fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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Sauté mushrooms and garlic in oil until tender.
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Add gravy and a splash of plant milk to thin it.
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Toss with pasta and top with parsley.
Optional: Add leftover roasted vegetables or spinach for extra texture.
7. Thanksgiving Leftovers Wraps
Why you’ll love it: Perfect for lunch or travel days — easy to make, portable, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
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Tortillas or lavash wraps
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Leftover stuffing, greens, and cranberry sauce
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Sliced tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas
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Optional: hummus or vegan cream cheese
Instructions:
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Spread hummus or vegan cream cheese on a tortilla.
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Layer leftovers down the center.
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Roll tightly and slice in half.
To serve warm: Wrap in foil and heat in the oven for 10 minutes.
8. Leftover Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Why you’ll love it: Dessert for breakfast, but still healthy and plant-based.
Ingredients:
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Leftover pumpkin pie filling (or a slice of pie without crust)
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Frozen banana
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Almond milk
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
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Ice cubes
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to a blender.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Top with a sprinkle of granola or cinnamon.
Pro tip: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder for a post-holiday workout smoothie.
Bonus Ideas: Creative Ways to Use Small Leftover Portions
Even if you only have small amounts of leftovers, here are clever ways to make them shine:
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Cranberry Sauce → Salad Dressing: Blend with olive oil and vinegar for a tangy vinaigrette.
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Roasted Veggies → Soup Base: Blend with veggie broth for a quick creamy soup.
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Stuffing → Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into bell peppers and bake for 20 minutes.
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Mashed Potatoes → Shepherd’s Pie: Layer with lentils and gravy, bake until golden.
Every little bit can be transformed into something new — and every meal can feel special again.
Tips for Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Flavorful
To make your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers last longer and taste better:
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Store similar foods together: Keep wet and dry ingredients separate (gravy, salad, etc.).
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Refresh dry foods: Add a little water or broth before reheating casseroles or stuffing.
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Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave: Keeps texture crisp.
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Freeze what you can’t eat within a few days: Most vegan dishes freeze beautifully.
A quick refresh or touch of seasoning can bring leftovers back to life.
Sustainable Leftover Storage Ideas
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to embrace sustainability — even after the meal is done. Instead of single-use containers, consider eco-friendly options:
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Reusable glass containers for main dishes and sides.
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Silicone bags for sauces and small portions.
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Beeswax wraps for covering leftovers or wrapping sandwiches.
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Composting scraps like peels and stems to reduce food waste.
Keeping your holiday footprint small aligns perfectly with vegan values — compassion, mindfulness, and sustainability.
Making the Most of Your Vegan Thanksgiving Weekend
With these leftover ideas, you can spend less time cooking and more time relaxing, reflecting, and enjoying good company. Here’s how to make your weekend even better:
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Plan a casual post-Thanksgiving brunch with your new creations.
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Turn your leftovers into a meal prep session for the upcoming week.
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Host a “Leftovers Potluck” — invite friends to share and swap dishes.
And while you’re taking it easy, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to something mindful — like a cozy, ethically made vegan t-shirt from The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed shirts made from organic cotton are comfortable and meaningful, a great reflection of compassionate living.
Final Thoughts: Give Your Vegan Leftovers New Life
Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to feel repetitive — they’re a blank canvas for creativity. From savory waffles and hearty bowls to smoothies and wraps, these vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipe ideas turn your holiday food into something new and exciting.
The key is to mix textures, play with flavors, and let the season’s ingredients shine in different ways. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself, these recipes prove that being vegan doesn’t mean missing out on comfort or flavor — even the day after the feast.
So open that fridge, grab your containers, and turn your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers into something to celebrate all over again.