October marks the changing of the seasons when the long days of summer turn into the crisp nights of autumn. 

As pumpkins begin to appear in farmer's markets and the leaves on trees shimmer with radiant reds and brilliant gold, Canadians sit down to tables boasting delicious Thanksgiving dishes.But what do you do with all that food in the days and weeks after Thanksgiving?

Reheating leftovers in the microwave is boring, so we have compiled a list of innovative and fun ways you can transform your leftovers into stunning dishes. 

But be warned! 

Some of these recipes are so tasty, you might be tempted to give them pride of place at next year's Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Turkey Tetrazzini

So creamy and delicious, you'll be wishing you had more leftover turkey. This tasty dish is really easy to make, too. 

Simply combine linguine pasta, cream of mushroom soup, butter, onions, green bell pepper, cheese, broth, and a few other ingredients. Place them in a casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes. Yum!

2. Thanksgiving in a Blanket

Incredibly easy to make, this recipe combines delicious crescent rolls with a mixture of Thanksgiving leftovers like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey to make delicious snacks you won't be able to get enough of. Once out of the oven, serve with gravy for dunking.

3. Ultimate Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Take the classic sandwich up to the next level with this great recipe that combines turkey, bacon, and avocado to transform an old favourite into something that will wow your taste buds.

4. Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Sandwich

Perfect for vegetarians or finicky kids, this zany sweet potato and marshmallow sandwich is far tastier than you might imagine. Simply mix leftover sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows and a few other ingredients. Best eaten fresh out of the oven. 

5. Simple Shepherd's Pie

You simply can't go wrong on a cold autumn day when you serve this quintessential comfort food. Simply add leftover potatoes, vegetables, and turkey and pop into the oven to create a hearty and wholesome meal the whole family will love.

6. Hawaiian BBQ Turkey Pizza

If you're bored with traditional ways to repurpose Thanksgiving dishes, then this is definitely the right recipe for you. Mix leftover turkey with fresh pineapple and tangy barbecue sauce to create an exotic treat that will have your taste buds singing.

7. Sweet Potato Kale Frittata

If you're looking for something a little lighter, definitely try this mouthwatering dish that's perfect for breakfast or a light snack. Mix eggs, onion, and kale with your leftover sweet potatoes and you'll have a sure winner on your hands.

8. Leftover Stuffin' Muffins

Perfect for both classic stuffing (dressing) or vegetarian versions, this innovative recipe combines eggs, cream, and vegetables to create a baked treat to taste Thanksgiving flavours in a completely new (and delicious!) way.

9. Thanksgiving Croque Monsieur

This excellent recipe takes a boring turkey sandwich and elevates it to a gourmet work of art. Replace the standard smoked ham with leftover turkey and add mustard and cheese to create an elegant lunchtime meal. Best served hot and fresh right out of the oven.

10. Chunky Turkey Vegetable Soup

Perfect for lunch, this simple recipe combines leftover sweet potato and turkey with tomatoes to create a pot of Thanksgiving deliciousness. 

11. Pumpkin Pie Frosting

This easy recipe transforms leftover pumpkin pie into a delicious frosting you can add to your favourite cupcake, muffin, or cake recipe. Perfect for sweet tooths that want to try a unique twist on classic autumn flavours.

12. Thanksgiving Milkshake

It's hard to believe, but in some homes, there are leftover slices of pumpkin, pecan, or sweet potato pie. This incredible milkshake recipe sees all those combined with a little leftover cranberry sauce to create a fantastic post-holiday treat.

13. Bird Soup

This creamy soup recipe cleverly uses leftover turkey bones to create a delicious broth that will warm your heart and soul on a cool autumn day.

14. Turkey Milanese

Created by a well-known chef, this amazing recipe uses mushrooms and white wine to add a delicious depth of flavour to your leftover turkey and gravy.

15. Fried Stuffing Bites With Cranberry Pesto

This yummy recipe sounds fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Mix breadcrumbs plus leftover stuffing and then fry until golden brown and then serve with a delicious cranberry pesto sauce.

16. Turkey Tom Kha Gai

The perfect way to add a delicious Thai twist to your Thanksgiving leftovers, this spicy soup combines mushrooms, coconut milk, and a medley of bold flavours to create a delicious broth that will keep you warm on even the coldest autumn days.

17. Thanksgiving Stuffed Peppers

You don't have to be of Ukrainian heritage to enjoy this European take on classic Thanksgiving ingredients. Simply mix leftover turkey and stuffing with mozzarella and other ingredients to make this scrumptious baked dish that takes just 10 minutes to prepare.

18. Turkey Enchiladas

This Mexican-inspired dish promises you won't even recognize your leftovers. Mix exotic ingredients like banana and hot chillies with classic Thanksgiving spices and leftover turkey to transform your tired old leftovers into a delicious baked dish.

Instead of plodding through your Thanksgiving leftovers until you're heartily sick of turkey sandwiches and reheated stuffing and potatoes, why not try one of the innovative dishes listed above? 

With a little bit of preparation, even beginner cooks can whip up creative meals that transform your boring leftovers into truly tasty treats.

Photo credits: food, frittata, soup, sandwich