17 Must-Have Recipes That Use Up Your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey (2024)

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with veg upon veg, with some white beans and sausage swimming throughout the savory broth. It's perfect for chilly evenings and makes a ton of leftovers to chow down on! (via Brit + Co)

Turkish White Bean Salad

This light, peppery white bean recipe combines red onion, bell pepper, and a tangy dressing that ties all of the components together perfectly. Eat it as a side dish or as the main course! (via Give Recipe)

Broccoli Dill Pickle Soup with White Beans and Potatoes

Any meal that includes pickles piques our interest, and this vibrant green soup is going on our to-make list immediately. (via The First Mess)

White Bean Avocado Sandwich

If you're searching for a high-protein lunch, this sandwich filling is the solution! It's super easy to make – just mash some avocado, white beans, oil, and seasonings together and smear it across your go-too bread. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sun-Dried Tomato, White Bean & Artichoke Pesto Pasta Salad

When it comes to summer recipes, pasta salads are that girl. This one gets doctored up with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and of course, a yummy, zesty dressing that lightens up the vibe. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

White Bean Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Miso Dressing

The miso dressing on this white bean salad takes it to a whole other level! While the onions and peppers bring a zingy-ness to each bite, the miso tames it down with umami, salty goodness. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Spicy Sriracha White Bean Dip

You can easily blend down some white beans to create a dip or a sauce. This recipe takes a spicy direction with notes of Sriracha. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Creamy White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a total classic when it comes to white bean recipes. The best part is adding a bit of *spice* via some jalapeños! (via Vikalinka)

Creamy Portobello Mushroom Soup

Mushrooms are the ultimate flavor companion for white beans, and this balanced soup highlights their partnership tucked into a creamy, savory broth. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Polenta with Broccoli Rabe and White Beans

This unique whit bean recipe sits atop a bed of hearty polenta, which hits so hard on chilly winter and spring nights. If you're not into the broc, just swap it for any other veg! (via Earthly Provisions)

White Bean Artichoke Burgers

Tender artichokes meet high-protein white beans in this recipe for burger patties. Eat 'em inside a bun or not, these are absolute perfection. Even the kids will be tempted! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Simple Cheesy Bean Dip

You could add cheese to practically any recipe, and it'd be tasty. In this case, a hearty medley of beans hides under a generous layer of melted, broiled monterey jack. (via The Original Dish)

Vegan Minestrone alla Milanese

Minestrone is a staple meal when it comes to healthy white bean recipes. This vegan version features​all​ the veg for a truly plant-powered bite.(via Gastroplant)

Orzo White Bean Salad

This lively salad mix would be the perfect thing to make for a summertime picnic or potluck. It's uber-fresh, and packed with healthy ingredients, plus it just looks gorgeous! (via Barley & Sage)

Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup with Potatoes

Cabbage can be hard to cook since one head of it results in so many leftovers! Luckily, this white bean recipe exists, simmering down the leafy veggie in a dense broth so it soaks up all the good flavors.(via Vanilla and Bean)

Slow Cooker Creamy White Bean Noodle Soup with Rosemary Bacon

When beans and noodles join forces, we are 100% here for it. This filling soup carries tons of mix-ins, including rosemary-cooked bacon, which is just heavenly. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Alfredo Sauce (No Cashews)

If you're craving pasta, but still want that healthy edge for your meal, try whipping up a round of this "cheesy" vegan Alfredo sauce! It uses white beans for texture and taste, though you'd never guess it. (via The Edgy Veg)

Spinach and White Bean Patties with Yogurt Sauce

These nutrient-dense white bean and spinach patties can be made ahead of time, then frozen until ready to eat. (via Bowl of Delicious)

About The Recipe Critic

Photo by Erin Thunell

The Recipe Critic started out as a small blog that Alyssa created after moving cross-country from Utah to North Carolina. Though she was far away, the blog connected her Utahn friends and family members to her most-loved recipes.

