12 Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers from Valley Chefs

Welcome to Chow Bella's Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you'd like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com.

Nearly as anticipated as the feast, the post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich has a place in our hearts all its own.

This week, I asked Valley chefs and restaurateurs their favorite ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers. Here, along with tips for stepping-up turkey sandwiches (think slathered in jalapeño and cilantro aioli and wrapped up as a burrito), you'll find leftover love in the form of soups, noodle dishes, and even breakfast items.

Happy Thanksgiving.

See also: 25 Thanksgiving Dinner Tips from Valley Chefs

Chef Rich Hinojosa, The Wigwam

Potato gnocchi with mushrooms, blue cheese, and some of the leftover confit turkey meat.

Chef Theresa Wille, 32 Shea

With all the leftover turkey and gravy, I love making turkey waffles and topping them off with gravy for a morning breakfast.

Adam Allison Chef and Owner, Frank. Food Truck

Burritos. Shred up some of the heated turkey and add some fire-roasted poblano peppers, onions, avocado, jack cheese, and some mole. Best thing ever. Who doesn't love burritos?

Giovanni (Gino) Leonel Chef and Owner, La Prima Donna Ristorante & Catering

With the weather getting colder, I like to make a soup with it. It changes the whole spirit of the dish and becomes something completely new and awesome. Look for a recipe like Ribolita Soup and just add shredded turkey.

Pauline Martinez Chef and Owner, Perk Eatery

Chicken on the Coup: I take leftover stuffing, grill it until crisp, then top it with sausage gravy and eggs. OMG, it is so good. We serve this dish at Perk daily and it's one of the most comforting dishes you'll ever eat.

Chef Garry O'Connor, The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix

For leftover Thanksgiving turkey on the go, make a smoked bacon turkey lettuce tomato sandwich on sourdough with cranberry. Delish!

Chef Jeff Pilditch, Bistro 24

My go-to leftover turkey dish would have to be shepherd's pie but with turkey instead of ground meat. Turkey, gravy, root veggies, mashed potatoes, and bake.

Christopher Newstrom Culinary Director, Upward Projects

Definitely turkey stroganoff. I love getting fat egg noodles and topping them with turkey and gravy. Sometimes I mix some mashed potatoes in with the gravy to thicken the whole thing up.

Farah Khalid Chef and Owner, Curry Corner

Use leftover turkey to make hearty pasta with pesto and cheese or turkey baguettes with a spicy jalapeño and cilantro aioli.

Stephen Plunkett, General Manager and Wine Director for Sassi

Turkey fried rice with some brown rice, vegetables, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. It's a nice change from the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner.

Chef Maurice Gordon, The Westin Phoenix Downtown

My go-to dish for leftover turkey is a Turkey Bobbie Sandwich. It's a sandwich made with leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo on a hoagie roll. What better way to use up all the leftover turkey and stuffing in the fridge?

Jon Lane Owner, O.H.S.O.

Turkey tacos with cranberry sauce and guacamole.

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