Easy and Creative
Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
for a Fry-Tastic Friesgiving
November 20, 2025
When Thanksgiving winds down and the pie plates are empty, you’re often left with one big question: What am I going to do with all these Thanksgiving leftovers? Whether you’re staring down piles of turkey, stuffing, and veggies, or dealing with a family that’s less than excited about repeat meals, don’t stress. With a little creativity, you can transform leftovers into delicious, fry-tastic dishes that keep the celebration going all weekend long.
Share the Love: Send Guests Home With Leftovers
If you know your family won’t get through all the leftovers in time, prep some easy take-home packs so nothing goes to waste. Know your family’s favorites that are keepers and be sure to set them aside. Keep resealable bags, reusable containers, or cleaned takeout cartons on deck for your guests to keep the holiday going back home. Slip everything into kraft paper bags with a handwritten note — or get the kids involved to decorate bags or print cute labels. It’s a thoughtful touch that reduces fridge clutter and ensures guests leave happy (and well-fed!).
Turn Kitchen Chaos Into Calm With Smart Storage
Leftovers can feel overwhelming if your fridge is packed to the brim. Before the holiday, clear a dedicated shelf just for Thanksgiving extras. Use clear glass or plastic containers so the contents are visible — you’re far more likely to use leftovers when you can actually see them. This simple trick helps reduce food waste and keeps your kitchen feeling organized.
What Is Friesgiving? Your New Favorite Leftover Hack
Friesgiving is the ultimate way to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers using crisp, golden French fries as the base. It’s fast, fun, and perfect for holiday weekend gatherings. And since fries make everything better, you’ll have zero complaints from the “I don’t like leftovers” crowd.
For maximum crispiness, we recommend McCain Quick Cook Crinkle Fries and McCain Quick Cook Waffle Fries — both hold up beautifully under loaded toppings while staying crunchy.
Below are three crowd-pleasing Friesgiving recipes you can make in 20 minutes or less.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Poutine
(Friesgiving Brunch)
Kick off your holiday weekend with a comforting, savory brunch that puts your leftovers to work, with our Thanksgiving Breakfast Poutine.
How to Make It:
- Air-fry a batch of McCain Quick Cook Crinkle Fries until crisp.
- Layer on soft scrambled eggs.
- Add leftover roasted Brussels sprouts or any sautéed veggies.
- Sprinkle with sharp cheddar cheese.
- Pour warm sausage gravy over the top.
- Finish with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
This skillet-style dish delivers cozy breakfast vibes and transforms post-holiday fatigue into delicious satisfaction.
Loaded Gobble Fries
(The Ultimate Post-Thanksgiving Platter)
Turn Friendsgiving into Friesgiving with this shareable, high-impact leftover feast.
Give your holiday leftovers a bold makeover with Loaded Gobble Fries—a festive main event for your post-Thanksgiving get-together. It’s a delicious, easy way to reimagine day-after flavors—ideal for casual entertaining and making the most of your holiday spread.
How to Make It:
- Cook McCain Quick Cook Waffle Fries in the air fryer until golden.
- Top with shredded turkey and leftover stuffing.
- Drizzle generously with warm gravy.
- Add a spoonful of tangy cranberry chutney for brightness.
- Finish with crunchy fried onions.
It’s festive, fun, and guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition—ideal for game days, movie marathons, or casual weekend hosting.
Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Sammie:
The Ultimate Post-Black Friday Meal
Whether you are binge-watching holiday classics, Black-Friday shopping, or decorating the house for the holiday season, there’s always a way to sneak in a Sammie! Another way to rediscover your Thanksgiving leftovers with the Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Sammie, a hearty creation inspired by the flavor-packed sandwiches of Pittsburgh.
How to Make It:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Fill basket with frozen fries. Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes. Slide basket out and shake fries halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- While fries are cooking, reheat the stuffing and turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F and keep warm.
- Heat a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Spread both sides of each bread slice with butter and place in pan. Cook each side, adjusting the heat as needed, until golden brown. Remove from pan and place on a cutting board.
- Top one slice of bread with stuffing followed by cole slaw, turkey and fries. Spread cranberry mayo on other slice of bread and place on top of fries. Cut in half and enjoy immediately.
With every stacked layer, you’ll enjoy a fresh take on leftovers—no travel required, just great taste at home.