10 Leftover Stuffing Recipes You Have to Try! - Shelf Cooking (2024)

Have you had your fill of stuffing? These leftover stuffing recipes are so delicious you'll wish it were Thanksgiving every month!

10 Leftover Stuffing Recipes You Have to Try! - Shelf Cooking (1)

If the thought of eating another microwaved plate of Thanksgiving leftovers makes you want to cry, then we've got good news! You don't have to throw away all that holiday goodness! There are SO many fun ways to turn your leftovers into something brand new.

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Wondering what to do with the turkey? We've got a whole post devoted to turkey leftovers, but today we're going to give you some brilliant ideas for using up your stuffing. We hope you're hungry because all ten of these leftover stuffing recipes are to die for. Here we go, you guys!

LEFTOVER STUFFING RECIPES: SIDES

Want to turn your stuffing into a new side dish to serve with all the leftover turkey? Here are three options:

  • Stuffing Muffins – These are like cornbread's cousin! Preheat your oven to 375°F, then grab a mixing bowl. Mix three cups of leftover stuffing with six eggs, two tablespoons of milk, and a little salt and pepper. Then, scoop the mixture into the muffin tin and bake for 25 minutes. Be sure to leave a little room in your cups because they will expand! You can add in some minced veggies or leftover turkey, too!
  • Broccoli & Cheese Stuffing Casserole – You can’t go wrong with a cheesy casserole! This broccoli casserole recipe from food.com is the perfect way to use your leftover stuffing.
  • Cheesy Stuffing Balls – More cheese? Yes, please!Try these leftover cheesy stuffing balls from Simply Delicious.

Easy, peasy, and anything but boring, huh?

LEFTOVER STUFFING RECIPES FOR LUNCH/DINNER

10 Leftover Stuffing Recipes You Have to Try! - Shelf Cooking (2)

With a bit of effort, you can turn Thanksgiving's star side dish into an entree. Try one of these three recipes:

  • Loaded Turkey Panini – Round up all the leftovers and make a panini! We love to top ours with some cranberry sauce or a little gravy. Pile on the toppings, then grill on the stove or pop in a panini maker. If things get messy, you can always serve yours open-face style.
  • Turkey & Stuffing Balls – These are so easy and yummy! Preheat your oven to 375°F, then mix three cups of mashed potatoes with three cups of stuffing and a little leftover shredded turkey (just eyeball it). Form into balls, then lay flat on a greased baking dish and cook for 10-12 minutes. Serve with gravy on top and veggies on the side, and enjoy!
  • Stuffing Cakes – This is a similar take on the turkey and stuffing meatballs but in patty form. You can toss stuffing cakes on a hamburger bun or fry an egg to put on top! Just mix one egg and two cups of leftover stuffing, form into patties, and pan-fry in oil for around three minutes on each side. Voila! You can serve your leftover veggies on the side.

Simple, filling, and delicious meals, for the win! (And no food left behind.)

BREAKFAST RECIPES

We saved the best for last! Does anyone else think breakfast is the best meal of the day? You'll love these recipes:

  • Breakfast Skillet – Try this amazing leftover stuffing breakfast skillet recipe from The Merchant Baker!
  • Stuffing Waffles – Combine two large, beaten eggs with four and a half cups of leftover stuffing to make a batter. Pour batter into your waffle iron and cook for around five minutes. Top with bacon bits and sour cream or gravy, cranberry sauce, and/or leftover mashed potatoes. YUM!
  • Breakfast Casserole – This four-ingredient recipe from sweet + savory is a crowd-pleaser.
  • Stuffing Quiche – Try this quiche recipe from the Food Network if you've got leftover pie crusts you need to use, too!

Brunch party, anyone?!

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH LEFTOVER STUFFING?

We hope these ideas will help keep your stuffing from going to waste this year! If you try a recipe or two, let us know how it goes.

Does your family have a favorite leftover stuffing recipe? Let us know in the comments!

