Before you slip into a food coma, push your chair back from the table and pack away the leftovers. Theres no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving extras than with tasty leftover turkey recipes.
I have to admit: The second-best part about hosting Thanksgiving is planning what to do with the leftovers. (The best part is choosing a good roast turkey recipe.) Whether you’ve cooked the bird whole or made a deconstructed turkey, plan ahead to have plenty of meat left to eat in the following days.
Each of the leftover turkey recipes in this collection calls for cooked turkey. This sandwich is a no-brainer snack or meal, but we also have plenty of soups, casseroles and other fun surprises. You can even incorporate leftover Thanksgiving sides into the next day’s dishes. The turkey carcass gets some love, too—repurpose the bones to enrich broth or make a homemade turkey stock.
Pack this hearty, cheesy, saucy casserole with extra mushrooms by using both cream of mushroom soup and jarred sliced mushrooms. Use sauteed fresh mushrooms if you can’t find ones in the jar.
“This recipe comes from a cookbook our church compiled. It’s convenient because it can be made ahead and frozen. After the holidays, we use leftover turkey to prepare this dish for university students. They clean their plates!” —Recipe contributor Gladys Waldrop, Calvert City, Kentucky
This turkey soup has all the makings of a crustless potpie. The richness of the soup is offset with plenty of vegetables: celery, carrots and frozen peas.
“My mother always prepared a holiday turkey much larger than our family could ever eat in one meal so there’d be plenty of leftovers. That’s one tradition I’ve kept up. This hearty soup uses a lot of turkey and is great after watching football games and raking leaves.” —Recipe contributor Kathleen Harris, Galesburg, Illinois
We like wild rice for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you’re making a wild rice stuffing to go with your Thanksgiving turkey, cook some extra rice to get a head start on this soup for the Friday after Thanksgiving.
“A dear friend brought me some of this soup when I was ill—and it instantly hit the spot. I asked her for the recipe and I’ve made it several times since, especially when I have leftover turkey to use up. Now I like to take it to friends when they’re not feeling well. It’s filling, and it really warms you up on a wintry day!” —Recipe contributor Doris Cox, New Freedom, Pennsylvania
You can have a fuss-free Thanksgiving-inspired dinner anytime, even on a weeknight. Top with some french-fried onions and serve with a side of cranberry sauce.
“This meal-in-one tastes like a big holiday dinner without the work. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey, but I often use thick slices of deli turkey to prepare the dish any time.” —Recipe contributor Lynne Hahn, Temecula, California
We love to use muffin tins to create savory individual portions for snacks, dinner or parties. These sweet and savory muffins with turkey and cranberry sauce are ready in 30 minutes.
“I love experimenting in the kitchen. That’s how I created these muffins that use up leftovers from a turkey dinner. Team them with a bowl of soup and some fresh fruit for a satisfying meal.” —Recipe contributor Margaret Berardi, Bridgeport, Connecticut
You can relax after spending a day or two lovingly preparing a holiday meal. The day after, throw together our easy turkey version of shepherd’s pie with your leftovers. It’s ready to bake in just 10 minutes.
“We live out in the country and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I have become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes.” —Recipe contributor Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine
Don’t throw out your leftover turkey carcass! Repurpose those bones by enriching store-bought chicken broth for this Thanksgiving-flavored soup. If you haven’t already used the giblets and neck for a giblet gravy, throw them in with the bones for additional, mineral-rich flavor and to thicken the broth.
“I like making this soup around the holidays after a big turkey dinner. It’s especially good on cold winter nights when it’s snowing—which happens a lot where I live!” —Recipe contributor Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
It’s hard to resist the fluffy Southern dumplings that float atop our hearty turkey stew. For the lightest, airiest dumplings, let the batter rest a couple of minutes before dropping them into the stew—and don’t lift the lid while they simmer.
“My husband and I love dumplings, and this mild-tasting, homey dish has flavorful ones floating on a tasty turkey and vegetable stew. It really hits the spot on chilly fall and winter days.” —Recipe contributor Rita Taylor, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Pop open some cans of crescent roll dough to make this savory turkey pie. You would never guess this impressive-looking pie can be made with leftovers and a couple of convenience items.