“Interestingly enough, growing up, I didn't come from a cooking background,” she says. “It really wasn't until I had to learn for myself and cook for myself and for my family. That's when the love for cooking started for me.”

And after her efforts with The Recipe Critic started showing monetary returns, Alyssa was so excited about its potential – she lets that feeling guide her even today.

“Honestly, if you would have told me when I started it that I would be here today and have one of the world's largest food blogs, there is no way I would have ever believed it,” she says. “I try to go back to how amazing it felt in the very beginning when I realized that I could contribute something for my family.”

The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Photo by Alyssa Rivers

“[Swedish Meatballs] is always a favorite,” Alyssa says. “Every time I make it, I truly believe that it’s one of the best Swedish meatball recipes. The creamy sauce on it is just so good and I could just serve it over noodles for my family.”

For a quick recipe hack, you can substitute making your own meatballs for frozen meatballs, Alyssa says.

“It honestly tastes like it’s from a restaurant, and you can ‘wow’ your family thinking it was a lot more complicated than it is.”

Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1lb (450g) ground beef
• 1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄4 tsp ground allspice
• 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1⁄8 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, white or yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and egg.
2. Portion the beef mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs, and roll into shape.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs in batches, and cook, turning continuously, for 5 to 8 minutes or until brown on every side and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
4. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the all-purpose flour to the skillet, and whisk for 2 or 3 minutes or until it turns brown. Slowly stir in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the meatballs to the skillet, simmer for 1 or 2 minutes, and serve.

Get Even More Recipes From The Recipe Critic

The Tried & True Cookbook: 150 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Families

Appetizers + Side Dishes

Dill Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)

This cool and crisp German classic features thinly sliced cucumbers adorned with fresh dill in a delightful vinegar-based dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts or adding a touch of Oktoberfest flair to your table! (via This Wife Cooks)

Spaetzle

This classic German side dish offers a versatile culinary experience. The tiny, eggy noodles, whether plain with butter and salt or adorned with creative toppings like mac and cheese, promise an authentic taste of Germany. (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Sauerkraut

Craft your own sauerkraut at home with cabbage, sea salt, and a jar for a gut-friendly delight in just 7-14 days. This easy, cost-efficient recipe suits both beginners and seasoned fermenters, offering a personalized, nutritious alternative to store-bought options. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Chopped Cabbage as Salad

Add a German twist to your summer gatherings with our vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free chopped cabbage salad—a crunchy, tangy, and creamy delight. (via Clean Cuisine)

German Two Potato Salad With Bacon and Chive Vinaigrette

This dish is a crowd-pleaser at summer picnics, and BBQs, made with white and purple potatoes, bacon, pickles and dressed in a chive vinaigrette. The perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sausages, or a classic veal schnitzel, bringing the taste of Bavaria to your table. (via Vikalinka)

Dinners

Vegan Sheet Pan German Sausage And Veggies

Experience German flavors in a breeze with this recipe—a simple, one-pan wonder combining red-skinned potatoes, Brussels sprouts, purple cabbage, and vegan sausages. Seasoned with smoked paprika and cider vinegar, it's a quick route to authentic weeknight delight. (via Brit + Co)

Quinoa Crusted Schnitzel with Creamed Corn Gnocchi

Delight your taste buds with a unique twist on the classic Schnitzel! Picture this: quinoa-crusted Schnitzel, golden and crisp, paired with heavenly-creamed corn gnocchi, all inspired by the flavors of Germany. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Chicken Schnitzel

Enjoy the classic German comfort of chicken Schnitzel, a quick and family-friendly meal that brings crispy, breaded chicken cutlets to your table in just 25 minutes. (via Culinary Hill)

Rouladen

A traditional German dish featuring thinly sliced beef filled with bacon, mustard, and pickles, all bathed in a savory gravy. This comfort food classic, reminiscent of a savory jelly roll, is perfect for winter warmth or as a highlight of your Oktoberfest celebration. (via Culinary Hill)

