Flavors Worth Savoring
When Thanksgiving ends, the thought of endless turkey leftovers can be overwhelming. But, with a bit of creativity, these leftovers can become tasty meals. Find the joy in 10 easy leftover turkey recipes that will make your meals exciting.
Looking for a comforting casserole, a savory soup, or a tasty sandwich? These recipes have you covered. Each dish shows how versatile leftover turkey can be, turning it into something new and tasty. Get ready to be inspired by these delicious flavors and creative ideas.
Enjoy a Classic Turkey Pot Pie, a Wild Rice and Turkey Soup, or Mexican Turkey Enchiladas. With prep times from 25 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes, plus overnight chilling, there’s something for everyone. Start exploring and see the endless possibilities for your leftover turkey.
Classic Turkey Pot Pie: A Comforting Family Favorite
Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious Turkey Pot Pie. This dish is a classic comfort food that everyone will love. It has a flaky crust and a creamy filling with tender turkey, veggies, and spices. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or feeding a crowd.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Crust
The crust is key to a great Turkey Pot Pie. You’ll need flour, butter, and ice water for flakiness. Make the dough gently and chill it before rolling. This ensures a light, tender crust that’s just right with the filling.
Creamy Filling Variations
You can customize the filling to your liking. Start with cooked turkey, chicken broth, and a creamy sauce. Add veggies like leftover taco meat, carrots, celery, and peas. Try different spices and herbs to find your favorite flavor.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté onions and veggies until tender, about 5-8 minutes.
- Add the cooked turkey, chicken broth, and a roux of butter and flour to create a creamy sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Roll out the pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish or individual ramekins with the bottom crust.
- Pour the turkey mixture into the crust, then top with the remaining pie crust.
- Crimp the edges to seal, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the Turkey Pot Pie to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour | 6-8 servings | 1 (9-inch) pie |
This easy turkey leftover recipes dish is a great way to enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers casseroles. A slice of this Turkey Pot Pie is a comforting and satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy Leftover Turkey Recipes
Thanksgiving might be over, but that doesn’t mean the delicious turkey has to go to waste. Turn your leftover turkey into quick and easy meals that everyone will love. From savory turkey tetrazzini to zesty turkey quesadillas, these easy turkey leftover recipes make the most of your holiday bounty.
Start your day with a hearty turkey leftovers sandwich. It’s packed with savory turkey, creamy avocado, and tangy cranberry sauce. For a comforting dinner, try a batch of turkey chili, which comes together in just 30 minutes.
With these quick and easy turkey leftover recipes, you’ll have a delicious solution for every post-holiday meal. Get creative and enjoy your Thanksgiving bounty all over again!
Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked turkey, cubed | 3 cups |
| Spaghetti, uncooked | 8 ounces |
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 ounce) can |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, spaghetti, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the frozen peas and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious leftover turkey tetrazzini!
“This recipe is a great way to use up that leftover turkey and create a comforting, family-friendly meal.”
Hearty Turkey Soups and Stews
Looking for healthy turkey leftover recipes? Nothing warms you up like a hearty turkey soup or stew. These dishes turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into nourishing meals that keep you cozy all winter.
Classic Turkey Noodle Soup
Start by simmering the turkey carcass for a rich broth. Add leftover turkey, veggies, and noodles for a classic soup. It’s comfort food at its best, using up all your turkey.
Creamy Wild Rice and Turkey Soup
Try a creamy wild rice and turkey soup for a twist. The nutty wild rice and tender turkey make a satisfying meal.
Turkey Dumpling Stew
For ultimate comfort, try turkey dumpling stew. It has fluffy dumplings in a rich turkey and veggie base. It’s a turkey leftover idea that warms you up.
| Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hearty Turkey Stew | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 10 minutes | 4 | 4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced leeks
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the stock, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add the cooked turkey, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a creamy stew, stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
This hearty turkey stew can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy turkey leftover recipes on a cold winter night.
“This turkey stew is pure comfort food. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and it’s easy to make with the leftover turkey. I’ll be making this again and again!”
Cheesy Turkey Casseroles and Bakes
Turkey casseroles and bakes are a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. They are comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. Your family will love them so much, they’ll ask for seconds.
The Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole is a standout. It has tender turkey, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s quick to make, ready in just 45 minutes.
The Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is another favorite. It starts with savory stuffing, then shredded turkey and gravy. It’s finished with golden-brown cheese on top.
These dishes are great because they use leftover turkey and pre-made ingredients. This means you can make a delicious meal with little effort. You’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday season.
Looking for something creamy and cheesy or a heartier casserole? These recipes have you covered. Explore turkey leftovers casseroles and bakes. You’ll find creative ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers.
International Inspired Turkey Dishes
Thanksgiving leftover turkey is a blank canvas for creativity. Turn your extra turkey into dishes from around the world. Try Mexican turkey enchiladas, Asian-style turkey fried rice, or Italian turkey panini. These creative turkey leftover recipes show how versatile this holiday staple can be.
Mexican Turkey Enchiladas
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 6
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the turkey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Place the turkey mixture in tortillas, roll them up, and put in a baking dish.
Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Asian-Style Turkey Fried Rice
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey
- 3 cups cooked and chilled rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and frozen vegetables until tender. Add the turkey, rice, and soy sauce. Stir-fry until heated through and flavors combined.
Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Italian Turkey Panini
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
- 8 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the bread slices with olive oil. Layer the turkey, mozzarella cheese, and cranberry sauce on four slices.
Top with the remaining bread slices. Grill the panini for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
“These international-inspired turkey dishes are the perfect way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. From savory to sweet, they offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures.”
Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers Into Delicious Meals
Thanksgiving is a time filled with great food, memories, and togetherness. But, we often have a lot of turkey leftovers after the holiday. Instead of throwing them away, why not turn them into new dishes? With a bit of creativity and these turkey leftover ideas and creative turkey leftover recipes, you can enjoy the holiday flavors longer and help the environment.
One great way to use leftover turkey is in sandwiches. [https://www.koco.com/article/how-to-use-up-every-one-of-your-thanksgiving-leftovers/63049826] Try a Simple turkey salad recipe that serves six. It’s easy to make and can be on bread, lettuce wraps, or crackers. For something more filling, make an open-face turkey sandwich or a turkey-bacon-avocado sandwich.
Soups and stews are also excellent for using up leftovers. The Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup recipe makes six servings and is creamy and comforting. You can also make a veggie-loaded turkey soup or a hearty turkey stew with leftover gravy.
Casseroles and bakes are another great option. Try Turkey-loaded shepherd’s pie for a classic dish. Or, make stuffed turkey potatoes with homemade honey-mustard dressing for something different. For a Mexican twist, make turkey enchiladas in just 10 minutes.
By repurposing your Thanksgiving leftovers, you can reduce waste and enjoy holiday flavors longer. With a little creativity and these turkey leftover ideas and creative turkey leftover recipes, you can make tasty meals for your family to enjoy.
Time-Saving Tips for Working with Leftover Turkey
Managing your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers well can make a big difference. Chef Ian Coogan shares tips to help you enjoy your leftover turkey all week long.
Start by shredding or dicing the turkey early. This makes it easy to add to many dishes, like soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and fried rice. Also, storing turkey in small containers makes planning meals easier.
Freezing leftover turkey is a smart move to avoid waste. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 days after thawing. Recipes like turkey pot pie or tetrazzini are even better when frozen, with everything ready to go.
