Easy & Delicious Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowls: Your Ultimate One-Bowl Meal Solution
After the grand feast of Thanksgiving, a mountain of delicious leftovers often awaits. Instead of letting those precious components go to waste, or serving them in the same old way, why not transform them into something fresh, exciting, and incredibly satisfying? These Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowls are designed to take all your beloved holiday elements – from savory turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce – and artfully combine them into a single, cohesive, and utterly delicious meal. Whether you prefer a plant-based option using hearty chickpeas or classic leftover turkey, this recipe offers a comforting, nutritious, and quick solution for your post-holiday dining. It’s the perfect way to extend the joy of Thanksgiving with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why These Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowls Are a Post-Holiday Must-Have
Thanksgiving is a culinary marathon, and by the time it’s over, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen again. This is where the beauty of the Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowl shines. It’s more than just reheating food; it’s about reinventing it. Here’s why these bowls will become your new favorite tradition:
- Effortless Reinvention: Instead of simply reheating individual dishes, this recipe guides you in harmoniously blending textures and flavors for a completely new experience. Most of the hard work is already done!
- Ultimate Customization: Got a lot of turkey? Add it in! Prefer a vegetarian option? Chickpeas are fantastic. These bowls are endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand, making them incredibly versatile.
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of salty roasted vegetables, savory protein, creamy potatoes, and the sweet-tart punch of cranberry sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: By incorporating fresh or leftover roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, you’re packing these bowls with essential vitamins, fiber, and deliciousness.
- Minimize Food Waste: This recipe is a hero in the fight against food waste. It gives new life to every delicious scrap from your holiday table, ensuring that no culinary effort goes unappreciated.
- Quick & Convenient: After the exhaustive preparations for Thanksgiving day, you’ll appreciate a meal that comes together in under 35 minutes, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy the holiday season.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Delectable Leftovers Bowl
While the beauty of a leftovers bowl lies in its adaptability, a few key ingredients will help you build a foundational flavor profile that truly sings. The following list includes both the fresh components you’ll roast and the essential Thanksgiving leftovers that complete the meal:
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil: The base for roasting your fresh vegetables and coating your chickpeas. It helps achieve that perfect golden crispness.
- 1 tsp Salt + a Pinch: Essential for seasoning. A pinch is added to the Brussels sprouts and carrots to enhance their natural flavors during roasting.
- ½ tsp Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that beautifully complements sweet potatoes and adds a subtle hint of holiday flavor.
- ½ tsp White Pepper: Offers a milder, more delicate heat than black pepper, blending seamlessly with the other spices without overpowering them.
- ¼ tsp Cumin: Adds an earthy, savory depth that balances the sweetness of the root vegetables and the warmth of the cinnamon.
- 1 Large Sweet Potato, Peeled and Cubed: Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. Roasting them brings out their natural sugars and creates a delightful texture.
- 1 Can Chickpeas, Strained and Patted Dry: Our plant-based protein hero! When roasted, chickpeas become wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing a satisfying bite. You can also substitute these with leftover shredded turkey for a more traditional take.
- 1 Cup Brussels Sprouts, Halved: Roasting Brussels sprouts mellows their bitterness and brings out a delicious nutty flavor.
- 1 Large Carrot, Peeled and Sliced into Chunks: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, becoming tender and slightly caramelized when roasted.
- 1 tsp Honey: A touch of honey drizzled over the carrots enhances their sweetness and aids in caramelization, adding another layer of flavor.
- 1 Cup Leftover Mashed Potatoes (Salted and Buttered): The creamy, comforting foundation of your bowl. Perfectly seasoned and buttery mashed potatoes are non-negotiable for a true Thanksgiving experience.
- ½ Cup Cranberry Sauce: Provides a crucial tart and sweet counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the other components and adding a burst of fruity brightness.
- Leftover Gravy: The ultimate unifying ingredient! Whether it’s classic turkey gravy or our optional vegetarian version (instructions below), gravy binds all the flavors together, adding moisture and depth.
Handy Kitchen Tools for Assembly
Preparing these delightful bowls requires only a few basic kitchen tools, making the process even simpler:
- Large Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading out your vegetables and chickpeas in a single layer, ensuring they roast evenly and get perfectly crispy.
- Parchment Paper: A lifesaver for easy cleanup and preventing sticking. Line your baking sheet for a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Chef’s Knife: For efficiently peeling and cubing your sweet potato, halving Brussels sprouts, and slicing carrots. A sharp knife makes prep work quick and safe.
- Serving Bowls: Of course, you’ll need sturdy, attractive bowls to assemble and present your beautiful creation!
You might be wondering how all these distinct Thanksgiving components, when placed in a single bowl, can truly harmonize. The answer lies in the artful combination of contrasting flavors and textures. The delicate sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, the satisfying crunch of roasted chickpeas (or the tender savory notes of turkey), the creamy richness of mashed potatoes, and the bright, tart burst of cranberry sauce all come together. Drizzled with a luscious gravy, it’s a perfectly balanced meal that satisfies every craving. It’s truly a rock-and-bowl experience that elevates your leftovers far beyond a simple reheat.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Holiday Leftovers
While these Leftovers Bowls are undeniably amazing, your Thanksgiving bounty offers endless possibilities! Another classic and utterly delicious way to utilize your holiday feast is by crafting a gourmet turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sandwich. Stacked high with all the festive trimmings, it’s a nostalgic favorite. Beyond that, consider turning your leftover turkey into savory quesadillas, whipping up a leftover hash for breakfast, or even transforming mashed potatoes into crispy potato cakes. The key is to think creatively and embrace the delicious potential of every component.
