10 Leftover Stuffing Recipes for the Holidays

One of the joys of Thanksgiving is transforming the leftovers into easy and delicious meals. Our collection of leftover stuffing recipes is a perfect post-holiday resource.

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Some call it stuffing, and some call it dressing. Whatever name it goes by, the cozy, comforting combination of seasoned bread tossed with aromatics and broth is one of our favorite traditional Thanksgiving recipes. This collection of leftover stuffing recipes offers a host of ways to transform the side into a new and exciting dinner.

All of these recipes feature Thanksgiving stuffing and several call for other leftovers, like mashed potatoes, roast turkey and easy turkey gravy. We love any excuse to clear out the fridge after the holidays!

What kind of stuffing should you start with? You can use one of the many boxed versions at the store. Or, whip up a homemade stuffing made with celery, onions and poultry seasoning. Feel free to go with something fancier, like sausage stuffing or oyster dressing.

1 / 10

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, stuffing, turkey, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream
Level: Intermediate

This leftover casserole recipe starts with whipping up a batch of mashed potatoes. However, you can certainly use leftovers if you already have some in the fridge. The combination of condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream and cream cheese makes this casserole taste ultra decadent.

“Combine extra turkey and stuffing into a comforting casserole topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Then watch your family dig right in!” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

2 / 10

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, gravy, stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes
Level: Beginner

Adding a layer of stuffing to shepherd’s pie is a brilliant way to make this classic dish even more delicious! Plus, using leftover mashed potatoes and turkey makes it possible to prep the casserole in just 10 minutes. If you have extra gravy, warm it on the stovetop and pour it over the top just before serving.

“We live out in the country and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I have become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes.” —Recipe contributor Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine

3 / 10

Acorn Squash with Leftover Stuffing

Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Acorn squash, chicken bouillon, stuffing, Parmesan cheese
Level: Intermediate

It doesn’t get more autumnal than serving a meal inside a baked winter squash. After you roast the acorn squash, mix the flesh with the leftover stuffing and spoon the mixture into the squash shell. Finish it with a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese.

“Our Test Kitchen offer up this unique way to present leftover stuffing. Serve this squash as a hearty side dish or as a meatless entree.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

4 / 10

Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

Total Time: 40 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, turkey, condensed cream of chicken soup
Level: Beginner

This quick and clever take on turkey-day leftovers uses cream of chicken soup to create a creamy casserole. Of course, you could swap in gravy if you happen to have leftovers, but we assume you probably devoured it all on Thanksgiving day!

“Folks will be amazed that four ingredients can produce such a delicious dinner. You are certain to rely on this standby for years to come!” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

5 / 10

Stuffin' Muffins

Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, green beans, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy
Level: Beginner

We add green beans to these cute muffins to get some veggies into the leftovers rotation. If you like the crispy, crunchy bits from the stuffing pan, this one’s for you.

“If you love stuffing, you won’t be able to get enough of these fun muffin cups that make use of not only leftover stuffing but also green beans, turkey, mashed potatoes, cheddar and gravy. It’s a taste of Thanksgiving in every bite!” —Recipe contributor Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina

6 / 10

Stuffing Dumpling Soup

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, turkey, Creole seasoning, mushrooms, chicken broth
Level: Beginner

Craving big flavors? Try out this creative turkey twist on chicken and dumplings. It marries fresh mushrooms, onions, carrots and green beans with leftover stuffing and turkey. The stuffing dumplings—which are poached in a Creole-seasoned soup broth—are a clever touch.

“I’ve always loved turkey, dumplings and stuffing, so I combined them and added a punch of Creole flavor. My family loves it, even my little ones. It’s got some kick, but a dollop of sour cream mellow that out.” —Recipe contributor Relina Shirley, Reno, Nevada

7 / 10

Crispy Mashed Potato & Stuffing Patties

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, eggs, onion
Level: Beginner

These patties are equally suitable for breakfast or dinner. They come together quickly and boast a delicious, golden-brown crust. If you eat them in the morning, top them with a perfectly fried egg.

“Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year.” —Recipe contributor Kelli Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona

8 / 10

Stuffing Crust Turkey Potpie

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, turkey, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli
Level: Intermediate

This dish hits a little differently because it’s made with cornbread stuffing (like southern dressing). The stuffing becomes a pie shell that’s filled with turkey, broccoli, Swiss cheese and mashed potatoes. The potpie is left open on top and baked with a crispy topping of French-fried onions.

“Here’s a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy.” —Recipe contributor Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois

9 / 10

Stuffing-Stuffed Pork Chops

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pork chops, stuffing, white wine, chicken broth, garlic
Level: Intermediate

There’s nothing stuffy about these stuffing-stuffed pork chops! The chops are slit down the middle and filled with an elegant yet easy mix of cooked stuffing, thyme and white wine. Then, they’re browned in a skillet to crisp up the exterior and then finished in the oven so they’ll stay juicy and tender.

“You’ll want to make stuffing more often once you try these savory pork chops. Just a few ingredients combine to give them such fabulous flavor!” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

10 / 10

Gobble-Up Strata

Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, turkey, green onions, red bell pepper, eggs
Level: Beginner

Strata is another name for an egg bake that includes bread, eggs, meat or vegetables and, often, cheese. This one features bread in the form of stuffing, of course. This recipe also includes red bell pepper and green onion for a bit of extra color.

“I always look forward to having our neighbors over to have this strata on the day after Thanksgiving. They’re impressed that I prepare another meal the day after the big gathering.” —Recipe contributor Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Leftover Stuffing Recipes FAQ

How long is leftover stuffing good for?

Stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. With these amazing recipes at your fingertips, it should be easy to use up leftover stuffing within that time frame! Of course, if the stuffing starts to smell or doesn’t look right, toss it.

Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

You can freeze leftover stuffing for up to three months. Transfer leftover stuffing to a freezer-safe container, or portion it into individual servings for ease of use. When you wish to use the stuffing, thaw it in the fridge overnight. At that point, you can incorporate it into any of these dishes.