Turkey Leftover Day

Enjoying a big holiday meal often means a full fridge afterward, and Turkey Leftover Day (observed November 28) is the perfect excuse to use up all those turkey and side-dish leftovers.

History of Turkey Leftover Day

Turkey Leftover Day appears to be a modern, informal holiday rather than one with deep historical roots. According to one calendar listing the day as November 28.
It most likely emerged as a light-hearted continuation of Thanksgiving, a practical reminder to finish that turkey leg, stuffing, and gravy before food safety becomes a concern.

Why Turkey Leftover Day is important

Leftovers can be delicious, and wasting food is a shame. Turkey Leftover Day encourages people to be creative in using their holiday meals: it’s both economically smart and environmentally friendly.
It also invites a second round of comfort: turkey sandwiches, soups, casseroles or pies made from leftovers often taste even better than the original dinner, offering a cozy, relaxed way to extend the holiday spirit without cooking from scratch.

• It helps reduce food waste by using up cooked holiday food.
• It saves money by turning leftovers into new meals instead of buying more groceries.
• It offers a chance to explore fun leftover recipes, turkey pot pie, soups, sandwiches or pizzas.
• It brings comfort food back, perfect for cozy days after the big feast.
• It extends the warm, family-oriented feeling of the holiday without extra cooking stress.

How to Celebrate Turkey Leftover Day

Celebrate by planning fun, easy meals using your leftover turkey and sides. Maybe make turkey sandwiches with gravy, a hearty turkey soup, or a casserole combining turkey, vegetables, and leftover stuffing. Invite friends or family to join, sometimes leftover-clean-out days bring people together just like the main meal did.

For a meaningful and safe celebration, refrigerate leftovers promptly after the meal, and use them within a few days, or freeze what you can’t eat right away.

• Dig out all leftover turkey and sides from the fridge.
• Try a creative recipe: leftover turkey pot pie, turkey-cranberry sandwich, or stuffing waffles.
• Share with friends or neighbors, extra turkey tastes even better with company.
• Use or freeze leftovers within 3-4 days for safety (or freeze if you keep them longer).
• Clean out the fridge, you get space back and avoid food spoilage.

Turkey Leftover Day Dates Table