More Inspiring Fall Recipes
As the autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, our kitchens become a haven for warm and inviting flavors. If you’re looking for more seasonal delights beyond Thanksgiving, explore some of our other favorite fall recipes:
- Hot Apple Cider: The quintessential cozy drink for chilly evenings.
- Pumpkin Pie Dip: All the flavors of pumpkin pie in a fun, dippable form.
- Pumpkin Spice Donuts: A sweet, spiced treat perfect with your morning coffee.
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes: Individual servings of creamy, spiced cheesecake.
- Crockpot Cinnamon Apples: A simple, aromatic side or dessert that fills your home with a wonderful scent.
- Pumpkin Deviled Eggs: A surprising and festive twist on a classic appetizer.
Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowl
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Veggies & Main Components
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt + a pinch
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and cubed
- 1 can chickpeas strained and patted dry*
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts halved
- 1 large carrot peeled and sliced into chunks
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes salted and buttered
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
Vegetarian Gravy (optional)**
If you don’t have leftover gravy or prefer a vegetarian option, this quick recipe creates a savory, rich alternative.
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 2 Tbsp chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
**If you’re not vegetarian, the easiest option is to simply use any leftover turkey gravy you might have from your Thanksgiving dinner. This vegetarian gravy recipe is a fantastic alternative for those who prefer to keep it plant-based or have run out of turkey gravy.
Prep Ahead Tip: You can chop all your fresh vegetables (sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, carrots) a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the spices (cinnamon, white pepper, cumin) to your personal preference. A little smoked paprika can also add a delightful smoky depth.
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, cinnamon, white pepper, and cumin until well combined. This spiced oil will coat your vegetables and chickpeas, infusing them with incredible flavor.
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Add the cubed sweet potato chunks to the oil mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the bowl and spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them crisp up beautifully.
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Return to the mixing bowl with the remaining oil mixture. Add the strained and patted-dry chickpeas (or shredded leftover turkey if using). Toss to coat them well. Spoon the coated chickpeas (or turkey) onto the same prepared baking sheet, keeping them somewhat separate from the sweet potatoes if possible for even cooking.
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Distribute the halved Brussels sprouts and carrot chunks onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle each of these vegetables with a small pinch of salt to enhance their flavor. Drizzle the honey evenly over the carrots to encourage caramelization.
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Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and cook at 400 degrees F (204 C) for approximately 25 minutes. Roast until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork and the chickpeas are slightly crispy and golden brown. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven.
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If you’re preparing the vegetarian gravy: While the vegetables are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, typically a few minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and flour, mixing well to create a roux. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. Cover the saucepan to keep the gravy warm and set it aside until ready to serve.
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Just before your roasted vegetables are finished cooking, gently heat your leftover mashed potatoes. You can do this in the microwave, on the stovetop over low heat, or even in a small oven-safe dish alongside your roasting vegetables until warmed through and creamy.
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To assemble your exquisite Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowls, spoon a generous base of warm mashed potatoes into the bottom of 2 or 3 serving bowls. Artfully arrange an equal portion of each of the roasted vegetables (sweet potato, chickpeas/turkey, Brussels sprouts, carrots) on top of the mashed potatoes. For extra creaminess, you can add another small scoop of mashed potatoes on top of the veggies if you wish. Finish this layer with a dollop of bright cranberry sauce.
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Generously drizzle your warm gravy (whether leftover turkey gravy or your freshly made vegetarian version) over all the components in the bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving all over again!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I prepare these Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowls ahead of time?
- Yes, absolutely! You can roast the fresh vegetables (sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, chickpeas) ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the roasted veggies, warm the mashed potatoes and gravy, and assemble. This makes for an even quicker post-holiday meal.
- How long do Thanksgiving leftovers typically last?
- Most cooked Thanksgiving leftovers, including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cooked vegetables, are safe to eat for 3-4 days when properly stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cranberry sauce generally lasts a bit longer, up to a week. Always trust your senses; if something smells or looks off, it’s best to discard it.
- What if I don’t have all the ingredients listed?
- The beauty of a leftovers bowl is its flexibility! Feel free to substitute or omit ingredients based on what you have. For example, if you don’t have Brussels sprouts, use green beans or broccoli. No sweet potatoes? Regular potatoes or roasted squash would work well. The spirit of the dish is to use up your holiday bounty creatively.
- Can I freeze these leftover bowls?
- While some components freeze better than others, you can freeze assembled bowls. Mashed potatoes, cooked turkey or chickpeas, and roasted root vegetables generally freeze well. Brussels sprouts can become a bit softer after freezing and reheating. To freeze, assemble the bowls (without the cranberry sauce, which is best added fresh), cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly from frozen or thawed.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
- To make it dairy-free, ensure your mashed potatoes are made with a dairy-free milk and butter alternative. Our vegetarian gravy recipe is naturally dairy-free. If using store-bought gravy, check the ingredients. For a gluten-free version, the recipe is largely naturally gluten-free. If making the vegetarian gravy, ensure your flour is gluten-free (e.g., a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend) and check that your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a good option).
Embrace the Joy of Post-Thanksgiving Feasting!
As you gather your ingredients and prepare to transform your Thanksgiving remnants, remember that these Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Bowls are more than just a meal – they’re a celebration of resourcefulness and delicious innovation. They offer a comforting, hassle-free way to continue savoring the flavors of the holiday, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet moment of post-feast reflection. So, go ahead, get creative with your leftovers, and enjoy every flavorful bite of these delightful one-bowl wonders. Happy cooking, and happy post-Thanksgiving feasting!