Make the Most of Thanksgiving Leftovers with These 5 Goat Cheese Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and indulgent food. But once the dishes are washed and the guests are gone, there’s always one big question: what do we do with all these leftovers? Enter goat cheese—a creamy, tangy ingredient that takes your holiday leftovers from mundane to magical.

Goat cheese is a trendy favorite for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in countless dishes. It’s the perfect addition to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers into gourmet creations. Ready to give your leftovers a delicious twist? Let’s dive into five irresistible recipes that will have you savoring every bite!

1. Goat Cheese Turkey Sandwiches

Turkey sandwiches are a classic, but this version makes them unforgettable. Here’s how to create it:

• Ingredients: Leftover turkey slices, 2 tablespoons of goat cheese, cranberry sauce, baby spinach, and ciabatta bread (or any hearty loaf).
• Instructions:
  1. Toast your bread lightly to give it a crisp yet soft texture.
  2. Spread goat cheese on one side of each bread slice for a creamy base.
  3. Layer turkey slices, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a handful of baby spinach.
  4. Add the top slice of bread, press gently, and enjoy!

The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce and savory turkey, making it the perfect blend of Thanksgiving flavors.

2. Mashed Potato Goat Cheese Croquettes

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, creamy bites that are perfect as an appetizer or snack.

• Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes, ½ cup goat cheese, 1 egg, 1 cup breadcrumbs, oil for frying.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine mashed potatoes and goat cheese in a bowl, mixing until smooth.
  2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  3. Beat the egg in a small bowl, and place breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  4. Dip each ball into the egg and then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the croquettes until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

These croquettes are a crispy, creamy delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

3. Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Flatbread

Leftover sweet potatoes become the star of this sweet and savory flatbread.

• Ingredients: 1 store-bought flatbread or pizza crust, 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes, ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles, 1 tablespoon honey, fresh sage leaves (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the flatbread.
  3. Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles on top, followed by fresh sage leaves.
  4. Drizzle honey over the flatbread for a touch of sweetness.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the flatbread are crispy.

This flatbread is a perfect balance of flavors, from the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes to the tangy goat cheese and sage.

4. Goat Cheese and Stuffing Muffins

Who knew stuffing could be this versatile? Turn it into muffins packed with flavor.

• Ingredients: 2 cups leftover stuffing, 2 eggs, ½ cup goat cheese, ¼ cup chopped veggies (like onions or bell peppers).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin.
  2. In a large bowl, combine stuffing, eggs, goat cheese, and veggies. Mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Scoop the mixture into muffin tin compartments, pressing down slightly to compact.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  5. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.

These muffins are a savory snack or breakfast option, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

5. Cranberry Goat Cheese Dip

Got leftover cranberry sauce? This dip is a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties or a cozy night in.

• Ingredients: 1 cup cranberry sauce, 4 ounces goat cheese, 2 tablespoons orange juice, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
• Instructions:
  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  2. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh rosemary.
  3. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced vegetables.

The tartness of the cranberry sauce and creaminess of goat cheese make this dip irresistible.

From Leftovers to Livelihoods: The Power of Goat Cheese in the S.E.E.D. Program

While you’re enjoying these creative goat cheese recipes, consider the global impact of this versatile ingredient. Embrace Relief’s S.E.E.D. program empowers women in Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Afghanistan by providing goats and training to build sustainable businesses.

For women like Meseret Tafesse, goats are more than livestock—they’re a lifeline. Through the S.E.E.D. program, she learned to care for her goats, sell their milk, and support her family. “I believe that getting these goats will give me hope to get a financial income,” Meseret shares.

A one-time $160 donation can give a woman and her family in need two fully-vaccinated goats that she can breed! These goats will be able to provide her approximately $100 per month- for contrast, that’s the average monthly salary of a teacher in Africa! These goats can produce enough milk to feed her family and generate income, transforming lives one household at a time.

This holiday season, as you reimagine your Thanksgiving leftovers, consider how even small actions can create a ripple effect of change. Whether it’s turning sweet potatoes into a flatbread masterpiece or helping a family thrive with the gift of goats, we all have the power to make a difference.

Join us in supporting the S.E.E.D. program and empowering women entrepreneurs today. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s S.E.E.D. program, click here!