What to make with Thanksgiving leftovers, using AI

Tell it what's in the fridge and get easy meals for the rest of the week.

The day after Thanksgiving, the fridge is full of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and half a pie. You don't need a cookbook. An AI chat app like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude can turn what you have into easy meals in a minute.

Step 1: Tell AI what you have

List what's left and what you like.

Example: "I have leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and cranberry sauce. Give me 5 easy recipes for one or two people. No fancy equipment, under 30 minutes each."

Ask for a soup, a sandwich, a casserole and a breakfast idea. If one sounds good, ask for the full recipe with big, numbered steps.

Step 2: A plan for the week

Ask AI to spread the leftovers out so nothing goes to waste.

Example: "Make a 4-day dinner plan using these leftovers, with one fresh vegetable each night and a short shopping list for anything I'm missing."

Our week of dinners guide has more on simple meal plans.

Step 3: Store, freeze and share

Ask: "Which of these leftovers freeze well, and how should I pack them?" Then label each container with what it is and the date.

For how long food is safe in the fridge, check a trusted food safety source like the USDA and use your own judgment. AI can get these details wrong. When in doubt, throw it out.

Too much to eat? Ask AI to help write a note offering a plate to a neighbor, or check what your local food pantry can take.

Things to know

Tell AI about any diet needs, like low salt or no gluten, and it will adjust the recipes.
Cooking for fewer people next time? Our recipe scaling guide shows how to shrink a recipe before you cook.