Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving you with a fridge full of leftover turkey. Don’t let it go to waste!
There are many tasty ways to transform those leftovers into delicious new meals your family will love.
These 36+ leftover turkey recipes will help you use up every last bit of that bird. From comforting soups and casseroles to lighter salads and sandwiches, you’ll find options to suit every craving.
With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey for days to come without getting bored.
1. Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. This hearty pasta dish combines turkey, mushrooms, and spaghetti in a creamy sauce.
To make it, cook spaghetti and set aside. Sauté mushrooms, onions, and celery in butter.
Add garlic and seasonings for extra flavor.
Mix in cubed turkey and cooked pasta. Pour everything into a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
Turkey Tetrazzini is easy to customize. You can add vegetables like peas or use different pasta shapes. It’s a comforting meal that your family will enjoy.
2. Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Turkey and stuffing casserole is a tasty way to use up holiday leftovers. You can make it easily with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Start by layering leftover turkey and stuffing in a baking dish. Mix eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Pour this mixture over the turkey and stuffing.
For extra flavor, add some chicken stock. You can also include herbs like parsley or thyme if you like. Bake the casserole until it’s heated through and golden on top.
This dish is filling and comforting. It’s perfect for a quick meal when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch. Your family will enjoy this new twist on holiday favorites.
3. Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You’ll need cooked turkey, vegetables, and pie crust.
Mix diced turkey with peas, carrots, and corn. Add celery and onions for extra flavor. Make a creamy sauce with butter, flour, broth, and milk.
Pour the filling into a pie dish and cover with pastry. Bake at 400°F until the crust is golden brown.
This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days. You can make it ahead and freeze for later too. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
4. Creamy Turkey Soup
Creamy turkey soup is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. You can make it easily with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Start by sautéing onions and celery in butter. Add flour, salt, pepper, and herbs to create a flavorful base.
Pour in broth and add chopped turkey meat. Simmer until the flavors meld.
For extra heartiness, toss in some vegetables like carrots or green beans.
Finish the soup with a splash of cream for richness. This comforting dish warms you up on chilly days and makes great use of your holiday leftovers.
5. Turkey Enchiladas
Turkey enchiladas are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make them in about 30 minutes for a quick dinner.
To start, shred your turkey and mix it with cheese, spices, and some enchilada sauce. Roll the mixture in tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
Pour more enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle on extra cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly, usually around 20 minutes at 350°F.
You can add diced onions, peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Serve your turkey enchiladas with sour cream, cilantro, or guacamole on the side.
6. Curried Turkey Salad
Curried turkey salad is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. You can make it in just a few minutes.
Mix diced turkey with mayonnaise, curry powder, and chutney for the base.
Add crunch with celery, cashews, or pecans. For sweetness, toss in raisins, dried cranberries, or diced apple. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives give a nice pop of flavor.
You can make this salad up to 3 days ahead. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Serve it on its own, in sandwiches, or on top of greens for a light meal.
7. Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich
A turkey and cranberry sandwich is a tasty way to use your leftover turkey. Start with two slices of bread – sourdough works well. Spread some butter on the outside for a crispy finish.
Add a layer of leftover turkey slices to one piece of bread. Top it with cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart flavor. You can use homemade sauce or canned.
For extra flavor, spread some cream cheese or Dijon mustard on the other slice of bread. Add some lettuce or spinach for crunch. Swiss cheese is a good choice if you want melty goodness.
Put the sandwich together and toast it in a pan until golden brown. This quick meal takes about 15 minutes to make and uses up your Thanksgiving leftovers nicely.
8. Turkey Fried Rice
Turkey fried rice is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make it in just 15 minutes with basic ingredients.
Start by sautéing onions in a large pan. Add frozen veggies and butter, cooking until the veggies thaw.
Toss in bite-sized pieces of leftover turkey. You can use white meat, dark meat, or both. Add cooked rice and stir-fry everything together.
For best results, use day-old rice. It has less moisture and won’t clump up. Season your fried rice with soy sauce to taste.
