Cooking - Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Wrap

The day after Thanksgiving often leaves the refrigerator packed with leftovers—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more. And while reheating a plate of leftovers is easy, turning them into something fresh can make the meal feel new again. A Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Wrap is one of the simplest ways to do that. Instead of piling food on a plate, you wrap it all up into something handheld, easy to eat, and versatile. It takes the flavors of the holiday table and folds them into a convenient meal you can eat warm or cold.

What makes this wrap special is how well it balances flavor and texture. The soft tortilla holds tender turkey, creamy elements like cream cheese or mashed potatoes, the savory bite of stuffing, and the tang of cranberry sauce. The wrap keeps the Thanksgiving taste profile intact but gives it a different form that works for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. This recipe doesn’t just use leftover turkey; it makes use of other leftover sides without feeling like you’re eating the exact same plate again.


Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this recipe, which makes it perfect for the day after a big holiday when you want minimal cleanup.

  • A cutting board
  • A sharp knife
  • A microwave or toaster oven (optional for reheating)
  • A spoon or spatula for spreading
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for wrapping or reheating)

Ingredients

IngredientUS MeasurementMetric Measurement
Cooked turkey (sliced or shredded)2 cups250 g
Cream cheese (softened)4 oz115 g
Leftover stuffing1 cup120 g
Cranberry sauce½ cup120 ml
Fresh spinach or lettuce1 cup30 g
Large flour tortillas or wraps4 tortillas4 tortillas (25–30 cm)
Grated cheese (optional)½ cup60 g
Salt and pepperTo tasteTo taste

Prep and Cook Time

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time (optional reheating): 5–15 minutes
  • Total time: 10–25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 wraps

How to Prepare the Wrap

Lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board or clean counter. Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over the surface of the tortilla; this helps hold the filling together and adds a creamy texture. Place a layer of turkey down the center, followed by a scoop of leftover stuffing. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top, making sure it’s spread evenly so each bite gets a bit of tart sweetness. Add fresh spinach or lettuce for some crunch and brightness, and sprinkle grated cheese over if you like a melty element.

To roll the wrap, fold in the sides first to keep the filling from spilling out. Then, starting at one end, roll tightly until the wrap is sealed. If you want it warm, wrap it in aluminum foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave it for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. You can also toast it on a griddle or pan for a slightly crisp exterior.


Serving and Storage

These wraps are best eaten right after you make them, but they can also be wrapped in parchment or foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re making them for a quick lunch, you can prepare the wraps ahead of time and keep them chilled until you’re ready to eat. To freeze, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.


Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg

Making the Wrap Your Own

One of the benefits of this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you don’t have enough turkey left, you can use shredded chicken or even ham. Mashed potatoes can be swapped in for cream cheese to create a heartier version. If you have roasted vegetables left from the holiday table, slice them thin and add them to the wrap for more texture and flavor. A handful of arugula can bring a peppery bite, while a drizzle of gravy inside the wrap can make it feel richer.

You can also play with different wraps. Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor, while spinach wraps give a fresh green look. For a low-carb version, you can use large lettuce leaves as the wrap itself.


Why This Recipe Works

This wrap doesn’t just use up leftovers; it reimagines them. Instead of eating the same plate again, you’re creating a completely new dish that feels intentional. The tortilla keeps everything contained, which makes it great for on-the-go meals or for serving to kids who might not want another full plate of Thanksgiving food. The combination of textures—soft turkey, creamy cheese, chewy stuffing, and tart cranberry—keeps every bite interesting.

It’s also a flexible recipe. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, a light spread of mustard or a thin slice of apple can add brightness. If you want a richer wrap, add a layer of gravy before rolling it up. The idea is to use what you have and make it work together in a simple, balanced way.


A Practical Way to Handle Leftovers

After Thanksgiving, the goal is often to use up what’s left without getting tired of it. This wrap is an easy solution because it doesn’t feel like you’re eating reheated food. It’s quick to assemble, portable, and can be made in large batches if you have a lot of leftovers to work through. And since the ingredients are already cooked, you’re mostly assembling rather than cooking, which means less time in the kitchen the day after a big holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Wrap

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