Making the most of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving is a challenge many of us face each year. To alleviate this problem, I’ve compiled a list of innovative recipes that will turn your post-holiday meal into an exciting culinary experience. From hearty soups to imaginative sandwiches, these dishes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of repurposed turkey. So, don your apron and let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through the realm of mouthwatering leftovers!
Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or adventurous, I’m confident that one of these recipes will become your new favorite way to use up leftover turkey.
Comforting Turkey Pasta Soup Recipe

As one of the most popular and comforting soups around, Turkey Noodle Soup is an excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey into a mouth-watering meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients such as rotini pasta, crunchy celery, and sweet carrots, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The addition of tender chunks of turkey makes it a perfect option for the winter months when we all crave something warm and comforting.
Turkey Noodle Soup in 20 Minutes

Making use of leftover Thanksgiving turkey is a great way to create a delicious and nutritious meal with Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup. This comforting and flavorful soup is an ideal choice for a post-holiday meal, providing a light and refreshing option that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With straightforward ingredients like carrots, celery, green beans, and egg noodles, this recipe can be easily prepared in under 20 minutes using the Instant Pot or stove top.
The addition of Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture to the soup, making it an even more satisfying meal. Overall, Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup is a great way to repurpose leftover turkey into a comforting and delicious option that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Delight Salad

Love the versatility of turkey salads, and this particular recipe is a game-changer for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. By combining white and dark meat, it creates a rich and complex flavor profile that’s then elevated by the tangy mayonnaise, sweet apple cider vinegar, savory celery salt, and peppery black pepper. Adding some crunchy texture from green onion, celery, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans takes this salad to the next level.
Transforming Turkey into Roasted Delights

When it comes to repurposing leftover turkey, there are few recipes as versatile and satisfying as Leftover Turkey with Roasted Vegetables. Not only does this dish showcase the potential of otherwise discarded food, but it also presents a delicious one-pan meal that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. The recipe relies on a medley of fall-season vegetables, including Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, which are roasted in basic seasonings and oil to bring out their natural flavors.
The addition of pumpkin seeds adds an exciting textural element to the dish, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the tender vegetables perfectly. This recipe is particularly well-suited for meal prep enthusiasts and those following a clean eating, dairy-free, or gluten-free diet.
Transforming Turkey Leftovers into Creamy Goodness

Finding yourself with leftover turkey after the holidays? Consider making a delicious Leftover Turkey Casserole! This creamy and mouth-watering dish is perfect for using up excess poultry and vegetables, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for another family gathering.
Turkey Pho with a Twist of Thanksgiving

Mastering the art of using up Thanksgiving leftovers just got easier with Leftover Turkey Pho. This innovative soup brings together tender turkey, fragrant Asian-inspired broth, and aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, anise, cinnamon, and cloves for a truly unique culinary experience. The addition of rice noodles adds depth to the dish, while toppings such as cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts provide a burst of freshness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Whether you’re in need of a quick and easy meal solution or simply looking to mix up your usual post-Thanksgiving routine, this recipe is sure to impress.
Transforming Turkey Leftovers into a Dream Casserole

Very often, the challenge of using up leftover food from a holiday meal like Thanksgiving can be daunting. However, with the Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole recipe, you’ll be able to transform your turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and veggies into a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and convenient. By layering these ingredients with mashed potatoes and adding different cheeses along with a creamy soup, you’ll create a rich and satisfying casserole. The best part?
You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste and even add extra moisture if needed. For an added twist, consider incorporating cooked pasta and a dollop of sour cream into your recipe. This versatile dish is the perfect solution for repurposing your Thanksgiving feast and enjoying it in a new and exciting way.
Smoked Turkey Bean Stew Recipe

Using leftover smoked turkey as an ingredient can lead to some truly amazing dishes. Smoked Turkey Soup, in particular, is a hearty and nutritious meal that showcases the rich flavors of the smoked meat. This comforting soup combines tender smoked turkey with white beans, an assortment of vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, all coming together to create a deeply satisfying culinary experience.
Turkey Leftover Casserole Delight

Understanding the versatility of Creamy Turkey Casserole, it’s clear why this dish has become a staple for many home cooks. The combination of tender turkey, sautéed mushrooms, and al dente noodles in a rich and creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup and melted cheese makes for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you choose to add extra vegetables or switch up the type of pasta used, this casserole is incredibly accommodating.
To take it to the next level, a crunchy buttery bread crumb topping is added on top, providing a delightful textural contrast. Baked until hot and bubbly, Creamy Turkey Casserole is the perfect solution for repurposing leftover turkey into a comforting and mouth-watering meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Leftover Turkey Veggie Delight Soup