9. Turkey Noodle Stir Fry
Turkey Noodle Stir Fry is a quick and tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can have this meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Start by cooking some noodles according to the package directions. While they cook, heat oil in a wok or large skillet.
Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy. Stir fry them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Toss in your leftover turkey, some garlic, and ginger for extra flavor. Pour in a simple stir fry sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious turkey noodle stir fry.
10. Turkey Quesadillas
Turkey quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. They’re quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes.
Start by laying out a tortilla and sprinkling cheese on half of it. Add shredded turkey and any other fillings you like, such as peppers or salsa.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Flip once the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
You can customize these quesadillas to suit your tastes. Try different cheeses or add cranberry sauce for a sweet twist. Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side for dipping.
11. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Turkey shepherd’s pie is a great way to use up leftover turkey. You can make it with mashed potatoes, veggies, and gravy.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook some onions, carrots, and celery in a pan until soft. Add your leftover turkey and some gravy or broth.
Put this mixture in a baking dish. Top it with a layer of mashed potatoes. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make fresh ones.
Bake the pie for about 30 minutes until it’s hot and the top is golden brown. This dish is warm, filling, and tasty.
12. Turkey Alfredo Pizza
Turkey Alfredo Pizza is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You’ll need a prebaked pizza crust, Alfredo sauce, and chopped turkey.
Spread Alfredo sauce on the crust. Add turkey, spinach, and cheese on top. Bake until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy.
This pizza takes about 25 minutes to make. It’s quick and easy for busy nights after the holidays.
You can customize it with other toppings like mushrooms or red onions. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that your family will enjoy.
13. Turkey and Spinach Quiche
Turkey and spinach quiche is a tasty way to use your leftover turkey. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Start by cooking diced onions and spinach in a pan. Add your chopped leftover turkey and mix well.
In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Pour this mixture into a pie crust. Add the turkey and spinach mix on top.
Sprinkle cheese over everything. Swiss or cheddar work great. Bake the quiche at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when a knife comes out clean from the center. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
14. Barbecue Turkey Pizza
Transform your leftover turkey into a tasty pizza. Spread barbecue sauce on a pizza crust as the base. Add shredded turkey, red onions, and bell peppers on top.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over everything. You can also add pineapple chunks for a sweet twist. Bake the pizza until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden.
For extra flavor, try adding sliced jalapeños, black olives, or cilantro after baking. This pizza gives your turkey leftovers new life and makes a quick, delicious meal.
15. Turkey and Avocado Toast
Turkey and avocado toast is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. Start with toasted bread as your base. Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the toast.
Top with thin slices of turkey. You can add extras like bacon, tomato, or lettuce if you want. A sprinkle of salt and pepper adds flavor.
For a kick, try adding hot sauce or sriracha. You can also include cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. This quick meal works great for breakfast or lunch.
It’s an easy recipe that takes just minutes to make. You’ll get protein from the turkey and healthy fats from the avocado.
16. Turkey Empanadas
Turkey empanadas are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make them with puff pastry or pie crust. Fill the dough with chopped turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
Add some cranberry sauce for a sweet touch. Brush the edges with egg wash to seal them. Bake until golden brown.
These handheld pies are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. You can eat them hot or cold. Try dipping them in leftover gravy for extra flavor.
17. Turkey and Black Bean Chili
Turkey and black bean chili is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Start by sautéing onions and peppers in a pot. Add your chopped leftover turkey, crushed tomatoes, and black beans. Pour in some chicken broth or beer for extra depth.
Season with chili powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar. Let it simmer until the flavors blend. You can add corn for sweetness and texture.
This hearty chili is perfect for cold days. Serve it with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro. It keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen for later.
18. Turkey Pesto Panini
Turkey pesto panini is a tasty way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. You’ll need bread, pesto, turkey slices, cheese, and tomatoes.
Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice. Layer turkey, cheese, and tomatoes on one slice. Top with the other slice, pesto side down.
Butter the outside of the sandwich. Cook in a panini press or skillet until golden and crispy. The cheese should be melted.
You can add extras like avocado or cranberry sauce for more flavor. This quick meal takes about 15 minutes to make. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner after the holidays.