German Potato Soup

This German potato soup, or Kartoffelsuppe in its native German, is made with simple ingredients and seasoned with caraway seeds. Simple to make, it pairs perfectly with fresh bread rolls. (via This Wife Cooks)

Desserts

Holiday Spritz Cookies

Crafted with hints of vanilla and almond extract, these delightful treats, shaped like Christmas trees and wreaths, are perfect for sharing and creating cherished memories. (via Completely Delicious)

Black Forest Ice Cream Cake

Treat yourself to this irresistible cake. A rich brownie layer with Kirsch-infused cherries, embraced by vanilla ice cream and topped with dark chocolate ganache, fresh cherries, and chocolate shavings. A playful twist on the classic German recipe. (via Barley and Sage)

Vegan German Streusel Cake

This simple recipe combines a soft, sweet base crafted from accessible vegan ingredients, topped with a delightful crunch of vegan streusel. Enjoy the warmth of traditional German coffee moments in under an hour! (via The Edgy Veg)

Funnel Cake

Indulge in the nostalgia of a timeless American fair treat with this homemade funnel cake. Crispy and cloud-like, these fried delights trace their roots back to the Pennsylvania Dutch-German immigrants who included a version in their 1879 cookbook. (via Brit + Co)

Strudel Dough

Create flaky Strudel dough for sweet or savory fillings. Rest the dough for 30 minutes for easy handling, then craft delicious whirlpools of flavor. (via Culinary Hill)

German Lebkuchen

Capture the essence of German holidays with this vegan Lebkuchen recipe, a delightful Christmas treat reminiscent of gingerbread. Filled with winter spices, citrus peel, and chocolate, these cookies are a nostalgic link to cherished memories, making them a perfect addition to festive gatherings. (via The Edgy Veg)

Yuzu Linzer Cookies

Imagine buttery almond goodness sandwiching a burst of zesty yuzu joy, dusted with a sweet sprinkle of powdered magic. That's the festive magic of Yuzu Linzer cookies! (via Takes Two Eggs)

German Chocolate Brownies

This one is more German-inspired but so delicious I can't leave it out. Rich and ultra-fudgy, these brownies boast layers of decadence with the exquisite flavors of German chocolate frosting, ensuring a delightful experience for your taste buds. (via Averie Cooks)

Dutch Baby Oven Pancake

This delightful Dutch Baby Oven Pancake is also known as "Deutscher Babyofenpfannkuchen" or a German pancake. Top it with powdered sugar, fresh citrus juice, and berries for a simple yet delightful breakfast. (via Completely Delicious)

Chewy German Hazelnut Macaroons

With only four ingredients—hazelnuts, egg whites, and sugar—these cookies, also known as Nussmakronen, offer a perfect blend for a sweet and effortless festive treat. (via Where Is My Spoon)

German Riesling Apple Cake

This cake is a delightful blend of Riesling wine and tart apples, creating a subtly sweet treat, perfect for cozy Sunday afternoons. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine

Transport yourself to the festive Christmas markets of Germany with this mulled wine. This easy-to-make, warming delight combines red wine, apple cider, brandy, and a medley of spices, citrus, and maple syrup. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Ingredients For Our Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Photo by Antonio Filigno / PEXELS

• 1 (10 oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Image via StableDiffusion

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, and spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
5. Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor!
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crispy bread slices, or vegetables for dipping!

Notes For This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Image via StableDiffusion

• Using frozen spinach and canned artichokes makes this recipe easier and quicker. You have the option to use fresh ingredients, if you want to!
• Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if you want the spinach artichoke dip to have a kick of spice.
• Keep an eye on the dip while it bakes, making sure it doesn't bubble over. If you're struggling to get that golden brown layer on the top, broil the dip for a few minutes at the end of its baking time.
• You aren't totally limited to Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Though these cheeses make for the most traditional flavor, you can throw in some different kinds of cheeses to amp up the taste.