10 Leftover Stuffing Recipes You Have to Try! - Shelf Cooking (3)

Want to check a few more festive food posts?

  • Try these quick and easy appetizers for your next party!
  • New Year's Eve is right around the corner. Eat these foods for good luck!
  • Need a yummy side dish? Serve this homemade macaroni and cheese at your next family gathering.

We're stuffed!

10 Leftover Stuffing Recipes You Have to Try! - Shelf Cooking (2024)

FAQs

Why can't you refrigerate uncooked stuffing? ›

USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing. Why? Remember, stuffing can harbor bacteria, and though bacteria grow slower in the refrigerator they can cause problems because stuffing is a good medium for bacteria growth, therefore a higher risk food in terms of cooking safely.

How long can stuffing stay in the fridge before cooking? ›

Do not refrigerate uncooked stuffing. If stuffing is prepared ahead of time, it must be either frozen or cooked immediately. To use cooked stuffing later, cool in shallow containers and refrigerate it within 2 hours. Use it within 3 to 4 days.

Is it better to freeze stuffing, cooked or uncooked? ›

Does Stuffing Need to Be Cooked Before Freezing? Stuffing can be frozen either fully cooked or uncooked, which is good news if you're looking for some make-ahead recipes to save time on the big day.

How long can stuffing sit before cooking? ›

Yes! You can absolutely make stuffing ahead of time. It's a great way to get a jumpstart on Thanksgiving cooking and it frees up much-needed oven space. This stuffing can be made up to three days in advance.

How do you reheat stuffing so it doesn't dry out? ›

Heat the oven to 350°F and transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe dish (or, you can keep it in the dish that it was originally cooked in). If it seems dry, you'll want to add a splash of broth. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake again until crisp, 15–20 minutes.

Can stuffing be made the day before and reheated? ›

Can you prepare stuffing ahead of time and reheat? YES! This stuffing is baked to golden perfection the day before the big meal. You store it in the fridge overnight and then simply warm it in the oven before dinner.

How long does uncooked stuffing last in the refrigerator? ›

Do not refrigerate uncooked stuffing. If stuffing is prepared ahead of time, it must be either frozen or cooked immediately. To use cooked stuffing later, cool in shallow containers and refrigerate it within 2 hours. Use it within 3 to 4 days.

How to store leftover stuffing? ›

As long as your leftovers have been frozen at 0 degrees F, you can store them indefinitely. But they'll taste best used within two to three months. Pack side dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes into airtight freezer containers or plastic freezer bags.

How wet should stuffing be before baking? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

Is week old stuffing OK to eat? ›

Stuffing/dressing: If stored properly in the fridge, stuffing or dressing is good to eat up to three to four days after you cooked it. But it'll last about a month in the freezer.

What happens if you don't cook stuffing? ›

It Could Give You Salmonella Poisoning

If that stuffing doesn't reach 165 degrees F, the bacteria won't be killed off, meaning you're passing it on to your guests.

How long can an uncooked casserole stay in the fridge? ›

Uncooked Casseroles: If the casserole contains raw meat or seafood, it should be refrigerated for no more than 1-2 days before baking. A purely vegetable-based uncooked casserole can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cooked Casseroles: Once cooked, casseroles can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Can you leave stuffing in a raw turkey overnight? ›

Information. Do not stuff whole poultry and leave in the refrigerator before cooking. If stuffing whole poultry, the ingredients for the stuffing can be prepared ahead of time. Keep wet and dry ingredients separated and chill.

Does uncooked stove top stuffing go bad? ›

If it has been stored properly in a cool, dry place, unopened Stove Top stuffing can remain suitable for consumption for approximately 6-8 months past the best before date. Once a package has been opened, its shelf life decreases.

How long can you refrigerate stove top stuffing? ›

We recommend that prepared stuffing should be consumed or refrigerated immediately. Stove Top Stuffing can be stored in most cases 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

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