“With its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish is as appealing as it is tasty. It’s easy to make too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough.” —Recipe contributor Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Our turkey tetrazzini is extra cheesy, with cheddar mixed into the mushroom sauce and a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. You can swap in any other gooey melty cheeses if you need to use leftovers from a holiday cheese board.
“This recipe turns our leftover turkey into a whole new meal! We look forward to having it after Christmas and Thanksgiving and other times when I roast a turkey for a family gathering.” —Recipe contributor Susan Payne, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
No need to wash multiple pots after making this super-easy baked mac and cheese. Canned cream of chicken soup and uncooked pasta makes this dish a breeze to throw together.
“A co-worker gave me this recipe when we were discussing quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey. The mild, cheesy casserole is a hit with my family. And it doesn’t get much easier than this—you don’t even have to cook the macaroni first!” —Recipe contributor Cherry Williams, St. Albert, Alberta
This recipe is proof that chili doesn’t need to be tomato-based: It uses white meat, beans and a base of creamy chicken soup. Serve a bowl of this turkey chili with a side of cornbread and a simple salad.
“Cut the fat and calories while savoring all the comfort, heartiness and flavor you love. This recipe makes it easy!” —Recipe contributor Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
Dress up homemade cranberry sauce with jalapenos and pears to make this fresh cranberry salsa. Keep the jalapeno seeds in for extra heat, or leave them out for a milder version.
“These quesadillas stuffed with turkey and cheese get amped up when you add sweet-tart cranberry salsa. You might want to make extra; the salsa goes great with chicken or pork, too!” —Recipe contributor Jodi Kristensen, Macomb, Michigan
The base of this deeply-flavored soup is broth made with the turkey carcass and other bones picked clean. Note that the broth needs an overnight chill before the fat is skimmed.
“Make the most of leftover turkey with a delicious homemade soup. Roasting the turkey bones, garlic and vegetables adds a rich flavor without added fat.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rub the cut side of a fresh clove of garlic on the prebaked crust to impart a mild garlic flavor. Use Martha Stewart’s hack of rubbing your fingers on stainless steel under running water to get rid of the garlicky smell.
“A longtime family favorite, this thin-crust pizza is both tasty and nutritious. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, too.” —Recipe contributor Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Take all the regular components of a bean-laden chili and then throw in pumpkin puree and brown sugar for some unexpected sweetness. We call for canned pumpkin to make it easy, but feel free to use homemade pumpkin puree instead.
“I created this dish to grab the voters’ attention at a chili contest we held in our backyard. With pumpkin, brown sugar and cooked turkey, it’s like an entire Thanksgiving dinner in one bowl.” —Recipe contributor Brad Bailey, Cary, North Carolina
This is a true one-pot meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings and potlucks. Keep the creamy, cheesy turkey filling warm in the slow cooker and let everyone serve themselves.
“These sandwiches have been such a hit at office potlucks that I keep copies of the recipe in my desk to hand out.” —Recipe contributor Diane Twait Nelsen, Ringsted, Iowa
You’ll want to leave some extra meat on your turkey carcass for this soup. We like great northern beans for their delicate, nutty flavor, but cannellini beans are a good substitution.
“On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a steaming bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup.” —Recipe contributor Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
This is our classic tetrazzini recipe—no shortcuts here! We use fresh mushrooms, make a creamy, cheesy mornay sauce from scratch and top off the hearty casserole with buttery bread crumbs.
“This classic casserole is so easy to make and works well with either leftover turkey or fresh turkey cutlets. You can also substitute flavored bread crumbs for the plain ones and jarred, roasted red pepper for the fresh variety.” —Recipe contributor Shannon Weddle, Berryville, Virginia
The secret to this casserole’s five-star rating: cream cheese and sour cream in the mashed potatoes for richness, creaminess and a little tang. You can make the mashed potatoes from scratch as the recipe calls for, or thin leftover mashed potatoes with a bit of milk.
