This Viral Hack Explains What to Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers

Via @Brunchwithbabs/Tiktok (3)

It’s that special time of year for turkey, potatoes, corn, cranberries, pecan and pumpkin pie. We’ve got a lot to do. Whether you’re prepping your shopping list for hosting your first official Thanksgiving, or you’re a seasoned veteran with all the best tips and tricks, it’s a busy time for everyone. And when the day finally comes and everyone’s eyes are glued to the Macy’s Day Parade on the TV, you’re already thinking about the aftermath.

Lucky for you, we’ve got a pretty sweet hack for what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Here’s How to Send Thanksgiving Leftovers With Guests

You know we can always count on Brunch with Babs to give us the best food hacks for any occasion.

@brunchwithbabs The only way to do leftovers on Thanksgiving #friendsgiving #thanksgiving ♬ original sound – everyone’s grandmother

We love new ideas for leftovers, and this one is so simple. All you need are a few disposable cupcake tins and matching lids. The tins should have at least 4 to 6 open spots for maximum leftovers.

Have each of your guests take a cupcake tin and choose whatever Thanksgiving food they’d like to take home. Each separate spot in the cupcake tins is the perfect serving size for the next day. No more stuffing all your food into four different storage containers. They also keep all your food separate so you don’t get any weird mixings! But we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.

When you’re ready to reheat your leftovers, simply place the entire tin in the oven. Everything cooks at the same time, and you don’t need to reuse any other dishes. Talk about the best way to reheat Thanksgiving leftovers!

You can grab disposable cupcake tins from Walmart and Amazon.

What Can I Do With My Thanksgiving Leftovers?

Depending on the type of leftover, some items can stay good for up to two weeks. But we all know that food isn’t staying in the fridge (or freezer) for that long. Here are some great leftover recipes to try:

• Turkey Tettrazini
• TLC (Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole)
• Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
• Turkey Alfredo Pizza
• Grandma’s Thanksgiving Leftover Rolls
• Crispy Mashed Potato and Stuffing Patties

However you decide to eat your leftovers, we know you’re going to love ’em all over again.

Next, try out Bab’s trick on how to degrease sauce.

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

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Herb-Brined Turkey Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Herb-Brined TurkeyFor an impressive make-ahead Thanksgiving main course, look here. The moist, flavorful bird will have guests counting the minutes until carving time. — Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon. If you're looking for more recipes, then check out our collection of easy Thanksgiving recipes.

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Maple Walnut CakeThis maple-flavored cake with candied walnuts honors beloved my grandpa, who made maple syrup when I was a child. It honors his memory and has proven to be a favorite with family and friends throughout the years. —Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York

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Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream Puffs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream PuffsThis extraordinary dessert showcases homemade pumpkin ice cream and cream puffs. The effort is worthwhile...and you can make the parts ahead of time for easy assembly later. —Richard Lasher, Stuarts Draft, Virginia

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Gruyere and Crab Palmiers Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Gruyere and Crab PalmiersI keep these little bursts of flavor in my freezer so they can be pulled out and popped into the oven at a moment's notice. Crab, pancetta and Gruyere make an elegant make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer, and you can make your own variations of the filling. Try chicken and pesto, or a Mediterranean version with spinach and feta. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut

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Make-Ahead Turkey GravyThis make-ahead turkey gravy is a lifesaver when preparing multiple dishes for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

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Make-Ahead Creamy Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Make-Ahead Creamy PotatoesFor the holidays, I usually serve the traditional foods with a new spin or two on family favorites. I put together these creamy potatoes the night before and simply bake the day of to save precious holiday time. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan. Next, check out our collection of Thanksgiving recipes for two.

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Taste of Home

Jazzed-Up Green Bean CasseroleAfter trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon

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Easy Potato Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Potato RollsHomemade potato rolls have a distinctively delicious flavor and moist, fluffy texture.

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Old-Fashioned Dressing Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Old-Fashioned DressingRemember Grandma's delicious turkey dressing? Taste it again combined with flavorful herbs and crisp veggies in this family-favorite dressing. You'll love the fact you can make it in your slow cooker. —Sherry Vink, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada

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Cranberry-Apple Red CabbageWhen I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

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Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Marinated MushroomsHere's a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic vinegar and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

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Holiday Rice SaladIt's nice to prepare a cold salad like this when entertaining because it can be made ahead and doesn't take up valuable oven space. —Debra Walter, Huntington Woods, Michigan

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Make-Ahead Turkey and GravyEase the holiday time crunch with a make-ahead turkey recipe that's ready to serve when you are. It's a great choice for potlucks, too. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Winter Fruit MacaroonsCoconut macaroons with sweetened condensed milk instead of egg whites are my version of a recipe my mom loved. All you do is mix, drop and bake. —Veronica Miller, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

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Autumn BisqueI like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

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TMB STUDIO

Texas Garlic Mashed PotatoesThese creamy potatoes get their flavor burst from garlic and caramelized onions. Their savory goodness makes any meal better. —Richard Markle, Midlothian, Texas

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Pureed Butternut Squash Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Pureed Butternut Squash SoupFor several years, we've been enjoying this velvety, healthy soup at Thanksgiving. Butternut squash isn’t the easiest thing to cut into, so I buy mine pre-chopped. —Christen Chalmers, Houston, Texas

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Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Vegetarian StuffingNo one will miss the meat flavor in this simple and traditionally-seasoned vegetarian stuffing recipe. Layers of big herb flavor liven up this classic side dish that stays super-moist in the slow-cooker.

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Taste of Home

Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-ApartsWe love sticky buns made with my husband's angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecans. For a twist, try apple butter or applesauce instead of the pumpkin. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

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