The feast might be over, but the good eating definitely isn’t. Thanksgiving leftovers are basically a blank canvas—rich, flavorful, and begging to be reworked into something fun. So we asked four of our favorite Austin-area chefs to share the dishes they make the morning (and evening) after.
And instead of defaulting to the usual leftover sandwich, these chefs take things in a totally different direction: cozy soup, crispy waffles, wok-fried rice, and even a restaurant-worthy Benedict. These chef-approved ideas give your leftovers new life—and let you keep the holiday flavors rolling all weekend long.
Thanksgiving Benedict
Philip Speer | Chef and Owner, Comedor (Austin, TX)
A brunch-worthy Benedict that stacks stuffing, turkey, greens, and a poached egg into one delicious bite. Chef Speer adds, “I like a side of cranberry for some sweet and savory notes!”
What You’ll Need:
- Stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Eggs
- Butter
- Sauteéd greens such as collard greens, spinach, or kale
- Sliced turkey
- Gravy
How to Assemble:
- Combine leftover stuffing, a spoonful of mashed potatoes, and an egg (to bind). Form into a patty.
- Heat a medium CeramiClad™ or Stainless Clad Frying Pan over medium. Add butter and sear patty on both sides until browned.
- Bring water to a low simmer in a Stainless Clad Saucier or Saucepan and poach eggs.
- Reheat turkey and gravy.
- Top stuffing patty with sauteed greens, turkey, poached egg, and gravy.
Turkey Fried Rice
Laila Bazahm | Chef and Owner, Siti, El Raval (Austin, TX)
“I’m all about fried rice. Turkey, green beans, stuffing bits, even a spoon of gravy — it all goes into the wok with sambal, a fried egg, and scallions. It’s the most comforting day-after meal.”
What You’ll Need:
- Neutral cooking oil
- Eggs
- Shredded or cubed turkey
- Vegetables such as green beans, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts
- Stuffing
- Day-old cooked white rice
- Gravy
- Sambal
- Scallions
How to Assemble:
- Heat oil in a Carbon Steel Wok or large Frying Pan.
- Fry eggs and set aside for plating.
- Add turkey, vegetables, and stuffing and cook until warmed through.
- Add rice and stir fry quickly, breaking up clumps.
- Stir in a spoonful of gravy and sambal to taste.
- Serve topped with fried eggs and scallions
Turkey Soup
Jam Santichat | Chef and Owner, Thai Fresh, Gati (Austin, TX)
“I love turning leftovers into soups. The more moist or saucy items blend beautifully into a flavorful broth.”
What You’ll Need:
- Turkey or chicken stock
- Shredded or cubed turkey
- Any leftover vegetables
- Any greens
- Soy sauce, preferably Thai soy sauce
- Cilantro
- White pepper
How to Assemble:
- Heat stock in a Stainless Clad Stockpot or large Saucier.
- Add turkey, vegetables, and greens and simmer until warmed.
- Season to taste with soy sauce.
- Serve topped with cilantro and white pepper.
Stuffing Waffles with Cranberry Maple Syrup
Melissa Alvear | Co-owner, Mercado Sin Nombre (Austin, TX)
“I mix cranberry chutney with maple syrup and fresh oj to create a sauce that gets topped over waffles for our family’s annual day after Thanksgiving leftover breakfast.”
What You’ll Need:
- Cranberry chutney or sauce
- Maple syrup
- Fresh orange juice
- Stuffing
How to Assemble:
- Add cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and orange juice to taste in a Stainless Clad Butter Warmer or small Saucepan. Heat gently to make the topping.
- Heat waffle maker and add stuffing, pressing into shape. Heat until brown and toasty.
- Serve waffles with cranberry maple syrup.
Ready to Cook?
Whether you’re craving something cozy, crispy, or brunch-y, these chef-approved ideas turn leftovers into dishes worth repeating. And with the right tools—from Made In’s Stainless Clad Stockpot to the Carbon Steel Wok—you’ll be set up for success no matter what combination of leftovers you’re working with.
Try one idea or make all four. Either way, consider this your permission to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner all over again.
