After the feast comes the fridge full of leftovers—a sign of abundance, but also an opportunity. Instead of letting your post-holiday bounty go to waste, why not transform it into something fresh, exciting, and entirely plant-based? Vegan Thanksgiving leftovers recipes can help you reimagine your holiday spread into brand-new meals that are just as satisfying as the main event.
From savory breakfast scrambles to cozy casseroles, hearty soups, and creative wraps, there are countless ways to turn what’s left on your table into something wonderful. This guide will walk you through inventive ideas for using up everything from roasted vegetables to stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce—without losing their festive flair.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, but it can also generate a lot of food waste. With a little creativity, you can:
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Reduce waste: Give leftovers new life instead of throwing them away.
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Save time and money: Use what you already have for easy, quick meals.
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Eat more variety: Mix and match ingredients for exciting flavor combinations.
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Stay healthy: Vegan recipes tend to be lighter and easier to digest post-feast.
The beauty of vegan Thanksgiving leftovers is that they’re incredibly versatile. From lentil loaves to roasted root vegetables and cranberry sauce, each element can be repurposed into a new meal that feels intentional—not like “just leftovers.”
1. Breakfast: Start the Morning After Right
The day after Thanksgiving calls for something hearty yet nourishing. Transform your leftovers into breakfast dishes that feel special and seasonal.
Savory Stuffing Waffles
Got leftover stuffing? Turn it into crispy, golden waffles!
Ingredients:
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2 cups vegan stuffing
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¼ cup vegetable broth (or water)
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1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water
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Nonstick spray or oil for the waffle iron
Directions:
Preheat your waffle maker. Mix stuffing, broth, and flax mixture until combined. Scoop onto the waffle iron and cook until crispy.
Serving suggestion: Top with vegan gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce for a perfect sweet-savory combo.
Vegan Thanksgiving Breakfast Hash
This is a great way to use up roasted vegetables, vegan roasts, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
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Leftover roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
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Any roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash)
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Chopped vegan roast or tempeh
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Olive oil
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Garlic, thyme, and black pepper
Directions:
Heat oil in a skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then toss in veggies and protein. Cook until everything is crispy and golden.
Serve with hot sauce or a drizzle of vegan aioli for a hearty brunch.
Cranberry Oat Breakfast Parfait
Turn leftover cranberry sauce into a bright, tangy topping.
Ingredients:
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1 cup vegan yogurt (almond or coconut-based)
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½ cup leftover cranberry sauce
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½ cup granola
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Maple syrup (optional)
Directions:
Layer yogurt, cranberry sauce, and granola in a glass or jar. Drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Pro Tip: This parfait also makes a great mid-afternoon snack.
2. Lunch: Fresh Takes on Classic Flavors
By midday, you might want something light but still comforting. These leftover-inspired lunches hit the spot without feeling heavy.
Vegan Thanksgiving Grain Bowls
Use leftover grains like quinoa, wild rice, or farro as your base.
Ingredients:
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Cooked grains (about 2 cups)
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Roasted vegetables
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Leftover lentil loaf or chickpea roast, cubed
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Cranberry sauce
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Handful of greens (kale or spinach)
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Tahini or balsamic dressing
Directions:
Assemble your bowl with grains, veggies, and protein. Add greens and drizzle with dressing. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for brightness.
It’s balanced, colorful, and ideal for meal prep.
Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats
Sweet potatoes reheat beautifully and make the perfect vessel for all your leftover bits.
Ingredients:
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Baked sweet potatoes
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Leftover stuffing or lentil loaf
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Steamed greens
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Vegan gravy
Directions:
Slice sweet potatoes in half and scoop slightly to create a well. Fill with stuffing or lentil loaf, top with greens, and drizzle with gravy.
This dish is cozy, nutritious, and beautiful enough to serve again.
Cranberry BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Give leftover cranberry sauce a tangy twist by blending it into a quick BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
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1 cup young jackfruit (drained)
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½ cup leftover cranberry sauce
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 tablespoon maple syrup
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Whole-grain buns or rolls
Directions:
Sauté jackfruit, add sauce ingredients, and simmer until thickened. Shred the jackfruit with a fork, pile onto buns, and serve with slaw.
This vegan spin on pulled “pork” sandwiches is flavorful and satisfying.
3. Dinner: Reinvent the Feast
When it’s time for dinner, use those bigger portions of leftovers to create comforting, shareable dishes.
Vegan Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie
A holiday favorite reinvented for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
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Leftover mashed potatoes
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Roasted vegetables
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Lentils or leftover vegan roast
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Vegetable broth
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Thyme and rosemary
Directions:
In a baking dish, layer lentils and veggies. Pour in a bit of broth to keep it moist. Top with mashed potatoes and bake at 375°F until golden.
This pie captures the heartiness of Thanksgiving in a single pan.
Leftover Stuffing-Stuffed Peppers
Give leftover stuffing new life with this colorful dish.
