This homemade turkey soup recipe is a simple, healthy soup you can make in your instant pot , slow cooker , or on the stove! A yummy, easy turkey soup everyone will love!
There’s nothing worse than eating thanksgiving dinner 4x in a row to use up the leftover turkey.. that’s why this leftover turkey is a MUCH better option!
This isn’t just any leftover turkey soup… it’s the BEST leftover turkey soup. What makes it so good you might ask?
Well, we use turkey bone broth (which you can easily make in under 5 minutes of prep), loads of hearty veggies, and tons of leftover turkey for maximum flavor.
This turkey soup is cozy, easy to make, and delicious! It can also be paleo/whole30 friendly, or gluten free depending on what add-ins you use. There’s a long list of substitutions below!
If you’re looking for how to cook your turkey – this Crockpot Turkey Breast is the best! (And if you’re still planning your Thanksgiving menu – check out these Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes!)
How Long is Turkey Soup Good For? The Ultimate Guide to Storing and Enjoying Leftover Turkey Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade turkey soup, especially after the holidays when you have plenty of leftover turkey to use up. But like any cooked food, turkey soup has a limited shelf life. Knowing how long it will stay fresh and safe to eat is important.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how long turkey soup lasts and how to store it properly.
Overview on Turkey Soup Storage
When stored correctly, homemade turkey soup will last 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer term storage, you can freeze turkey soup for 4-6 months. Here are some general storage guidelines:
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Refrigeration: Store cooked turkey soup in airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It will last 3-4 days.
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Freezing Turkey soup can be frozen for 4-6 months if stored in airtight containers or freezer bags Leave 1 inch headspace
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Thawing: Thaw frozen turkey soup overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Reheating: Only reheat thawed turkey soup once. Bring to a boil before serving.
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Food Safety: Discard turkey soup if it smells, tastes or looks bad. Do not store in the cooking pot. Use separate containers.
Proper storage is vital for maintaining the safety and quality of homemade turkey soup. Follow these fridge and freezer recommendations and you’ll be able to enjoy your soup without worry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Turkey Soup
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for storing leftover turkey soup correctly:
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Allow the soup to cool – Don’t place hot soup directly into the fridge. Let it cool to room temperature first, about 1-2 hours.
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Transfer soup to shallow containers – For quick cooling, transfer to shallow containers instead of leaving in the cooking pot.
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Refrigerate promptly – Refrigerate the turkey soup within 2 hours after cooking.
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Use airtight containers – Store soup in airtight containers, bowls or ziplock bags in the fridge. This prevents moisture loss.
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Freeze for long-term storage – For longer storage, freeze turkey soup in airtight containers leaving 1 inch headspace. Frozen soup keeps for 4-6 months at 0°F.
Following proper cooling, refrigerating, freezing and reheating methods will maximize the shelf life and safety of your leftover turkey soup.
Refrigerator Storage Timeline
Here is a timeline of how long turkey soup will last when properly stored in the fridge:
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0-2 hours: Refrigerate turkey soup within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave it out longer.
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2-3 days: Turkey soup stored in the fridge in airtight containers will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
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3-4 days: Maximum fridge storage time. Consume within 4 days for best quality and safety.
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1 week: Turkey soup may start to degrade in quality and taste stale after 1 week, even when refrigerated. Freeze leftovers at this point.
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2 weeks: Do not keep turkey soup in the fridge for longer than 1 week. Toss soup stored for over 2 weeks.
For best quality, use turkey soup within 3-4 days. Discard any leftovers after 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezer Storage Timeline
Here is how long leftover homemade turkey soup will last in the freezer:
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1 month: Frozen turkey soup stays fresh and retains optimal quality for 1 month.
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3 months: The flavor, texture and quality of the soup will start declining slightly after 3 months.
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4-6 months: Maximum recommended freezer storage time. Turkey soup will still be safe to eat within this timeline.
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8-12 months: Turkey soup frozen for over 6 months is not recommended. It may lose quality but is still safe if frozen properly.
For optimal taste and texture, consume frozen turkey soup within 4-6 months. Avoid prolonged freezing times. Only store soup as long as necessary.
Storage Containers for Turkey Soup
Picking the right food storage containers is vital for proper storage and food safety. Here are some ideal options:
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Glass containers – Glass jars, bowls or storage containers are great for fridge or freezer storage. Glass retains no odors or stains.
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Plastic containers – Use BPA-free plastic containers with tight sealing lids. Avoid containers that may leach chemicals.