19. Turkey Samosas
Turkey samosas are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. These crispy pastry pockets are filled with savory turkey and spices.
You can fry them for a golden, crunchy exterior. To make turkey samosas, mix chopped turkey with onions, garlic, and Indian spices.
Fold this mixture into triangular pastry wrappers. Fry the samosas until they turn golden brown and crisp. For a healthier option, you can bake the samosas instead.
Use phyllo dough and brush with melted butter before baking. This gives a flaky texture without deep frying.
Serve your turkey samosas with cranberry chutney or mint yogurt sauce for dipping. They make great appetizers or snacks to enjoy after the holidays.
20. Buffalo Turkey Dip
Buffalo Turkey Dip is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. It combines shredded turkey with creamy ingredients and spicy buffalo sauce.
To make it, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce in a bowl. Add your leftover turkey and stir well.
You can bake the dip in the oven at 350°F. Top it with some shredded cheddar cheese before baking for extra flavor.
This dip goes great with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks. It’s perfect for game day snacking or casual get-togethers. For a smoky twist, try cooking the dip on a charcoal grill. The added smoky flavor takes this dip to the next level.
21. Turkey Cobb Salad
Turkey Cobb salad is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. It’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
To make it, start with a bed of lettuce. Add chunks of turkey, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and avocado.
Sprinkle on some cheese like cheddar. Top with chopped tomatoes and a homemade ranch dressing. You can customize it with extras like roasted butternut squash.
For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. This salad works well for lunch or a light dinner. It’s filling and nutritious while using up holiday leftovers.
22. Turkey and Dumplings
Turkey and dumplings is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make a flavorful stew with your turkey meat, vegetables, and broth.
Top it with soft, fluffy dumplings for a comforting meal. The dumplings cook right in the stew, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Add cream to make the stew rich and creamy. Season with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives for extra flavor.
You can use chicken broth if you don’t have turkey broth. Add corn or other veggies to make it heartier.
For a thicker stew, try adding a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking.
23. Turkey Risotto
Turkey risotto is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make it with white or dark meat. The dish combines turkey, rice, and veggies in a creamy sauce.
To start, sauté onions, leeks, and celery in olive oil. Add Arborio rice and cook until it’s coated in oil.
Slowly add chicken or veggie stock, stirring often. When the rice is almost done, mix in your leftover turkey pieces.
Add some fresh thyme for extra flavor. Keep stirring until the risotto is creamy and the turkey is warm.
This meal is filling and comforting. It’s perfect for cold days after the holidays. You can easily change up the recipe by adding mushrooms or other veggies you like.
24. Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
Turkey and sweet potato hash is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make this dish quickly for a satisfying meal.
Start by heating oil in a large pan. Add cubed sweet potatoes and cook until they start to crisp.
Then toss in diced turkey, onions, and bell peppers. Season the hash with garlic, salt, and pepper.
For extra flavor, try adding spices like coriander or chipotle. Cook everything together until the vegetables are soft and the turkey is heated through.
You can customize this dish based on your preferences. Try adding different veggies or spices to change it up.
For a breakfast version, top it with a fried egg.
25. Turkey, Broccoli, and Cheese Bake
This tasty casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey. You’ll need cooked turkey, broccoli, cheese, and a creamy soup base.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix chopped turkey, steamed broccoli florets, and cream of mushroom soup in a bowl.
Add some milk and mayonnaise for extra creaminess. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with shredded Swiss cheese and crushed butter crackers for a crunchy finish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
This hearty meal will feed the whole family and make good use of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
26. Turkey Caesar Wrap
A turkey Caesar wrap is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. You can make it quickly and easily. Start with a large tortilla or wrap.
Spread Caesar dressing on the wrap. Add shredded leftover turkey, crisp romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
For extra crunch, toss in some croutons. Roll up the wrap tightly. Cut it in half for easier eating.
This wrap works great for lunch or a light dinner. You can customize it too.
Try adding sliced avocado or crispy bacon bits. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of regular Caesar dressing.