“This hearty, rich-tasting dish is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving turkey, and you can substitute 5-1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes for the 6 potatoes.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
You can cook bacon on the stovetop, in the oven or in the microwave for this recipe! Regardless of your preferred method, make sure the bacon is crispy enough to crumble. And save that leftover bacon grease for other uses.
“This variation of a BLT salad goes great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.” —Recipe contributor Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
We keep the seasoning in the filling simple with fresh parsley. Feel free to fancy it up with other fresh herbs like sage, thyme, chives and tarragon. This recipe makes two pies, so bake off one today and throw the other in the freezer for later.
“Ever since my sister-in-law shared this recipe with me, I haven’t made any other kind of potpie. The crust is very easy to work with.” —Recipe contributor Laureen Naylor, Factoryville, Pennsylvania
Corn tortillas are traditionally used to make enchiladas, but we’re using flour tortillas here because they’re softer, more flexible and less likely to tear when assembling.
“My family likes these enchiladas so much, they request a turkey dinner several times a year just so I’ll make these with the leftovers. I usually double the recipe.” —Recipe contributor Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington
Add some crunch and extra umami to your layered casserole with nacho-flavored tortilla chips. Look for sturdy chips, not the ultra-thin ones. You can also swap them out with other flavored tortilla chips or corn chips.
“I make this as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their vegetables. This creamy entree will fill you up fast.” —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York
This flavorful soup is chock-full of vegetables, herbs and spices. We call for rice-shaped orzo but any small pasta shape will work. Or leave the pasta out completely for a low-carb meal.
“The blend of flavors and colors in this hearty soup will bring everyone at the table back for more.” —Recipe contributor Charlotte Welch, Utica, New York
Pop open a bag of store-bought tortilla strips for an easy topper for this soup. You can also make your own crunchy tortilla strips by frying corn tortillas or using an air fryer.
“This is now my family’s most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or Andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste.” —Recipe contributor Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
A golden crust made with refrigerated biscuits tops this comforting, creamy mixture. You can get a head start by baking the biscuits separately while you prep the rest of the dish.
“My mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small size biscuits because the larger ones don’t seem to brown up as nicely on the top.” —Recipe contributor Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
If you’re a fan of savory hand pies like pasties and empanadas, then you’ll love wrapping this classic bistro sandwich filling in pizza dough.
“Turkey, cheddar, bacon and apple harmonize in a sandwich that’s perfect for a harvest meal.” —Recipe contributor DonnaMarie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Salsa provides all the flavor in this festive soup. Whether you like your salsa mild or spicy, chunky or smooth, you can’t lose when you choose one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite store-bought salsa brands or make salsa from scratch.
“I’m always amazed that I can pull together such a delicious soup in less than half an hour!” —Recipe contributor Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
In only 20 minutes of prep time, you can throw together an easy casserole with all the flavors of a Thanksgiving meal. Serve this hearty dish with a nice big salad.
“Turkey, stuffing and veggie leftovers come together into a fabulous casserole. There’s comfort in every bite.” —Recipe contributor Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Packaged corn tortillas can be dry and brittle. Soften them up by briefly frying in a little oil until they’re pliable. The oil creates a barrier that allows the tortillas to soak up some of the sauce but not so much that they disintegrate.
“Planning a fiesta night? These authentic-tasting enchiladas in spicy green sauce will please the whole family. You’ll be thankful for turkey leftovers!” —Recipe contributor Karyn Power, Arlington, Texas
Chicken bouillon granules are a great cost- and space-saving pantry staple. We recommend using a sodium-free version to control your salt intake. Bouillon granules can be used interchangeably with broth, bouillon cubes or concentrated broth paste (although you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sodium-free option in the latter). To yield one cup of broth, dissolve one bouillon cube or one teaspoon of granules in one cup of boiling water. Note in this recipe that the granules go straight into the pot with cold water.
“A batch of this soup brings the nostalgic flavors and heartwarming feel of the holidays at any time of year.” —Recipe contributor Radine Kellogg, Fairview, Illinois
Green enchilada sauce can have a base of either fresh green chiles or tomatillos. Both will work in this soup. If you’re concerned that the tomatillo-based sauce will result in a soup that’s too tart, use the green chile version and swirl in some salsa verde to taste.
