When the last slice of pumpkin pie is gone, the joy of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end. Instead of settling for those boring reheated plates, I found a way to turn my holiday leftovers into something magical: Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden waffle that bursts with savory turkey, rich stuffing, and a hint of cranberry sauce! This dish not only makes use of the food sitting idle in your fridge, but it also transforms your festive flavors into a fun and easy meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a laid-back brunch or weekday lunch, these stuffed waffles are a customizable delight that invites creativity. Get ready to impress your loved ones and indulge in the comfort of Thanksgiving all over again, one delicious bite at a time!
Why Are Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles So Irresistible?
Crispy Delights: The golden, crunchy outside wraps a warm, gooey center filled with your favorite Thanksgiving flavors, making every bite an enjoyable contrast.
Kid-Approved: This fun twist on traditional leftovers wins over kids and adults alike, turning meals into playful experiences.
Endless Creativity: Mix and match your leftover favorites, from turkey to stuffing, or even mac and cheese! The possibilities are deliciously endless.
Quick & Easy: With just a few steps, these waffles can go from fridge to table in no time, perfect for busy days.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with this unique dish that revives festive tastes, ensuring smiles all around.
Transform your leftovers into culinary joy with these Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles!
Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles Ingredients
For the Waffle Base
• Refrigerated biscuit dough – This flaky dough gives your waffles the perfect texture and structure for stuffing.
For the Flavorful Filling
• Assorted Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans, etc.) – Use your leftover favorites to create a savory mix; get creative with your combinations!
For Cooking
• Butter – This adds richness and ensures a golden-brown finish on your waffles; olive oil makes a great substitute for a healthier option.
Embrace the magic of leftovers with these Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles that make every bite a cozy reminder of your holiday feast!
How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles
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Preheat your waffle maker to ensure it’s hot and ready for crispy goodness. If you’re using a regular waffle maker, adjust the layering as needed for best results.
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Prepare the Dough: Take your refrigerated biscuit dough and separate it into two rounds. Use a rolling pin to flatten each round so they fit comfortably in your waffle maker.
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Layer the Leftovers: Grease the hot waffle maker with butter. Place one flattened biscuit round inside, then add your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers in the center, being careful not to overstuff.
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Top and Seal: Cover the filling with another flattened biscuit round, pressing gently around the edges to seal in all those delicious flavors.
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Cook: Close the waffle maker and cook for 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the waffle and cook for another 3-5 minutes until you achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the stuffed waffle and slice it in half to reveal the delightful layers inside. Serve with gravy, cranberry sauce, or any dipping condiments you prefer!
Optional: A sprinkle of chopped herbs or a dollop of sour cream adds a fresh finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful waffles to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs!
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and spinach for a flavorful meat-free option. It adds a wonderful earthy richness!
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Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to your turkey and stuffing. The melted cheese pulls everything together beautifully!
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to your filling for a zesty twist that elevates every bite with warmth and flavor.
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Sweet Surprise: Incorporate a dollop of leftover sweet potato or pumpkin puree with a touch of cinnamon. This yummy addition makes for a lovely sweet and savory combo!
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to your stuffing for an aromatic lift. The herbal notes enhance the overall flavor and give it a fresh appeal.
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Low-Carb Option: Substitute biscuit dough with almond flour or cauliflower dough for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative while retaining that beloved waffle texture.
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Breakfast Style: Include scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage or bacon in the filling for a hearty breakfast twist. It’ll leave everyone craving more of this comforting combo.
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Nut-Crusted Crunch: Top your waffles with crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts before cooking for an added crunch and flavor contrast. It’s a delightful textural surprise!
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles?
To create a deliciously complete meal, pair these stuffed waffles with other comforting dishes and delightful sides!
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup over your waffles adds a sweet contrast to the savory filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon perfectly complements the rich flavors of the waffles—a classic holiday pairing that brings joy to every bite!
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Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty waffles, adding a nutritious crunch.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Keeping the Thanksgiving spirit alive, these buttery potatoes can be a delightful side, perfect for dipping into gravy alongside your waffles.