Most people are familiar with using leftover turkey in sandwiches or salads, but it can also be used to create a nourishing and flavorful soup. This recipe, Turkey Vegetable Soup, is an excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey and make a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Leftover Turkey Casserole Delight

Understanding the convenience of using leftover turkey after Thanksgiving is a common scenario for many households. A Turkey Casserole recipe comes in handy, providing a delicious and easy solution to repurpose the remaining meat. This dish combines diced turkey with white rice, steamed broccoli, cheese, and a rich savory sauce that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
The crowning glory of this casserole is its topping made from an abundance of melted cheese and crispy French fried onions that add texture and flavor when baked to a golden brown perfection. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic option for those seeking a quick weeknight meal, which can be served alongside a simple green salad or a refreshing fruit salad.
Turkey Leftover Soup with Light Dumplings

Gathering leftover turkey from Thanksgiving can be a challenge, but with the help of this recipe, you’ll have a delicious solution to that problem. The Creamy Turkey Dumpling Soup is a comforting and tasty dish that combines juicy turkey, vegetables, and homemade dumplings in a rich and satisfying broth. The addition of milk or half and half adds an extra layer of creaminess, making it a truly luxurious meal.
This hearty soup is not only easy to make but also perfect for using up leftover turkey in a flavorful way.
Turkey Leftover Casserole with a Twist

Taking advantage of leftover turkey or chicken is a great way to create a nutritious meal with minimal effort. This one-pan recipe is particularly well-suited for this purpose, as it combines vegetables, grains, and protein in a single dish. As a result, the casserole provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a low-fat meal option.
The inclusion of Greek yogurt and evaporated milk adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, contributing to its satisfying flavor profile. With a preparation time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is also an attractive option for individuals seeking a quick and easy dinner solution that won’t compromise on nutrition.
Turkey Salad Sandwiches Revive Leftovers

Often associated with post-holiday meals, leftover turkey can be repurposed into a tasty and convenient sandwich filling. A classic leftover turkey salad recipe combines diced turkey with crunchy vegetables like celery, green bell pepper, and red onion, along with sweet and tangy dried cranberries. The addition of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar brings all the flavors together for a satisfying bite.
When preparing this salad, it’s best to keep some texture by leaving the turkey in decent-sized chunks, rather than shredding it completely. As you season with salt and pepper, pile the mixture onto toasted bread for a delicious lunch that captures the essence of Thanksgiving without being too heavy or overwhelming.
Turkey Pasta Revival Recipe

Often, we find ourselves with an abundance of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, but instead of letting it go to waste, why not try whipping up a delicious Leftover Turkey Pasta? This mouthwatering dish combines tender turkey pieces with sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. The result is a comforting and satisfying main course that can also be served over mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
To add an extra touch of elegance, garnish the pasta with fresh rosemary and enjoy this flavorful and hearty option for repurposing leftover turkey.
Turkey Leftovers Stir Fry Delight

Making the most of your leftover Thanksgiving turkey is easier than you think, thanks to this simple yet satisfying recipe. By transforming the leftover meat into a flavorful stir fry, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. The recipe involves shredding the turkey and combining it with crunchy bell peppers, onions, and steamed broccoli, then stir-frying everything together with a blend of aromatic spices and seasonings.
This dish is not only quick to prepare – it’s ready in just 20 minutes – but also perfect for meal prep or a speedy weeknight dinner that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Turkey Leftover Melt Sandwiches to Devour

Delighting in leftover Thanksgiving turkey, Open-Faced Turkey Melts offer a scrumptious and hassle-free solution. Composed of diced turkey breast, celery, cranberries, and red onion, this delectable turkey salad is complemented by light Havarti cheese and broiled until golden brown and bubbly, resulting in a mouthwatering open-faced sandwich that the entire family will adore. Ideal for a speedy lunch or dinner, these turkey melts are an absolute must-try for repurposing leftover turkey.
Turkey Stuffing Casserole Revival

Generally speaking, leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole is a mouthwatering and effortless way to relive Thanksgiving dinner all over again. This delectable casserole is crafted with leftover turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and an assortment of vegetables, making it the ideal solution for repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting.
With its versatility in customization options, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste buds by substituting the gravy with cream of mushroom soup or adding a layer of mashed potatoes on top for added texture and flavor. Furthermore, this casserole can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals, providing you with a convenient and tasty option that the whole family will undoubtedly enjoy.
Quick Turkey Veggie Stir Fry Delight

Delicious and convenient, Turkey Stir-Fry is an excellent way to utilize leftover turkey in the kitchen. By combining cooked turkey meat with frozen stir-fry vegetables and a mouth-watering sauce comprised of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes, this recipe creates a harmonious balance of flavors. To prevent the turkey from becoming dry, the dish is cooked briefly, allowing it to retain its moisture and tenderness.
Furthermore, Turkey Stir-Fry offers flexibility in terms of customization, enabling users to substitute various vegetables and adjust spice levels to suit their preferences. Ultimately, this versatile recipe serves as a satisfying solution for repurposing leftover turkey while delivering a mouth-watering culinary experience.
Turkey Fiesta Soup with Southwestern Twist