“Pumpkin adds a unique richness to this warm soup. You certainly can include Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s a good recipe any time you have extra turkey.” —Recipe contributor Denise Pounds, Hutchinson, Kansas
Make these crepes for a post-holiday brunch. You can prep both the crepes and filling ahead of time. Just bring the crepes to room temperature and warm up the filling before assembling.
“This savory crepe recipe has been passed down through many generations in my family. You can also use the turkey filling to make a potpie.” —Recipe contributor Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
These delicious patties can be a little finicky if your mashed potatoes and stuffing are on the wet side, so make a test patty first. If it falls apart while cooking, add a little flour to the mixture to absorb the excess moisture. It can also be helpful to chill the mixture in the fridge before frying.
“Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year.” —Recipe contributor Kellie Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona
This potpie is easier than it looks. The turkey filling and mashed potato topping can be prepped while the stuffing crust bakes. If you find the crust is getting too dark, protect it with a pie crust shield.
“Here’s a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy.” —Recipe contributor Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois
Tying whole spices in a bundle of cheesecloth makes it easier to fish out when the soup is done. You can also substitute with ground spices, tasting and adjusting the amount of spices as you go.
“Although hearty with lots of nutritious vegetables and turkey, this soup is also light and luscious.” —Recipe contributor Denise LaRoche, Hudson, New Hampshire
Cook these croquettes in an air fryer for a snack that’s crispy yet light. Serve them with leftover gravy, cranberry sauce, a chunky applesauce or an herbed sour cream dip.
“I grew up with a family that looked forward to leftovers, especially the day after Thanksgiving. But we didn’t just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like this one. Serve three per plate along with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal.” —Recipe contributor Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
If you’re pressed for time, swap out the active dry yeast with instant yeast. You can skip the proofing step and add the yeast straight into the flour mixture. The smaller grain size of the yeast allows it to dissolve in the moisture of the dough. Another plus is that instant yeast can be frozen for several years, so you can avoid rushing out to the store at the last minute if you realize your active dry yeast has expired.
“Grab that leftover turkey and roll it up with some sausage, cheese and vegetables to make a savory roll. Eat it for dinner, breakfast or just as a snack. To add an over-the-top touch, drizzle with turkey gravy.” —Recipe contributor Kellie Braddell, West Point, California
What’s the difference between chowder and soup? Soups are either brothy or pureed and some can be served cold. Chowders are thick, rich and creamy, full of chunky stuff and served hot. (The outliers are New England clam chowder, which should be thin and milky, and Manhattan clam chowder…don’t even get me started on that one.)
“This recipe uses Thanksgiving leftovers to create a rich and creamy turkey chowder. My grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder, which gave it a nice richness.” —Recipe contributor Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
The holidays have come and gone, and now you’re left with piles of leftover turkey meat. Turkey breast is versatile, lean, and delicious, but it can get boring if you eat it over and over. Don’t let it go to waste – get creative with your leftover turkey breast! Here are 13 amazing ways to use it up.
1. Turkey Salad
This classic is simple and satisfying. Chop or shred the turkey breast and mix it with mayo, mustard, diced celery, chopped apple, cranberries, pecans, green onions, salt, and pepper. Serve it as a sandwich on bread or lettuce wraps, scoop it on crackers, or eat it with a fork. The combinations are endless.
2. Turkey Chili
Add bite-size pieces of turkey breast to your favorite chili recipe. The turkey will add lean protein and soak up the delicious flavors in the chili. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.
3. Turkey Tetrazzini
This delicious casserole is made by sauteing mushrooms and turkey in butter, then mixing them with al dente spaghetti, cheese, and a creamy sauce Top with breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese and bake until bubbly and crispy on top It’s comfort food at its finest.
4. Turkey Stir Fry
Slice the turkey into thin strips and stir fry it with your favorite veggies like broccoli, peppers, snap peas, bean sprouts, carrots, etc. Toss everything in a savory stir fry sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles. Quick and easy!
5. Turkey Enchiladas
Shred the turkey and mix it with green chili salsa, cheese, beans, etc. Stuff the mix into tortillas, roll them up, and bake with red or green enchilada sauce and more melted cheese on top. Customize them however you’d like.