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Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans with garlic provide a flavorful and colorful contrast to your meal, introducing an earthy freshness.
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Cranberry Sauce or Relish: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce not only evokes holiday memories but also adds a burst of flavor that elevates each bite of waffle.
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Hot Apple Cider: Sip on a warm cup of spiced apple cider, with its notes of cinnamon and clove, creating a cozy atmosphere and complementing the comforting meal.
Transform your appetite into an exciting feast by serving these Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles with these delightful accompaniments!
Make Ahead Options
These Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles are fantastic for meal prep and can save you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the filling by mixing your assorted Thanksgiving leftovers, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply roll out the biscuit dough and assemble the waffles, filling them with your prepped mixture. For even more convenience, you can assemble the uncooked waffles (avoiding overstuffing) and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to grease the waffle maker before cooking to ensure a crispy finish. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, homemade waffles with minimal effort, preserving that comforting holiday taste!
Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles
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Perfect Layering: Avoid overstuffing your waffles to prevent messy spills while cooking. Use just enough leftovers to create a tasty filling without overflowing.
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Crispy Texture: For the best crunch, flip your stuffed waffle halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides are evenly crispy.
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Dough Selection: Choosing flaky refrigerated biscuit dough is key. It provides a light and airy texture that complements the savory filling perfectly.
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Leftover Magic: Mix and match with your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers. If you’re unsure, stick to traditional combinations like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a guaranteed hit.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare uncooked stuffed waffles in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Just cook them when you’re ready to enjoy!
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into these delightful Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles and savor every delicious bite!
Storage Tips for Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles
Room Temperature: Store leftover cooked waffles at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If longer storage is necessary, wrap them tightly and refrigerate.
Fridge: Keep any unused cooked Thanksgiving stuffed waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or oven to regain crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked prepared waffles by individually wrapping them in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: Reheat cooked waffles in a toaster, oven, or waffle maker until heated through and crispy, ensuring you enjoy every flavorful bite!
Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ingredients for my Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, opt for refrigerated biscuit dough that is flaky for the best texture. As for your Thanksgiving leftovers, select items that are still fresh and haven’t started to spoil—look out for dark spots or an off smell. If your turkey is dry, feel free to rehydrate it with a bit of gravy or broth.
How should I store leftover Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles?
For cooked waffles, store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If they need longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate; they can last up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore their crispy texture!
Can I freeze uncooked Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles?
Absolutely! Prepare your uncooked stuffed waffles and then individually wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply cook them straight from the freezer; just allow a couple of extra minutes in the waffle maker for even cooking.
What should I do if my waffles are spilling over in the waffle maker?
Very! If you find that your waffles are overflowing, it could be due to overstuffing. Make sure to only add a reasonable amount of leftovers—1/2 to 3/4 cup of filling should suffice, depending on your dough’s size. You can also press the edges of your dough together firmly to create an effective seal and prevent spillage while cooking.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind when serving these waffles?
Definitely! If you’re serving the Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles to family or friends, check for any allergies or dietary restrictions. Common allergens in this dish could include gluten (from the biscuit dough), dairy (from butter or any cheese added), and specific ingredients from the leftovers used. Always have healthier alternatives or special dietary versions ready, such as gluten-free biscuit dough for those avoiding gluten.
Can I use different fillings other than Thanksgiving leftovers?
Oh, the more the merrier! Absolutely, get creative with your fillings! You can try mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or even sweet fillings like (gasp!) chocolate chips and bananas for a breakfast twist. Just be mindful to balance flavors and textures to keep those irresistible crispy outsides intact while enjoying an explosion of flavor inside.
Thanksgiving Stuffed Waffles Are A Tasty Twist on Leftovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your waffle maker to ensure it's hot and ready for crispy goodness.
- Prepare the Dough: Separate the refrigerated biscuit dough into two rounds and flatten each round.
- Layer the Leftovers: Grease the waffle maker with butter, place a biscuit round inside, and add the Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Top and Seal: Cover the filling with another biscuit round, pressing gently to seal.
- Cook: Close the waffle maker and cook for 3-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the stuffed waffle, slice in half, and serve with dipping condiments.