Thanksgiving leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday — but let’s be honest, eating the same dishes three days in a row can get a little repetitive. The good news? With a few smart ideas and simple tweaks, you can turn your leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies into brand-new vegan meals that feel fresh, satisfying, and fun.
This guide offers vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipe ideas that are not only practical but truly exciting. These recipes reduce waste, save time, and stretch your feast into the week ahead — while keeping every bite plant-based and full of flavor.
And if you want to extend your love of all things vegan beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com), where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — a perfect reminder that compassion doesn’t stop at the table.
Why Reinventing Vegan Leftovers Matters
A thoughtful approach to Thanksgiving leftovers is about more than convenience. It’s about sustainability, creativity, and gratitude — the very spirit of the holiday.
Here’s why reusing your leftovers thoughtfully matters:
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Less waste, more gratitude: Using what you already cooked honors the effort and ingredients behind your feast.
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Saves time and money: Reinventing dishes takes minutes instead of hours of cooking from scratch.
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Keeps meals exciting: Fresh flavors and new textures prevent “leftover fatigue.”
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Makes the most of vegan staples: Dishes like lentil loaves, roasted vegetables, and nut-based gravies can transform beautifully into new creations.
So, instead of reheating the same plate, let’s make something entirely new — from savory breakfast scrambles to cozy soups and sandwiches.
1. Leftover Stuffing “Waffles” with Mushroom Gravy
If you have leftover vegan stuffing, this might become your new favorite way to eat it.
How to make it:
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Mix 2–3 cups of leftover stuffing with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and a splash of vegetable broth if it’s too dry.
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Press into a waffle iron and cook until crisp and golden.
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Serve topped with leftover mushroom or onion gravy, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Why it works:
The waffle shape gives stuffing a crisp, irresistible texture. It’s an easy, satisfying brunch idea that tastes indulgent but uses up your leftovers beautifully.
2. Mashed Potato & Veggie Croquettes
A classic way to use leftover mashed potatoes — turn them into crispy croquettes or patties.
How to make it:
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Mix mashed potatoes with chopped leftover roasted vegetables, herbs, and a spoonful of flour or breadcrumbs to bind.
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Shape into small patties.
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Pan-fry in a little oil until golden on both sides.
Serving idea:
Serve with vegan aioli, cranberry sauce, or leftover gravy for dipping.
Tip:
These freeze beautifully. Make a batch, freeze them flat, and reheat for quick snacks later in the week.
3. Thanksgiving Leftovers Burrito or Wrap
The perfect handheld meal that makes cleanup a breeze.
How to make it:
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Lay out a large tortilla or collard green leaf.
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Layer mashed potatoes, lentil loaf, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce, and greens.
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Add a drizzle of leftover vegan gravy or tahini dressing.
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Wrap and heat briefly on a skillet or press until warm.
Why it works:
This combination hits all the holiday flavors — sweet, savory, tangy — in one convenient, portable package.
4. Roasted Veggie Soup with Herbed Croutons
Roasted vegetables are the secret to deep, complex flavor in soups — and they’re already cooked!
How to make it:
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Blend leftover roasted carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes with vegetable broth until smooth.
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Simmer with a little coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess.
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Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
For the croutons:
Dice leftover dinner rolls or bread stuffing, drizzle with olive oil, and toast in the oven until crisp.
Serving tip:
Top your soup with a swirl of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for texture.
5. Vegan Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes, lentils, and roasted vegetables into a hearty main dish that feels completely new.
How to make it:
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Layer lentils or leftover lentil loaf in a baking dish.
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Add roasted veggies or sautéed greens as the next layer.
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Spread leftover mashed potatoes on top.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden.
Optional addition:
Mix a little nutritional yeast into the potato layer for a subtle cheesy flavor.
This shepherd’s pie makes an ideal make-ahead dinner — comforting, filling, and easy to reheat.