6. Turkey Noodle Soup
Dice the turkey and simmer it in chicken broth with carrots, celery, onions, herbs, and egg noodles or rice. The turkey adds extra protein and flavor. A perfect way to use up small pieces.
7. Turkey Quesadillas
Sauté turkey with taco seasoning and cheese to make an easy, flavorful quesadilla filling. Stuff it into tortillas with peppers and onions if desired. Cook the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
8. Turkey Club Sandwich
Layer sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo between two pieces of toasted bread. A classic sandwich made even better with leftover turkey! Add avocado or cheese if you’d like.
9. Turkey Pot Pie
Make a creamy sauce and stir in turkey, veggies, and herbs. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and top with another crust or biscuits. Bake until the crust is golden. Cozy comfort food at its finest!
10. Turkey Casserole
Mix cubed turkey breast with cheese, cream of chicken soup, veggies, and spices like garlic. Top with cheese or crunchy things like bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Bake until bubbly and serve with mashed potatoes.
11. Turkey Tetrazzini
Cook spaghetti noodles and make a cheese sauce. Combine with shredded turkey, mushrooms, peas, and seasonings. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until hot and crispy on top. A family favorite!
12. Turkey Soup
Simmer turkey pieces in chicken or turkey broth with veggies like carrots, onions, celery, greens, beans, pasta, rice or potatoes. Season it however you’d like. Add noodles or grains if desired. Simple and nourishing.
13. Turkey Sliders
Form ground turkey into mini patties and cook them in a skillet until no longer pink. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, etc. Slip them onto mini buns for an easy bite-sized meal.
As you can see, leftover turkey breast is extremely versatile. With a little creativity, you can transform it into so many delicious dishes. No more boring plain old turkey sandwiches day after day. Put those leftovers to work! Which recipe will you try first?
Leftover Turkey Recipes FAQ
You can rejuvenate your dry turkey scraps by gently reheating them in a bit of broth or stock. Or, throw the leftover meat directly into soups and saucy casseroles and potpies to allow the meat to soak up the surrounding liquid.
3 AWESOME RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY
FAQ
How to use up leftover turkey breast?
- Turkey curry. Turkey is delicately flavoured with coconut and ginger in this family curry dish.
- Turkey ramen. …
- Turkey soup. …
- Butter turkey curry. …
- Turkey and ham pie. …
- Leftover Christmas toastie. …
- Leftover turkey ramen noodles. …
- Leftover turkey sandwich.
What is a popular dish made from leftover turkey?
Turkey pho, turkey pot pie, turkey empanadas, turkey tamales (or do the skillet kind with turkey mix on the bottom and cornmeal on top), turkey red curry sweet potato soup, seriously google Thanksgiving leftovers and you’ll find a zillion.
What to do with dry leftover turkey?
If the turkey is dry, sitting in the moist gravy will help to rehydrate it. Serving more sauce on the side also helps to add moisture. Finally, if you’ve made a large turkey and have a lot left over, use it in recipes such as Turkey Pot Pie or a soup such as Turkey Wild Rice.
How long is leftover turkey breast good for?
Cooked turkey breast will last in the refrigerator for 3 days. If you have brined your turkey, it will last longer, about 4-5 days, as the salt helps to inhibit bacteria growth. Cooked Turkey properly stored in a freezer will last up to 6 months.
What can I do with leftover turkey breast?
Since the best part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers anyway, there are plenty of things you can do with extra turkey or turkey breast. Leftover sandwiches are always a winner, but you can also make a turkey pot pie, which can even be frozen if you’re sick of holiday food after the big day.
What to eat with leftover Turkey?
Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie is an easy weeknight dinner using leftovers, such as turkey and mashed potatoes, as well as onion, herbs, vegetables, and Guinness for flavor. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Add this to your list of dinner ideas! Smoked Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Burgers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.
What to do with leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Italian Turkey Soup is hearty and delicious and can be made with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Cook pasta according to directions. Be sure and cook it al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a frying pan add olive oil, onion, celery, green pepper, jalapeno and saute until tender.