From Turkey to Quesadillas: Local Table’s Chef Sue Nowamooz Shares Fresh, Family-Friendly Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers
As families across the Greater Houston area prepare for Thanksgiving this Thursday, one local chef is already thinking ahead—to Friday, Saturday, and beyond.
Chef Sue Nowamooz, executive chef and co-owner of Local Table, is serving up a fresh take on what many see as a post-holiday dilemma: how to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers without simply reheating yesterday’s meal. From Cypress to Katy, Fulshear to The Woodlands, Nowamooz’s thoughtful, modern approach to leftovers puts the spotlight on sustainability, family-friendly flavors, and culinary creativity.
“At Local Table, we treat Thanksgiving leftovers the same way we treat our menu items—by giving a modern twist to a classic meal,” Nowamooz said. “We encourage repurposing Thanksgiving staples by pairing them with ingredients to make the dish feel new, not recycled.”
Creative Leftover Ideas the Local Table Way
Nowamooz recommends turning leftover turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into fun, healthy meals that are quick to make—especially important for families juggling busy holiday schedules.
“I love taking a ‘build something new’ approach instead of simply reheating holiday plates,” she said. “Some go-to ideas include shredding turkey for sandwiches or as a mix-in for protein in your soups during the week. You can always make a twist on a classic soup. Instead of Chicken Noodle Soup, try a Turkey Noodle Soup. It is soup season after all!”
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Parents looking to feed hungry kids with minimal fuss will appreciate one of Nowamooz’s personal favorites: turkey quesadillas with melted cheese.
“When my kids were younger, I would always make shredded turkey quesadillas with melty cheese. It's tasty, quick, and it's easy!” she shared. “I would make it extra fun for the kiddos by getting roasted pepper and spinach tortillas (red and green) and serve them as festive Christmas quesadillas.”
Global Flavors Meet Familiar Favorites
Local Table, known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, isn’t afraid to add a global spin to traditional holiday fare. Nowamooz suggests incorporating bold herbs and spices that reflect Houston’s rich cultural mix.
“With Houston’s diverse palate, I enjoy adding global flavors to Thanksgiving classics,” she explained. “You can sauté any leftover vegetables with olive oil and turmeric or add thyme and bay leaves to your soup recipes.”
For a healthier route, Nowamooz encourages families to transform leftovers into salads or grain bowls using Texas-grown produce. “Consider a roasted veggie grain bowl with sautéed vegetables, quinoa or rice, and shredded turkey. Or, if you are looking for a low-carb option, swap out the rice for a lettuce base or make this into a lettuce wrap instead!”
She also gives a nod to local ingredients like Texas pecans and honey to elevate flavor and texture in both sweet and savory dishes.
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Brunch, Date Night, and Storage Tips
Weekend brunch at home? Nowamooz recommends a Turkey Hash Brunch Skillet—a hearty mix of chopped turkey, potatoes, red peppers and onions sautéed crisp and topped with runny eggs and herbs. “If you like to add a spicy twist like my family does, I will drizzle a little bit of spicy salsa before serving,” she added.
Looking for something more romantic? “Something fun and easy are homemade flatbreads topped with turkey, melted brie, and cranberry drizzle,” Nowamooz suggested. “Flatbreads are super customizable so feel free to add your own twist to it. Pair the flatbreads with a nice glass of wine to make date night complete.”
To keep leftovers fresh and food-safe, Nowamooz offered this chef-level advice: “Be sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving. Try to use shallow containers: They chill faster and more evenly. It is also important to reheat gently. Low-and-slow warming keeps food juicy and prevents a rubbery texture. Lastly, freeze smart: Turkey, gravy, and veggies freeze beautifully when portioned into small containers or freezer bags with the air pressed out.”
Local Flavor, Community Focus
With five locations across the Greater Houston area—Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, The Woodlands, and Garden Oaks—Local Table has quickly become a beloved neighborhood hub for families and foodies alike. The restaurant blends a welcoming, kid-friendly environment with chef-driven flavors and happy hour vibes, making it a go-to for both casual dining and special moments.
Whether you’re whipping up a grain bowl with leftover green beans or creating a signature sub sandwich stacked with turkey and stuffing, Nowamooz believes the heart of cooking during the holidays lies in keeping it fun, flavorful, and fresh.
“For me, using leftovers in a Thanksgiving sub sandwich is the best way to capture all the delicious flavors in one bite,” she said. “I start by spreading cranberry sauce on toasted ciabatta bread, then layer my favorite sides on the toast one by one… I top that off with shredded turkey and heat up some gravy for dipping.”
Where to Find Local Table This Holiday Season
As the holiday week kicks off, families across the Houston metro are looking for ways to savor both the memories and the meals. With expert tips from Chef Sue Nowamooz and a little culinary creativity, those Thanksgiving leftovers just might become the highlight of the weekend.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
