Do you find yourself with a mountain of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? Don't fret! I've got you covered with the best leftover turkey recipes that will transform your post-holiday meal into a culinary adventure.
From comforting soups to creative sandwiches, these recipes will help you make the most out of that delicious turkey. So, put on your apron and let's dive into the world of mouthwatering leftovers!
1. Turkey Salad
Turkey Salad is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Made with a combination of white and dark meat, it is mixed with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, celery salt, black pepper, green onion, celery, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
This salad can be served in lettuce cups or as a sandwich filling. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
2. Leftover Turkey Casserole
The Leftover Turkey Casserole is a creamy and delicious dish that is perfect for using up leftover turkey and vegetables. It's a crowd-pleaser and even picky eaters will enjoy it. The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in just 10 minutes of prep time. It's a great option for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for another family feast.
The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheating is simple in the microwave, and adding a tablespoon of water or half & half helps to keep the noodles from drying out. Overall, this Leftover Turkey Casserole is a fantastic way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty and satisfying meal.
3. Leftover Turkey Pasta
Leftover Turkey Pasta is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe combines tender turkey pieces with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
It's a comforting and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served over mashed potatoes. Garnished with fresh rosemary, this pasta is a flavorful and hearty option for repurposing leftover turkey.
4. Leftover Turkey with Roasted Vegetables
Leftover Turkey with Roasted Vegetables is a healthy and easy recipe that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious one-pan meal. The recipe calls for a variety of fall-season vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, which are roasted with basic seasonings and oil.
The addition of pumpkin seeds adds a crunchy texture to the dish. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and is suitable for those following a clean eating, dairy-free, and gluten-free diet.
5. Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup is a delicious and nutritious way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This cozy and flavorful soup is light and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for a post-holiday meal. With simple ingredients like carrots, celery, green beans, and egg noodles, this recipe is easy to make in under 20 minutes.
It can be prepared in both the Instant Pot or on the stove top. The addition of Greek yogurt adds a creamy touch to the soup. Overall, Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup is a satisfying and comforting option for enjoying leftover turkey.
6. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner again. Made with leftover turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables, this casserole is a perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
It can be customized with different variations, such as using cream of mushroom soup instead of gravy or adding mashed potatoes on top. The casserole can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals. Overall, it's a tasty and convenient dish that the whole family will love.
7. Leftover Turkey Stir Fry
Leftover Turkey Stir Fry is a quick and easy recipe that transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The turkey is shredded and combined with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli, then stir-fried with a blend of spices and seasonings.
It's a great way to use up leftover turkey and create a delicious and healthy dish in just 20 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
8. Open-Faced Turkey Melts
Open-Faced Turkey Melts are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Made with chopped turkey breast, celery, cranberries, and red onion, this turkey salad is topped with light Havarti cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly.
The result is a mouthwatering open-faced sandwich that the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these turkey melts are a must-try for turkey leftovers.
9. Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Filled with rotini pasta, celery, carrots, and tender turkey, this soup is a comforting and satisfying option for the winter months.
It's simple to make and sure to please the whole family. Enjoy this warm and delicious soup as a tasty way to enjoy your leftover turkey.
10. Turkey Stir-Fry
Turkey Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful way to use up leftover turkey. This recipe combines cooked turkey meat with frozen stir-fry vegetables and a tasty sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
The dish is cooked briefly to prevent the turkey from drying out, and it can be garnished with sesame oil and scallions. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with different vegetables and spice levels. Overall, Turkey Stir-Fry is a delicious and easy option for repurposing leftover turkey.
11. Healthy Leftover Turkey Casserole
Healthy Leftover Turkey Casserole is a simple and nutritious way to use up leftover turkey or chicken. This one-pan recipe is loaded with vegetables, grains, and protein, making it a well-balanced and low-fat meal.
With a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and evaporated milk, this casserole is both comforting and satisfying. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick and healthy dinner.
12. Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili is a flavorful and hearty recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Made with tomatoes, veggies, and spices, this chili is a delicious way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a satisfying meal.
Whether cooked in a crockpot, instant pot, or on the stove, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy their leftover turkey in a new and exciting way.
13. Creamy Turkey Casserole
Creamy Turkey Casserole is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey. The dish features tender turkey, mushrooms, and noodles baked in a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup and cheese.
It can be customized with additional veggies and different types of pasta. The casserole is topped with a buttery bread crumb topping and baked until hot and bubbly. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for using up leftover turkey.
14. Leftover Turkey Pho
Leftover Turkey Pho is an exciting and flavorful way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. This Asian-inspired soup combines tender turkey with a fragrant broth infused with ginger, garlic, anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
The addition of rice noodles adds a satisfying texture, while toppings like cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts enhance the flavors. This recipe is a quick and easy option for a delicious post-Thanksgiving meal.