27. Turkey and Veggie Omelette
A turkey and veggie omelette is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey.
Start by whisking eggs with a splash of milk and some salt and pepper. Heat butter in a pan and pour in the egg mixture.
As it sets, add diced leftover turkey and your choice of veggies. Bell peppers and green onions work well. Fold the omelette in half and cook until the eggs are set.
Slide onto a plate and enjoy your protein-packed meal. You can customize it with different veggies or cheese to suit your taste.
This quick and easy dish transforms your holiday leftovers into a delicious breakfast or light dinner option.
28. Turkey and Brie Grilled Cheese
Turkey and brie grilled cheese is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. It’s quick and easy to make.
Start by buttering one side of two bread slices. Place turkey and brie on the unbuttered side of one slice.
Add cranberry sauce for extra flavor. Top with the other bread slice, buttered side up.
Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
The result is a warm sandwich with gooey melted brie and savory turkey. It’s comfort food that takes just minutes to prepare.
29. Turkey and Cranberry Flatbread
Turkey and cranberry flatbread is a tasty way to use up holiday leftovers. It’s quick and easy to make, taking only about 10 minutes.
You’ll need flatbread, leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese. Brie works well, but you can use any cheese you have on hand.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread cranberry sauce on the flatbread, then top with chopped turkey and cheese.
Bake until the cheese melts and the edges are crispy. For extra flavor, try adding toasted pecans or shredded Brussels sprouts.
This versatile dish works great as a light lunch or party appetizer.
30. Turkey Ramen Bowl
Turkey ramen bowls are a tasty way to use leftover turkey. You can make a quick broth using the turkey carcass, veggies, and spices.
Add sliced turkey meat, noodles, and your favorite toppings to the broth. Popular choices include soft-boiled eggs, mushrooms, and greens like spinach.
This dish brings new life to dry white meat turkey. The warm broth helps moisten the meat. Ramen noodles soak up the savory flavors.
You can customize your bowl with different veggies and seasonings. It’s an easy meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
31. Turkey and Mushroom Stroganoff
Turkey and mushroom stroganoff is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. You’ll need cooked turkey, mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
Start by sautéing mushrooms and onions in butter. Add minced garlic for extra flavor. Stir in flour to thicken the sauce.
Pour in turkey gravy or stock. Add chopped turkey and let it simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Finish with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Serve your stroganoff over egg noodles or rice.
It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly.
32. Turkey Burrito Bowls
Turkey burrito bowls are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Add your chopped turkey on top.
Mix in black beans and corn for extra flavor and texture. Throw in some diced bell peppers and onions for crunch.
Sprinkle on chili powder and cumin to give it a Mexican flair. Top with fresh pico de gallo, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
For a creamy twist, try mixing in some leftover mashed potatoes. This hearty meal comes together quickly and lets you enjoy your turkey in a whole new way.
33. Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Turkey lettuce wraps are a light and tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make them in just minutes with no cooking needed.
Start by shredding your turkey. Mix it with mayo, mustard, and any seasonings you like. Chop up some veggies for crunch.
Wash and dry large lettuce leaves. Romaine or butter lettuce work well. Put a scoop of the turkey mix in each leaf.
Top with extras like cheese, tomatoes, or cranberry sauce if you want. Roll up the lettuce around the filling.
These wraps are great for a quick lunch or snack. They’re low-carb and refreshing after heavy holiday meals.
34. Turkey Fried Noodles
Turkey fried noodles are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. You can make this dish in about 20 minutes. It’s quick and easy for busy weeknights.
Start by cooking some egg noodles. While they cook, stir-fry chopped turkey with veggies like carrots, peas, and onions.
Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Mix the cooked noodles with the turkey and veggies.
Pour in some soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve your turkey fried noodles hot. You can top them with green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
35. Turkey and Black Bean Tacos
Turkey and black bean tacos are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. Start by heating oil in a skillet and sautéing chopped onions until soft.
Add your shredded turkey and black beans to the pan. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water to coat everything evenly.
Warm up some taco shells and fill them with the turkey-bean mixture. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and any other taco fixings you like.