Ingredients:
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4 bell peppers
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2 cups vegan stuffing
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½ cup chopped roasted vegetables
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Vegan cheese (optional)
Directions:
Cut the tops off peppers, remove seeds, and fill with stuffing mix. Bake for 25 minutes at 375°F until tender.
Tip: Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce before serving for a flavor boost.
Creamy Vegan Turkey(less) Pot Pie
Turn leftover veggies, gravy, and roast into a creamy pot pie.
Ingredients:
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Chopped vegan roast or tofu
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Roasted vegetables
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Leftover gravy
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Plant-based milk
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Pie crust or puff pastry
Directions:
Mix veggies, protein, gravy, and milk until creamy. Pour into a baking dish, top with crust, and bake until golden brown.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, all from your leftovers.
4. Snacks & Small Bites
Between meals, you can still make use of your Thanksgiving extras with these snackable ideas.
Mashed Potato Croquettes
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into crispy bites.
Ingredients:
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2 cups mashed potatoes
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon chopped herbs
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Shape into balls or patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake or pan-fry until golden. Serve with vegan gravy or spicy mustard.
Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer at your post-holiday movie night.
Cranberry Glazed Roasted Nuts
A sweet, tart twist for leftover cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
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1 cup mixed nuts
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2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
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1 tablespoon maple syrup
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Pinch of cinnamon
Directions:
Mix everything and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool before serving.
These make great edible gifts or energy-boosting snacks.
Leftover Veggie Fritters
A great way to use stray roasted veggies or grains.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chopped vegetables
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½ cup leftover grains or mashed potatoes
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2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
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Spices to taste
Directions:
Mix ingredients and form small patties. Pan-fry in olive oil until crisp on both sides.
Serve with vegan sour cream or tahini dip.
5. Soups & Stews: Comfort in a Bowl
Leftovers make the perfect foundation for hearty soups and stews that come together fast.
Harvest Vegetable Soup
This flexible recipe works with almost anything from your fridge.
Ingredients:
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Leftover roasted vegetables
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Vegetable broth
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Cooked lentils or beans
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Herbs and spices
Directions:
Combine everything in a pot, simmer for 20 minutes, and adjust seasoning. Blend half for a creamier texture or leave chunky.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Potato Soup
A warm, satisfying way to use up leftover potatoes.
Ingredients:
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2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 onion, chopped
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Vegetable broth
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Coconut milk
Directions:
Sauté onion and mushrooms until golden, then add mashed potatoes and broth. Simmer, stir in coconut milk, and blend until smooth.
Cranberry Lentil Stew
Tangy and savory, this stew uses cranberry sauce to add a unique depth.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked lentils
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½ cup cranberry sauce
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2 cups vegetable broth
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Diced carrots, celery, and onion
Directions:
Simmer everything together for 25 minutes, season to taste, and serve with crusty bread.
6. Desserts with a Thanksgiving Twist
Sweet leftovers can easily become new desserts that feel fresh but still festive.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Blend leftover pumpkin purée or pie filling into a nutritious treat.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin purée
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Frozen banana
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Almond milk
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Maple syrup
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
Directions:
Blend until creamy and serve chilled. It’s dessert in a glass without the heaviness.
Cranberry Swirl Brownies
Repurpose cranberry sauce into a vibrant dessert topping.
Ingredients:
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Brownie batter (vegan)
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½ cup cranberry sauce
Directions:
Swirl cranberry sauce through brownie batter before baking for a beautiful marble effect.
Apple Crumble Parfaits
Use up leftover pie or apple compote.
Ingredients:
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Leftover apple pie filling or baked apples
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Crushed cookies or granola
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Coconut whipped cream
Directions:
Layer in glasses for a quick, elegant dessert.
These simple treats make Thanksgiving linger just a little longer—in the sweetest way.
7. Sustainable Leftover Management Tips
Transforming leftovers isn’t just about taste—it’s about mindfulness. Here’s how to make your post-Thanksgiving cooking even more sustainable:
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Store smart: Use clear glass containers to see what you have and avoid waste.
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Label everything: Date your leftovers so you know what to eat first.
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Compost scraps: Even if you reuse most food, some peels and ends can go to compost.
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Freeze portions: Many vegan leftovers freeze beautifully for future quick meals.
8. Celebrate Mindful Living Beyond the Table
Repurposing your Thanksgiving meal is more than a kitchen hack—it’s a reflection of gratitude, creativity, and sustainability. Choosing plant-based dishes helps minimize environmental impact while still delivering incredible flavor.
For those who embrace a compassionate lifestyle year-round, The Dharma Store offers vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for sharing your values in style.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end when the meal does. With a little creativity, your vegan Thanksgiving leftovers can become a week’s worth of nourishing, waste-free dishes that carry the spirit of the holiday forward.
From hearty hashes and soups to reinvented pot pies and parfaits, these recipes prove that sustainability and flavor go hand in hand. So before you toss anything out, open your fridge, gather your ingredients, and celebrate again—with gratitude, flavor, and compassion.