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Stainless steel – Stainless steel containers maintain temperature well and are durable for freezing. Ensure they have airtight lids.
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Freezer bags – Resealable freezer bags are convenient for freezing turkey soup in portions. Choose durable, thick bags.
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Canning jars – For long-term freezing, mason jars are ideal. Leave 1 inch headspace before sealing.
Avoid reactive materials like aluminum. Always use food-grade, airtight containers to maintain the safety and quality of the turkey soup.
Thawing and Reheating Guidelines
Follow these tips when thawing and reheating frozen turkey soup:
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Thawing – Thaw frozen turkey soup overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Microwave – Reheat thawed turkey soup in the microwave in short 1-minute bursts. Stir frequently.
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Stovetop – For best results, reheat small batches of soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring regularly.
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Simmer – Bring soup to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes before serving.
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Single reheat – Avoid reheating any portion of turkey soup more than once. Only reheat what you will immediately consume.
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Prevent scorching – If the soup looks too thick, add a bit of liquid when reheating to prevent scorching and sticking.
Proper thawing and reheating keeps turkey soup safe to eat and retains its flavor.
Food Safety Tips
Always adhere to food safety guidelines when storing turkey soup:
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave soup at room temperature for too long.
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Use shallow containers for quick cooling after cooking.
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Check for spoilage before reheating – discard moldy, slimy or foul-smelling soup.
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Do not store in the cooking pot. Transfer to a separate airtight container once cooled.
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Once thawed, consume within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed soup.
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Bring to a boil for 3-5 minutes when reheating to kill bacteria.
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Do not eat reheated soup left at room temperature over 2 hours.
Following proper food safety practices keeps leftover turkey soup fresh and safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about storing leftover turkey soup:
How long does turkey soup last in the fridge?
Homemade turkey soup will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers and refrigerated promptly after cooking.
Can you freeze turkey soup?
Yes, turkey soup can be frozen for 4-6 months if stored properly in airtight freezer bags or containers at 0°F. Leave 1 inch headspace before freezing.
How do you thaw frozen turkey soup?
Thaw frozen turkey soup overnight in the refrigerator. You can also use the defrost setting on the microwave if needed right away. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Can you refreeze thawed turkey soup?
It is not recommended to refreeze thawed turkey soup. Only thaw the portion you plan to eat within 3-4 days.
How many times can you reheat turkey soup?
Avoid reheating any portion of turkey soup more than once. Only reheat what you will consume immediately for food safety.
How do you store leftover turkey soup?
Allow turkey soup to cool within 2 hours after cooking. Transfer to airtight shallow containers and refrigerate. Use within 3-4 days or freeze for up to 4-6 months.
What happens if turkey soup stays out overnight?
Turkey soup left out at room temperature overnight can grow dangerous bacteria and spoil. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Discard any soup left out over 2 hours.
How can you tell if turkey soup has gone bad?
Discard turkey soup that has developed an off smell, taste or appearance. Also look for mold, sliminess or other signs of spoilage before eating.
Can turkey soup be stored in the pot it was cooked in?
No, transfer turkey soup to a separate clean airtight container for storage. The cooking pot can harbor bacteria if used for storage.
Following proper storage methods for fridge or freezer will ensure leftover turkey soup stays fresh, delicious and safe to eat for days after the holidays. With this guide, you can store and enjoy your homemade turkey soup without worry.
Why We Love Turkey Soup
We love easy soup because it’s so delicious – but it’s also great for other reasons.. here’s why we love it so much:
- Easy to make: This recipe is done in under 30 minutes. Other than chopping some veggies, it requires little to no effort!
- Loaded with veggies: We love sneaking veggies in soup (like this Healthy Broccoli Soup or Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe)
- Budget friendly: This recipe is made with basic affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry/fridge and it uses up all those leftovers. No more lame Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches or tossing turkey after a few days – this totally transforms it!
This soup is so simple to make. Especially if you’re enjoying this after a holiday.. you’re probably tired from all the cooking/hosting/traveling you did – which means you probably don’t want to spend ANY more time in the kitchen.
All you have to do is chop some veggies + the leftover turkey, sauté, and toss in to the instant pot, slow cooker or on the stove! It really doesn’t get any easier. Here’s what you’ll need to make leftover turkey soup recipe.
To make this leftover turkey soup recipe you’ll need:
- olive oil
- onion, garlic, carrots, celery
- salt and pepper
- turkey broth – it’s so much better if you can make it from scratch!