These tacos come together quickly and make for an easy weeknight meal. They’re also great for using up other leftovers like cranberry sauce as a zesty topping.
36. Spicy Turkey Breakfast Skillet
Start your day with a zesty kick using leftover turkey in this spicy breakfast skillet. Heat up a cast iron pan and toss in diced turkey, potatoes, and bell peppers.
Add a splash of hot sauce or buffalo sauce for heat. Sprinkle in some chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika to boost the flavors.
Crack a few eggs directly into the skillet and let them cook until the whites set. Top with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream to balance out the spice.
This hearty skillet meal will wake up your taste buds and use up turkey leftovers in a delicious new way. It’s quick to make and perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
Health Benefits of Turkey
Turkey is a nutritious meat option that can be part of a healthy diet. It offers several key benefits for your body and overall wellness.
Rich in Protein
Turkey is packed with high-quality protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 25 grams of protein. This helps build and repair your muscles, bones, and other tissues.
Protein also keeps you feeling full longer. This can help with weight management. Your body uses more energy to digest protein compared to fats or carbs.
Turkey contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. These are the building blocks of protein that you must get from food.
Low in Fat
Turkey breast is very lean, especially when you remove the skin.
A 3-ounce portion has only about 1-2 grams of fat.
The low fat content makes turkey a good choice if you’re watching your weight or heart health.
It’s lower in calories than many other meats.
Turkey is rich in healthy unsaturated fats, mainly found in the dark meat.
These fats are good for your heart when eaten in place of saturated fats.
Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Turkey provides many important nutrients your body needs.
It’s a good source of B vitamins, especially niacin and B6. These help your body turn food into energy.
You’ll also get minerals like:
- Selenium: Supports your immune system
- Zinc: Helps with wound healing
- Phosphorus: Important for strong bones
- Iron: Needed to make red blood cells
Turkey also contains some vitamin E and potassium.
Dark meat has more vitamins and minerals than white meat.
Tips for Storing Leftover Turkey
Storing leftover turkey properly keeps it safe to eat and tasty.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your turkey leftovers.
Proper Refrigeration Techniques
Put leftover turkey in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. This stops bacteria from growing.
Cut the turkey into small pieces and put it in shallow containers. This helps it cool faster.
Cover the containers tightly with plastic wrap or lids.
Keep your fridge at 40°F or below. Put a thermometer in your fridge to check.
Don’t keep turkey in the fridge for more than 3-4 days. After that, it’s best to freeze it or throw it out.
When reheating, make sure the turkey reaches 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check.
Freezing Turkey Safely
Freezing turkey makes it last longer.
Wrap turkey tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap. Then put it in freezer bags. Push out as much air as you can before sealing.
Label the bags with the date. Frozen turkey stays good for up to 4 months.
Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. This keeps it safe to eat.
You can also thaw turkey in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook thawed turkey right away.
Use frozen turkey within 1-2 days after thawing in the fridge.
Culinary Uses of Leftover Turkey
Leftover turkey offers many tasty options for meals after Thanksgiving.
You can turn it into hearty soups, sandwiches, and casseroles.
Innovative Recipe Ideas
Try making turkey potpie with sweet potatoes and collard greens. The mix of flavors creates a comforting meal.
You can also use turkey in quesadillas or on pizza for a quick lunch.
Turkey patties are another creative choice. Mix shredded turkey with mashed potatoes and stuffing. Form into patties and fry until crispy. They’re great for breakfast or dinner.
For a lighter option, use turkey in savory crepes. Fill thin pancakes with turkey, cheese, and veggies. Roll up and bake until warm and crispy.
Enhancing Flavors
To boost taste, add fresh herbs to your leftover turkey dishes. Rosemary, thyme, and sage work well.
You can also use spices like cumin or paprika for a new flavor profile.
Sauces can transform leftover turkey. Try making a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy BBQ sauce.
These add moisture and flavor to the meat.
Don’t forget about broths and gravies. They can turn plain turkey into a rich soup or stew.
You can make your own turkey stock from the bones for extra flavor.