Crafting a Festive Charcuterie Board from Thanksgiving Leftovers

The excitement of Thanksgiving often extends beyond the feast itself, and what better way to keep the celebration alive than by turning those delectable leftovers into a creative and mouthwatering charcuterie board?

1. THE FOUNDATION
Let's start with the star of the Thanksgiving show—the turkey. Instead of reheating the same old leftovers, slice the turkey into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on your charcuterie board. Add a variety of textures by incorporating both light and dark meat.
FUN TIP: Create a mini turkey sandwich station with leftover rolls, cranberry sauces, and a dollop of mashed potatoes for an unexpected twist.

2. SWEET & TART ACCENT
Don't let that cranberry sauce sit forgotten in the fridge! Use it as a delightful accompaniment and add color to your presentation.
FUN TIP: Mix cranberry sauce with cream cheese to create a festive spread for crackers or baguette slices.

3. STUFFING SURPRISE
Repurpose leftover stuffing by rolling it into bite-sized balls or shaping it into small squares. These savory bites add a comforting and familiar touch to your charcuterie board. The herbs and spices in the stuffing will infuse a burst of flavor.
FUN TIP: Drizzle a bit of warmed gravy over the stuffing bites for an extra layer of indulgence.

4. SHOWCASE LEFTOVER CHEESES
If your Thanksgiving spread includes a cheese platter, repurpose those leftover cheese varieties on your charcuterie board: cubes, slices, or crumbles. The cheeses will add richness to the overall flavor of the board.

Crostini from leftover Thanksgiving ingredients charcuterie

5. REINVENTING SIDE DISHES
Transform roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and other sides into vibrant additions to your charcuterie board. Cut veggies into sticks, shape mashed potatoes into small mounds, and embrace the colorful array of textures.

6. SWEET TREATS
Who says charcuterie boards are only for savory treats? Bring the sweetness of Thanksgiving pies into the mix! Cut leftover pie slices into bite-sized portions and arrange them alongside your savory elements.

7. ROLLS & BREAD
Last but not least, repurpose leftover rolls or bread into crostini or slices for your charcuterie board. Toast them lightly to add a delightful crunch to your textures.
FUN TIP: Infuse leftover rolls with garlic and butter for a savory twist on traditional crostini.


Creating a charcuterie board with Thanksgiving leftovers is a fun and inventive way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday all over again! Let your imagination run wild; ditch the Thanksgiving leftover sandwich and welcome a fun meal that everyone can share.