Savor the sensational, soul-warming magic of this creamy turkey soup that transforms leftover turkey into a spectacular celebration of flavor! Seriously, this isn’t just soup—it’s a creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed party in a bowl that will have your entire family cheering for more with every spoonful! Get ready to experience comfort food perfection that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite tradition!
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe creates the most incredible creamy base by starting with a rich roux that transforms into a velvety, luxurious broth that coats every ingredient in pure deliciousness!
- We use both fresh and dried herbs to build layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the soup simmers, creating an aromatic masterpiece that fills your kitchen with the most amazing smells!
- The combination of tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth creates the perfect texture balance that makes every single bite absolutely irresistible and satisfying!
- This soup is incredibly versatile and forgiving—you can use leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground turkey and it always turns out spectacularly delicious!
- It reheats like an absolute dream, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop into something truly extraordinary!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener (if using canned broth)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables
Get ready to build that incredible flavor foundation! Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in your large stockpot over medium heat until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Add your finely chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery, and sauté them for 8-10 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften beautifully. You’ll know they’re ready when the carrots begin to brighten in color and the celery turns slightly tender. Now add those 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for just 60 seconds more until you get that incredible garlic aroma filling your kitchen—be careful not to burn it! This magical combination creates the flavor base that will make your soup absolutely unforgettable. The key here is patience—let those vegetables release their natural sweetness and develop deep, complex flavors that will carry through the entire dish!
Step 2: Create the Perfect Roux
Step 3: Build the Creamy Broth Base
Here comes the liquid gold that transforms everything! Slowly pour in 6 cups of turkey or chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming—this gradual addition is crucial for that smooth, creamy texture we’re after. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, continuing to whisk until everything is beautifully combined. Now stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried parsley, plus those 2 bay leaves that will infuse incredible depth of flavor as the soup simmers. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a simmer—you’ll see the surface become active with small bubbles around the edges. This slow heating process allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly while the roux works its thickening magic!
Step 4: Add the Star Ingredient and Simmer
It’s turkey time—the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Stir in 4 cups of cooked, shredded turkey along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll notice the broth thickening beautifully and the flavors intensifying as the turkey absorbs all that creamy goodness. The soup is ready when the carrots are tender but still have a slight bite—test one by piercing it with a fork—it should offer just a little resistance. This simmering time allows the turkey to become incredibly tender and infused with all the herbal flavors while the vegetables reach their perfect texture. Your kitchen should be filled with the most amazing aromas by now!
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving Perfection
We’re in the home stretch for soup perfection! Remove the pot from heat and carefully take out those bay leaves—they’ve done their flavor-infusing job beautifully. Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley for that bright, fresh flavor pop that cuts through the richness perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you might want to add another pinch of salt or pepper depending on your preference. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to settle and the temperature to become perfect for enjoying. Ladle into bowls and get ready for the most incredible comfort food experience of your life! The creamy texture should coat your spoon beautifully, with tender turkey and vegetables in every single bite!
Tips and Tricks
Ready to take your creamy turkey soup from fantastic to absolutely legendary? Here are some pro tips that will elevate your soup game to superstar status! First, if you want an even richer flavor, consider roasting your turkey bones with some chopped onions, carrots, and celery at 400°F for 45 minutes before making your own broth—this creates an incredible depth of flavor that store-bought broth just can’t match! For those who love extra creaminess, you can substitute half-and-half for the whole milk, or for a lighter version, use 2% milk and reduce the heavy cream to 1/2 cup—the soup will still be wonderfully creamy but slightly lighter. If you find your soup thickening too much as it sits, simply whisk in additional broth or milk a quarter cup at a time until it reaches your desired consistency—soups often thicken as they cool and the roux continues to work its magic. For incredible make-ahead convenience, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove. If you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey, don’t forget to include some of the darker meat along with the white meat—the richer flavor adds wonderful complexity to your soup! For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers—it melts into the broth creating an incredible umami richness that will have everyone asking for your secret! Always taste and adjust seasoning at the very end, after the soup has finished cooking—salt levels can change as liquids reduce and flavors concentrate, so that final taste test is crucial for perfection!
Recipe Variations
- Turn this into a spectacular wild rice and mushroom version by adding 1 cup of cooked wild rice and 2 cups of sliced cremini mushrooms sautéed in butter during the final 10 minutes of cooking—the earthy flavors create an incredible depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth and tender turkey!
- Create a southwest fiesta twist by adding 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 can of drained black beans, 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed for milder heat), and 2 teaspoons of cumin along with the turkey—top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for an explosion of vibrant flavors!
- Transform it into a creamy turkey noodle soup by adding 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles during the last 10 minutes of simmering—just be sure to adjust your liquid as the noodles will absorb some broth, and serve immediately since the noodles will continue to soften in the hot soup!
- Make it extra vegetable-packed by adding 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking, plus 1 cup of frozen peas—the greens wilt perfectly into the creamy broth adding beautiful color, nutrients, and fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully!
- Create a luxurious potato and leek version by substituting 2 sliced leeks for the onion and adding 2 cups of diced Yukon gold potatoes with the broth—the potatoes break down slightly thickening the soup even more while the leeks add a sweet, mild onion flavor that’s absolutely divine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely you can use raw turkey, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking process significantly! Start by cubing 1.5 pounds of raw turkey breast into 1-inch pieces and seasoning with salt and pepper. After creating your roux and adding your broth, add the raw turkey pieces and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked through—you’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer and the pieces are opaque throughout. The cooking time ensures the turkey becomes tender while absorbing all those incredible flavors from the broth. Using raw turkey gives you more control over the texture and allows the meat to release its natural juices into the soup, creating an even richer flavor profile that’s absolutely worth the extra cooking time!
How long will this creamy turkey soup last in the refrigerator?
Can I make this soup dairy-free while keeping it creamy?
You absolutely can create a spectacular dairy-free version that’s just as creamy and delicious! Instead of butter, use 1/4 cup of olive oil or avocado oil for sautéing your vegetables. For the creamy component, replace the milk and heavy cream with 3 cups of full-fat coconut milk—the rich consistency and mild flavor work perfectly without overpowering the turkey. You’ll still make the roux with flour and oil, then slowly whisk in your broth followed by the coconut milk. The result is a luxuriously creamy soup with a subtle tropical note that complements the turkey beautifully. For extra creaminess, you could also blend 1 cup of cooked white beans with 1/2 cup of broth and stir it in—this adds body and richness without any dairy!
What’s the best way to freeze this soup for later?
Freezing this creamy turkey soup is super simple and ensures you have amazing comfort food ready whenever you need it! First, cool the soup completely—this is crucial to prevent ice crystals and maintain texture. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace since liquids expand when frozen. For best results, use within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating as the soup can thicken during freezing. The vegetables and turkey maintain their texture beautifully, and the creamy broth comes back to life with just a little stirring—it’s like having fresh soup anytime!
Summary
This incredible creamy turkey soup transforms simple ingredients into spectacular comfort food magic! With its velvety broth, tender turkey, and hearty vegetables, it’s the perfect way to celebrate flavors and create lasting food memories that everyone will absolutely adore and request again and again!