Relying on leftover turkey, this delectable soup combines the rich flavors of Southwestern cuisine with the comfort of a warm, creamy broth. The tender chunks of turkey are perfectly complemented by the bold additions of black beans, bell peppers, onions, and a vibrant tomato broth that echoes the spirit of Chicken Tortilla Soup. Whether you’re in the mood for a stovetop simmer, slow cooker convenience, or Instant Pot speed, this versatile recipe is an excellent choice.
The addition of cream cheese lends a silky texture to the soup, while optional toppings such as corn chips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and shredded cheese add an extra layer of flavor and excitement. As a result, Southwest Turkey Soup stands out as a standout solution for repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers in a tasty and satisfying manner.
Transforming Turkey Leftovers into Hearty Chili

You’ll love this recipe for Leftover Turkey Chili, which is a creative way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouth-watering meal. This flavorful and hearty dish combines the richness of tomatoes, the freshness of veggies, and a blend of aromatic spices, making it an excellent solution for using up leftover turkey.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hands-off crockpot meal, a quick instant pot recipe, or a stovetop cooking experience, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to breathe new life into their leftover turkey and enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Featuring tender shredded turkey as its main ingredient, Instant Pot Turkey Soup is a fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover poultry from the holidays. This recipe brings together homemade turkey stock, an assortment of veggies, and fragrant herbs to create a richly flavored and heartwarming soup that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The best part?
It’s incredibly easy to prepare in either the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, and you can even customize it by adding egg noodles for a satisfying twist on traditional turkey noodle soup. Whether you’re looking for a clever way to repurpose last night’s leftovers or simply want a delicious meal without the fuss, this recipe has got you covered.
Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Join the ranks of creative cooks who repurpose leftover turkey into a mouth-watering one-pot meal. This particular recipe, One-Pot Leftover Turkey Soup, is not only a game-changer for holiday leftovers but also a low-carb delight that’s ready in under 20 minutes. By incorporating elements from white chili and Keto Queso Soup, this soup offers a unique fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
The cooking process begins with sautéing a mix of bell peppers, jalapeños, garlic, and onions to create a fragrant base for the soup. This is followed by adding turkey stock, green chilies, leftover turkey, heavy cream, and cream cheese to the pot, resulting in a rich and creamy broth that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re dealing with post-Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers, this one-pot wonder is an ideal solution for utilizing your excess turkey in a delicious way.
Transforming Turkey Leftovers into Delightful Dumplings

Varying your Thanksgiving leftovers from the usual mashed potatoes and stuffing, this simple yet flavorful recipe uses refrigerated crescent rolls, leftover turkey, mayonnaise, cheese, and seasonings to create tasty turkey dumplings. By following this easy-to-prepare recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal in under 20 minutes, perfect for using up leftover turkey and satisfying the whole family’s taste buds.
Turkey Leftover Delight Sandwich

Renowned for its simplicity and flavor, the Hot Turkey Sandwich is an ideal way to repurpose leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. Rather than letting the remains go to waste, this satisfying meal can be easily crafted with roasted turkey as the centerpiece, accompanied by a rich gravy that adds depth to each bite. A traditional accompaniment to this sandwich is a side of creamy mashed potatoes, which completes the comforting dish and provides a delightful contrast in texture.
While it’s most commonly associated with leftover turkey, the versatility of the Hot Turkey Sandwich also extends to using roasted chicken breast as an alternative protein source, making it an excellent option for those looking to get creative with their Thanksgiving leftovers.
Turkey & Cheese Baguette Bites

Creating something new from last night’s dinner is often the best part of cooking, and Leftover Turkey Melts perfectly capture this essence. By combining shredded turkey with grated Colby blend cheese, mayonnaise, diced onion, and tomatoes, all piled onto slices of French bread baguette, you’ll end up with a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.
Whether made with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other time of the year, these melts are an excellent way to repurpose last night’s meal. They can also be adapted using leftover chicken or duck meat, making them a versatile option for using up poultry leftovers.
Leftover Turkey Tacos

Making the most of leftover turkey has never been easier thanks to the simplicity of Leftover Turkey Tacos. To start, take the shredded turkey and give it a boost of flavor with taco seasoning, then cook it with a mixture of tomato puree, chicken stock, honey, and lime juice for a truly mouth-watering filling.
This dish is not only quick but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor your tacos to suit your taste by adding your preferred toppings such as crisp lettuce, melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. The best part? This recipe provides a convenient and delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey without sacrificing flavor or effort.



