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Easy Recipes for the Day After Thanksgiving

Because you’re sick of turkey and you want to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible.
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Published Nov. 25, 2016.

Easy Recipes for the Day After Thanksgiving

The thrill of Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it’s the day after and the last thing you feel like doing is spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Also, maybe you’re sick of leftovers—or maybe you hosted a big, hungry group and there just aren’t any leftovers to speak of. Below, we list three quick and simple recipes—one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—that are sure to satisfy and minimize your time in the kitchen.

For Breakfast: Perfect Fried Eggs

Fried eggs are the perfect breakfast food for any day because they’re full of protein and incredibly versatile. But they’re especially great the day after Thanksgiving. You spent at least six hours in the kitchen the day before, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove for any prolonged period of time. You’re in luck: fried eggs take mere minutes to cook. Toast a few slices of bread (or grab a leftover dinner roll), fry up some bacon, and you’ve got yourself a quick, no fuss post-Thanksgiving breakfast.

For Lunch: Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Cheddar and Shallot

This grilled cheese is buttery and gooey and crispy and exactly what you should eat for lunch the day after Thanksgiving. We start with aged cheddar and add a small amount of white wine and Brie to help the cheddar melt more evenly without becoming greasy. Shallots and a smear of Dijon infused butter add complexity. The best part: it all comes together in less than 20 minutes.

For Dinner: Spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper (Cacio e Pepe)

Maybe you hosted a large crowd on Thanksgiving and therefore there aren’t any leftovers in your fridge with which to make a turkey sandwich—or maybe you’re just sick of eating turkey. This Roman classic is simple and quick. Don’t skimp on the ingredients in this one—you’ll want to use imported Pecorino Romano as opposed to that bland domestic stuff labeled “Romano.”

For more inspiration, check out our recipes page.

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