15. Hot Turkey Sandwich
The Hot Turkey Sandwich is a simple and delicious way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Piled high with roasted turkey and smothered in gravy, this knife and fork sandwich is a satisfying meal.
Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting dish. It's also versatile, as it can be made with leftover roasted chicken breast. Overall, it's a tasty option for enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers.
16. Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
The Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole is a delicious and convenient way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. It combines layers of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and veggies, topped with mashed potatoes. The addition of different cheeses and a creamy soup creates a luscious and comforting dish.
You can also customize the seasonings and add extra moisture if needed. For a twist, you can even add cooked pasta and sour cream. Overall, this casserole is a perfect solution for repurposing your Thanksgiving feast.
17. Leftover Turkey Melts
Leftover Turkey Melts are a delicious and convenient way to use up leftover turkey. This recipe combines shredded turkey with grated Colby blend cheese, mayo, diced onion, and tomatoes, all piled onto slices of French bread baguette.
Baked until toasted and hot, these melts are a satisfying and flavorful option for using up Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. They can also be made with leftover chicken or duck meat, making them versatile for any time of the year. Overall, Leftover Turkey Melts are a tasty and easy solution for repurposing leftover turkey.
18. One-Pot Leftover Turkey Soup
One-Pot Leftover Turkey Soup is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey. This low-carb soup is ready in under 20 minutes and combines the flavors of white chili and Keto Queso Soup.
The soup starts with sautéing bell peppers, jalapeños, garlic, and onions, then adding turkey stock, green chilies, turkey, heavy cream, and cream cheese. The result is a creamy and flavorful soup that is perfect for using up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas.
19. Leftover Turkey
The leftover turkey recipe featured here is a simple and flavorful way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers. It involves using refrigerated crescent rolls, leftover turkey, mayonnaise, cheese, and seasonings to create delicious turkey dumplings.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in about 20 minutes. It's a great option for using up leftover turkey and is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
20. Creamy Turkey Dumpling Soup
Creamy Turkey Dumpling Soup is a comforting and delicious way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The soup is packed with juicy turkey, vegetables, and homemade dumplings that are light and fluffy.
It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is easy to make. The addition of milk or half and half adds a luxurious touch. Overall, Creamy Turkey Dumpling Soup is a fantastic option for utilizing leftover turkey in a flavorful and comforting way.
21. Turkey Casserole
Turkey Casserole is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe combines diced turkey with white rice, steamed broccoli, cheese, and a savory sauce.
Topped with more cheese and french fried onions, it bakes to a hot and bubbly perfection. It's a great option for a quick weeknight meal and can be served with a simple salad or fruit salad.
22. Southwest Turkey Soup
Southwest Turkey Soup is a creamy and slightly spicy soup that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious and flavorful dish. It features tender turkey, black beans, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato broth, reminiscent of Chicken Tortilla Soup. This versatile recipe can be made on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot, making it convenient for any cooking preference.
The addition of cream cheese gives the soup a creamy finish, while the optional toppings of corn chips, cilantro, avocado, and shredded cheese enhance the flavors even more. Overall, Southwest Turkey Soup is a winner for using up Thanksgiving leftovers in a creative and satisfying way.
23. Leftover Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Leftover Turkey Salad Sandwiches are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. The recipe calls for diced turkey, celery, green bell pepper, red onion, and dried cranberries, all mixed together with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.
The salad is best when the turkey is in decent chunks, not shredded. Seasoned with salt and pepper, the salad is piled onto toasted bread for a satisfying lunch. It's a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving even after the big day.
24. Instant Pot Turkey Soup
Instant Pot Turkey Soup is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any holiday feast. This recipe combines shredded turkey, homemade turkey stock, and a mix of veggies and herbs for a flavorful and comforting soup.
It's easy to make in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, and you can even add egg noodles for a turkey noodle soup variation. Overall, this soup is a delicious and satisfying option for repurposing leftover turkey.
25. Smoked Turkey Soup
Smoked Turkey Soup is a hearty and nutritious way to use leftover smoked turkey. This recipe combines tender smoked turkey meat with white beans, veggies, and flavorful seasonings. It's easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
The smoked turkey adds a rich and smoky flavor to the soup, making it a delicious alternative to the usual turkey sandwich. Overall, this soup is a great option for utilizing leftover turkey in a tasty and satisfying way.
26. Turkey Vegetable Soup
Turkey Vegetable Soup is a hearty and comforting recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavored with herbs and spices, this soup is a complete meal in itself.
It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this protein-packed soup is a delicious option.
27. Leftover Turkey Tacos
Leftover Turkey Tacos are a quick and easy way to transform your leftover turkey into a delicious meal. The shredded turkey is seasoned with taco seasoning and cooked with tomato puree, chicken stock, honey, and lime juice for a flavorful filling.
The tacos can be customized with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream. This recipe is a great option for a low-maintenance meal that uses up leftover turkey in a tasty way.
