Can I use other Thanksgiving sides in this recipe?

Absolutely! Sweet potato casserole makes an excellent waffle base, and leftover green bean casserole works wonderfully as a topping. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—experiment with whatever leftovers you have.

My stuffing isn't holding together in the waffle iron. What should I do?

If your stuffing is too dry or crumbly, try adding a lightly beaten egg to help bind it together. This will create a more cohesive waffle that holds its shape better.

Can I make these if I don't have a waffle iron?

While a waffle iron gives the best crispy texture, you can create a similar dish using a hot skillet. Press the stuffing into a patty and pan-fry it until crispy on both sides, then build your stack as directed.

How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the iron?

Make sure to thoroughly grease your waffle iron, even if it's non-stick. Also, allow the waffle to cook completely before attempting to remove it—it will release more easily once it's crispy.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Waffles Recipe

Name: Thanksgiving Leftovers Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup stuffing; 1/2 cup mashed potatoes; 1/4 cup turkey slices; 1/4 cup turkey gravy

Transform your holiday leftovers into a mouthwatering breakfast treat that’ll have you looking forward to the day after Thanksgiving! These Thanksgiving Leftovers Waffles turn your favorite holiday foods into a savory breakfast stack that combines crispy edges with warm, comforting flavors. Perfect for using up those containers filling your fridge, this recipe takes just 10 minutes from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Quick: Seriously, we’re talking 10 minutes total! When you’re tired from holiday hosting, this is the easy solution you need.
Creative Leftovers: Forget the same old turkey sandwich – this transforms your leftovers into something totally new and exciting.
Customizable: Use whatever leftovers you have on hand – it’s incredibly flexible and works with all your Thanksgiving favorites.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters who might be tired of traditional leftovers will be intrigued by this fun breakfast-meets-dinner mashup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Stuffing: Forms the base of your waffle, creating a crispy exterior with a soft, herb-filled interior. The bread in the stuffing helps it crisp up beautifully.
Mashed Potatoes: Adds creaminess and creates that perfect comforting topping. The starchiness gives a wonderful contrast to the crispy waffle base.
Turkey Slices: Provides protein and that classic Thanksgiving flavor. Dark or white meat works equally well here.
Turkey Gravy: The perfect sauce that ties everything together. Its rich flavor soaks into the waffle and potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Sweet and Savory Version

Add a drizzle of maple syrup alongside your gravy for an amazing sweet-savory combination.

Thanksgiving Benedict

Top your waffle with turkey, a poached egg, and hollandaise instead of gravy for a holiday take on eggs Benedict.

Veggie Lover’s Version

Skip the turkey and load up with leftover roasted vegetables and vegetarian gravy.

Deluxe Thanksgiving Waffle

Add a layer of leftover cranberry sauce, some crispy fried onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Waffles

Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Iron

Grease your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions and preheat it. A mini waffle maker works perfectly for these individual portions, but a standard one works too.

Step 2: Create Your Stuffing Waffle

Place about 1/4 cup of stuffing in the center of your preheated waffle iron. If using a larger waffle maker, keep the stuffing centered rather than spreading it out—this makes a perfectly sized base for your stack.

Step 3: Crisp It Up

Close the waffle iron and let the stuffing cook until it’s nicely browned and crispy on the edges. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron.

Step 4: Build Your Stack

Transfer your crispy stuffing waffle to a plate. Layer turkey slices on top, then add a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Finish with a ladle of warm turkey gravy cascading down the sides.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

These waffles are best enjoyed hot, right after assembly, while the contrast between crispy and creamy is at its peak.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill: The stuffing will expand slightly in the waffle iron, so don’t overfill or you’ll have a mess on your hands.
Cold vs. Room Temperature: Let your leftovers come to room temperature before making the waffles for more even cooking.
Reheat Your Gravy: Take the time to heat your gravy thoroughly—warm gravy makes all the difference for the final dish.
Waffle Iron Temperature: A medium-high setting works best; too hot and the stuffing can burn before crisping properly.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a fried egg on top for an extra-special breakfast version. The runny yolk creates another “sauce” that’s absolutely heavenly.

Make It a Meal

Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and create a complete meal.

Breakfast for Dinner

Pair with a glass of apple cider or a light mimosa for a fun “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) experience when you’re tired of traditional holiday meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the components separately for best results. Keep the cooked stuffing waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The stuffing waffles freeze surprisingly well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat the stuffing waffles in a toaster or toaster oven. Microwave the other components separately, then assemble just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other Thanksgiving sides in this recipe?

Absolutely! Sweet potato casserole makes an excellent waffle base, and leftover green bean casserole works wonderfully as a topping. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—experiment with whatever leftovers you have.
My stuffing isn’t holding together in the waffle iron. What should I do?

If your stuffing is too dry or crumbly, try adding a lightly beaten egg to help bind it together. This will create a more cohesive waffle that holds its shape better.
Can I make these if I don’t have a waffle iron?

While a waffle iron gives the best crispy texture, you can create a similar dish using a hot skillet. Press the stuffing into a patty and pan-fry it until crispy on both sides, then build your stack as directed.
How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the iron?

Make sure to thoroughly grease your waffle iron, even if it’s non-stick. Also, allow the waffle to cook completely before attempting to remove it—it will release more easily once it’s crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving Leftovers Waffles might just become your new post-holiday tradition! They transform yesterday’s feast into today’s delicious treat with minimal effort. The contrast between the crispy stuffing waffle, tender turkey, creamy potatoes, and rich gravy creates a bite that’s even more satisfying than the original meal. Give your leftovers the encore they deserve!