9 Delicious Recipes for Leftover Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked turkey legs are a classic centerpiece for holiday feasts and summer barbecues. Their rich smoky flavor pairs perfectly with bold seasonings and sauces. However they often leave behind leftovers once the party winds down. Don’t let those remaining turkey legs languish in your fridge! With a bit of creativity, you can transform leftover smoked turkey legs into a variety of mouthwatering dishes.

I’ve compiled 9 tasty recipes to inspire you to make the most of leftover smoked turkey legs. From soups and sandwiches to casseroles and more, these recipes breathe new life into leftover turkey. With handy storage and reheating tips, you’ll have the inside scoop on safely savoring every last morsel. Read on to discover delicious ways to transform those remaining turkey legs into craveworthy meals and snacks.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Smoked Turkey Legs

Proper storage and reheating helps leftover turkey legs retain moisture flavor and food safety

• Allow cooked turkey legs to cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers within 2 hours. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.

• Thaw frozen turkey legs in the fridge before using. Defrosting overnight works well.

• Preheat legs to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Use a microwave, oven or sauce to prevent drying out.

• Discard turkey legs with an off smell or signs of spoilage. Don’t take risks with questionable poultry.

• Add extra seasoning and sauce when reheating to boost flavor.

With these handy turkey tips, you can safely store and reheat leftover legs for recipe creations that everyone will love. Now let’s dive into the recipes!

1. Smoked Turkey Chili

Chili is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey. Simmer chopped smoked turkey with veggies like onions, peppers and carrots in a tomato-based chili sauce. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic and jalapeños. Top bowls of this hearty chili with shredded cheese, sour cream or avocado. The smoky turkey adds incredible depth of flavor.

2. Smoked Turkey Tortilla Soup

Transform leftover turkey legs into a zesty tortilla soup. Shred and sauté the turkey with onion, garlic and chili powder. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn and black beans. Simmer until heated through. Ladle the soup over tortilla chips and top with avocado, cheese, cilantro and lime juice.

3. Smoked Turkey Salad Wraps

Leftover turkey legs make excellent salad sandwiches. Chop or shred the turkey meat and toss it with mayo, celery, pecans and cranberries. Spoon the salad into wraps filled with lettuce and tomato. The crispy veggies and nuts complement the rich turkey beautifully.

4. Smoked Turkey Pot Pie

For the ultimate comfort food, use leftover turkey to create a homemade pot pie. Sauté vegetables like peas, carrots and celery. Add broth, milk, the turkey meat, herbs and a slurry to thicken. Pour into a pie crust and top with more pastry. Bake until golden brown for a satisfying turkey pot pie.

5. Smoked Turkey Enchiladas

Shredded smoked turkey makes a stellar filling for cheesy enchiladas. Sauté onions, garlic, peppers and spices. Add turkey, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Stuff tortillas with the mixture and shredded cheese. Bake until hot and melted for boldly flavored turkey enchiladas.

6. BBQ Smoked Turkey Pizza

Pile leftover pulled turkey onto homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Add tangy bbq sauce, red onions, cilantro and drizzle with ranch dressing. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly. Dig into this inventive pizza packed with smoky, sweet and creamy flavors.

7. Smoked Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and veggies. Sauté onions, carrots, peas, and corn. Add turkey, chicken broth, herbs, and thicken with a roux. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese. Bake until hot and browned. This comforting casserole is total holiday leftovers bliss.

8. Smoked Turkey Tetrazzini

This classic casserole transforms spaghetti and turkey into an easy, cheesy bake. Cook spaghetti and make a creamy sauce with broth, sherry, Parmesan, turkey and seasoned veggies. Toss with spaghetti and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbling for a hearty and flavorful turkey tetrazzini.

9. Smoked Turkey Soup with Noodles

Cook egg noodles and add broth, milk, turkey meat, onion, celery, carrot and fresh herbs. Simmer until the veggies are tender. Season to taste. You can also add peas, corn or beans. Top bowls of this homemade turkey noodle soup with a sprinkle of parsley. It’s simple but so satisfying.

Get Creative with Leftover Smoked Turkey

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using up leftover smoked turkey legs and meat. Soups, salads, sandwiches, casseroles and more – you can add incredible smoked flavor to so many dishes. With a bit of imagination and these handy recipes, you can reinvent those remaining turkey legs into all sorts of delicious meals.

Next time you smoke some turkey legs or have leftover meat, try out these recipe ideas. You’ll look forward to creating tasty turkey masterpieces out of leftovers rather than dreading another bland turkey sandwich. With proper storage and reheating, you can safely savor every ounce of leftover smoked turkey in recipes the whole family will request again and again.