6. Cranberry Oat Breakfast Parfaits
A sweet and tangy way to turn leftover cranberry sauce into breakfast magic.
How to make it:
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Layer vegan yogurt or coconut cream with leftover cranberry sauce and granola.
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Repeat layers for a parfait-style breakfast or dessert.
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Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Why it works:
This transforms a holiday condiment into a wholesome, energizing breakfast — proof that leftovers can be elegant, too.
7. Savory Thanksgiving Leftovers Hash
A one-pan meal that uses almost everything in your fridge.
How to make it:
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Chop up leftover veggies, stuffing, and plant-based protein (like lentil loaf or tempeh).
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Sauté in a skillet with olive oil and garlic until crispy.
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Add a splash of leftover gravy or broth for moisture.
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Top with a drizzle of vegan cheese sauce or avocado slices.
Serving suggestion:
Serve with a side of hot sauce or cranberry relish for a burst of flavor.
This is perfect for a post-Thanksgiving brunch or an easy dinner when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to cook from scratch.
8. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Holiday Fillings
This recipe breathes new life into plain leftover sides by turning them into beautiful, meal-worthy stuffed potatoes.
How to make it:
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Reheat baked sweet potatoes (or roast fresh ones if you’ve run out).
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Scoop out a bit of the center and mix it with leftover lentil loaf, roasted veggies, or sautéed kale.
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Refill the potato shells with the mixture.
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Drizzle with leftover gravy or tahini sauce and bake for 10 minutes to warm through.
Tip:
Top with toasted nuts or crispy onions for texture. These look great on the table and taste even better the next day.
Bonus: Leftover Dessert Trifle
If you’ve got fragments of pie crust, bits of vegan cake, or extra cranberry sauce, this is the easiest dessert hack.
How to make it:
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Layer crumbled pie, cranberry sauce, and coconut whipped cream in a glass bowl.
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Repeat layers until full, ending with whipped cream and crushed nuts on top.
It’s visually stunning, indulgent, and zero waste — the perfect way to close out a week of Thanksgiving flavors.
Tips for Handling and Storing Vegan Leftovers
To make the most of your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers, a little prep goes a long way.
1. Cool Before Storing
Let everything cool before sealing and refrigerating. Warm food in sealed containers traps moisture and can lead to spoilage.
2. Label and Organize
Mark containers with the date and contents. Vegan gravies and sauces often thicken after cooling — a splash of broth will bring them back to life.
3. Freeze Smartly
Hearty items like lentil loaves, soups, and mashed potatoes freeze well. Use freezer-safe bags and remove excess air before sealing.
4. Avoid Overheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven rather than microwaving, which can dry out vegan dishes made with grains or legumes.
5. Plan Ahead for Versatility
If you expect leftovers, roast extra vegetables and cook an extra batch of grains during Thanksgiving prep — they’ll make reinventing meals later much easier.
Sustainable Leftovers: Giving Thanks Beyond the Table
Vegan Thanksgiving leftovers aren’t just about saving food — they’re about embracing mindful living. By reusing ingredients, you reduce waste and show respect for the planet and the effort that went into every dish.
Pairing that sustainability with lifestyle choices like choosing ethical clothing or cruelty-free products strengthens that commitment. For example, The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com) offers vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — comfortable, ethical, and a great way to represent your values long after the holiday dishes are done.
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Conclusion: Keep the Feast Going
Thanksgiving might be over, but the flavor doesn’t have to end. With these vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipe ideas, you can enjoy new, vibrant dishes that celebrate the best parts of the holiday — abundance, creativity, and compassion.
From crispy stuffing waffles to hearty shepherd’s pie and cranberry parfaits, these recipes turn what’s left into something special. They’re proof that plant-based cooking is not only ethical but endlessly adaptable and delicious.
And if you’re inspired to carry your vegan values beyond your plate, explore The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com). Their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton let you share your plant-based pride every day — because kindness and creativity are always in style.