- cooked turkey
- pasta or rice
Meat: You can make this with leftover chicken instead of turkey meat if you’d like. We also have a Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe!
Can you make a creamy turkey soup? Sure! Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream once it has cooked to make this recipe a creamy soup.
Oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used in place of olive oil .
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe: Just add cooked noodles to the soup when you’re ready to serve turkey noodle soup. Or try this Turkey Noodle Soup
Keto Turkey Soup: If you are strict keto, cut the amount of carrots in half for this recipe and serve with zucchini noodles.
Spicy Turkey Soup: If you want some spice, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the soup as it’s cooking
Broth: We used homemade turkey broth in this recipe, but you can use chicken stock, veggie stock, or whatever broth you have on hand.
Add ins: Quinoa, pasta, brown rice, or noodles all work in this recipe. You can also add zucchini noodles
Wild Rice: If you like wild rice, try our Turkey Wild Rice Soup!
Zucchini Noodles: For best results, I recommend adding the zucchini noodles to the bowl instead of adding them to the slow cooker pot. This way your zucchini noodles/spinach won’t get soggy if you eat leftovers. You can also sub pasta for zucchini noodles.
Veggies: You can add peas, potatoes, or even spinach to this recipe!
Herbs: I like to add in a little chopped fresh rosemary and a bay leaf to this recipe – but you can use whatever herbs you like!
Low Sodium: If you’re watching your salt intake – omit the salt from the recipe or add it at the end to taste… Also, make sure to check your canned beans/broth. Look for low or no salt added beans/broth.
Turkey Soup Recipe FAQs
Making soup with left over turkey soup is so easy to do! Sauté your veggies in olive oil, add in cooked, chopped turkey and broth. Bring to a boil and add in cooked past or rice.
The benefits of turkey soup are that it’s a delicious, healthy dinner! Most turkey soup recipes are loaded with veggies and a great way to use up extra thanksgiving turkey. Soup also rehydrates the turkey so even if your turkey was over cooked, it will still be delicious!
You can keep a turkey carcass for 3 days at most before making soup. Make sure to pull all the meat off of it. Here’s a tutorial for how to make turkey broth.
The best way to make bland turkey soup better is to add add a bay leaf and parmesan cheese rind while cooking. Let them simmer in the pot and then remove when it’s done cooking and discard. You can also add a pinch of salt to help amp up the flavor.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
FAQ
Can I 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
Is turkey soup good after a week?
Storing: Leftover turkey soup is good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. As the soup sits in the refrigerator, the rice/pasta will absorb the broth/liquid and become thicker. Don’t worry! Just add more broth when you’re ready to eat your leftovers.
Can soup last 7 days in the fridge?
For best safety and quality, plan to eat refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days or freeze it. And avoid letting soup set at room temperature for more than TWO hours. Don’t put a large pot of hot soup directly into your refrigerator.
Can I use 4 day old turkey in soup?
As long as it looks and smells like tasty turkey. Best NOT to cover it with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps high moisture within and encourages mold growth. What you haven’t eaten after 5-6 days (if allowed to dry) you should make into soup.
How long does Turkey Soup last in the fridge?
The exact refrigerator shelf life depends on the ingredients and storage conditions. For best quality, use turkey soup within 3-4 days. Discard any leftovers after 1 week in the fridge. Here is how long you can freeze homemade turkey soup: 1 month: Frozen turkey soup stays fresh and retains optimal quality for 1 month.
How long can cooked turkey soup be left at room temperature?
How long can cooked turkey soup be safely left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; cooked turkey soup should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature. How to tell if cooked turkey soup is bad?
Can you put cooked turkey soup in the fridge?
If you put hot soup in the fridge, it can raise the temperature of the fridge, which can cause other foods to spoil. How long can cooked turkey soup last in the freezer? If stored properly, cooked turkey soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do you store cooked turkey soup?
To properly store cooked turkey soup in the fridge, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container with a lid. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in, which can cause the soup to spoil.
How long can you keep Turkey Soup thawed?
Divide into small, shallow containers instead of large pots for quick cooling. Check for signs of spoilage before reheating – discard if moldy, slimy or has an off smell. Do not store soup in the pot it was cooked in. Transfer to a separate airtight container once cooled. Once thawed, consume turkey soup within 3-4 days.
Can you eat turkey soup if left out?
No, it is not safe to eat turkey soup that has been left out for more than 2 hours as it could be contaminated with bacteria. Discard any soup that has been sitting at room temperature for too long. 7. Can I freeze individual portions of turkey soup?