We all know that one of the best things about Thanksgiving are the leftovers. And one of the best ways to use up every bit of turkey deliciousness is to make turkey soup.
Made from the leftover carcass, this leftover turkey soup is not only one of the easiest leftover turkey ideas, but the tastiest as well.
Let’s start with preparing your turkey leftovers. If you just want to make turkey stock we’ve got those instructions next, and after that we’ll cover our turkey soup recipe with its own approach to making the stock, followed by our favorite variations.
Making turkey soup with leftover thanksgiving turkey is a great way to use up the extra meat and get another delicious meal out of it, But how long after cooking your turkey can you safely make turkey soup? Here’s a comprehensive guide to turkey soup food safety
How Soon Can You Make Turkey Soup After Cooking?
The ideal timeframe for making leftover turkey soup is within 1-2 days after initially cooking the turkey. Here are some key points on turkey soup timing:
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Cooked turkey stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days maximum before bacteria can start growing.
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For best quality and flavor, use your leftover turkey within 1-2 days to make soup or other recipes.
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You can make the soup immediately after carving the turkey while everything is still fresh. This allows the broth time to simmer and absorb flavor.
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If freezing turkey thaw fully in the fridge before using for soup.
Following proper food safety guidelines allows you to enjoy delicious turkey soup worry-free!
Proper Storage of Leftover Turkey
To maximize the shelf life of cooked turkey for soup, follow these storage tips:
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Let turkey cool completely before refrigerating after roasting Don’t pack hot turkey directly into the fridge
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Store turkey in airtight containers or zipper bags This prevents drying out
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Use turkey broth within 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage.
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Portion turkey meat into freezer bags in amounts easy for soups and casseroles.
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When freezing, remove air and seal turkey tightly in bags, plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Keeping cooked turkey at 40°F or below in the fridge and 0°F or below in the freezer prevents spoilage and bacteria growth.
Shelf Life of Frozen Turkey for Soup
Frozen cooked turkey keeps well for 2-6 months when properly stored at 0°F. For best quality, use within 2-3 months.
Always thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Place on a plate or pan to catch drips. Small packages may thaw overnight while larger turkeys need 2-3 days.
Cook thawed turkey immediately and do not refreeze. You can also thaw in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes. Defrosting in the microwave works too.
Use safe food handling when thawing to avoid cross contamination. Wash hands, surfaces, utensils after touching raw turkey. Cook thoroughly to 165°F.
Using Turkey Bones for Soup Stock
Making your own turkey broth from the bones boosts soup flavor immensely. Follow these tips:
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Break up the cooked turkey carcass into pieces to fit your soup pot. Cover with water by a few inches.
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Simmer the bones for 8-12 hours then strain out bones and debone the broth.
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For smoother broth, strain again through a cheesecloth.
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Add cooked turkey back to broth. Use within 1-2 days or freeze.
Only use bones from properly refrigerated leftover turkey, not turkey left out too long after cooking.
Other Turkey Soup Ingredients
Here are some tasty soup additions:
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Diced carrots, celery, onion (mirepoix)
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Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, beans, spinach
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Rice, pasta, barley, quinoa
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Herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley
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Spices like poultry seasoning, black pepper, cayenne
Let your creativity guide you! Just start with a rich homemade turkey broth.
Turkey Soup Food Safety Tips
Follow these tips when making turkey soup:
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after cooking
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Use cooked turkey within 3-4 days (1-2 days best)
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Reheat fully to 165°F before eating
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Simmer soup until piping hot before serving
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Wash hands, surfaces after handling raw turkey
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Cook raw turkey thoroughly to 165°F
Proper temperatures, storage times, cooking, and hygiene prevents risk of foodborne illness.
With proper handling, storage, and ingredients, leftover turkey makes an amazing hearty soup. For best safety and quality, use turkey within 1-2 days and homemade broth simmered from the bones. Follow food safety and you’ll be rewarded with delicious turkey noodle soup!
Egg Noodles & Vegetables
Add finely diced carrot, celery, and onion and simmer until tender. (Add other greens, such as spinach or chard, if you like, or some frozen peas.) Then add the cooked turkey meat and heat to warm it through. Add cooked egg noodles and enjoy.
Sauté some garlic and escarole until tender. Add it and canned white beans to some of the stock along with some cooked turkey meat. If you like, finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Sauté chopped onion with cumin and chile powder and add that to some of the stock along with diced canned tomatoes and the turkey meat. Add some corn kernels and canned black beans. Top with diced avocado and fried tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips and finish with a squeeze of lime.
Simmer sliced ginger and whole crushed garlic cloves in some of the simmering stock for 15 minutes then fish them out. Flavor the broth to taste with miso, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Add dried ramen noodles (discarding the spice pack they came with if necessary) and cook till tender. Divide the broth and noodles among bowls and add the turkey meat, a soft-boiled egg, thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms, and sliced scallions. Season to taste with hot sauce.
Turkey soup is most commonly made with turkey from the carcass, but ground turkey can work as well. You won’t have the same texture or consistency, but browning the ground turkey in a little oil and seasoning it will help to carry flavor into your soup while providing a similar nutritional value. If you want to make turkey at a time of year when you don’t have whole turkey leftovers on hand, ground turkey is a suitable workaround.
How to Prepare the Turkey Carcass for Soup or Stock
Remove any stuffing and transfer it to a baking dish.
Discard the skin. You don’t need it for soup, and it doesn’t reheat well.
Break the carcass down into manageable pieces. If you have not already done so when carving, remove the legs and wings. Then break the rest down into 3 or 4 pieces.
Strip the carcass of any remaining meat. You’ll be surprised at how much remains even after carving. You will want at least 1 1/2 cups of diced or shredded meat to make a soup that serves four. The rest you can use for tacos or tetrazzini.
Store the carcass and meat properly. You don’t have to make soup the very next day (you deserve a break after all). Wrapped well and refrigerated, the carcass will keep for up to 4 days, as will any meat.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
FAQ
Can I make turkey soup after 4 days?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey should be eaten within three to four days, so it’s best to make your leftover turkey soup soon after the big day.
Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
… food science at the National Restaurant Association says that “seven days is the maximum time recommended for cooked foods to be stored in the refrigerator …Nov 1, 2023
How long can a turkey carcass stay in the fridge?
3-4 day leftover rule: Once Thanksgiving Day has passed, you will want to eat or freeze leftovers in 3 to 4 days (including the bones of the carcass).
How long can turkey sit after cooking?
You Have Two Hours at Eat (and Store Leftovers) Once the Turkey Is Cooked.Nov 18, 2022