What to Do With Leftover Turkey: Delicious Recipes and Ideas

Leftover turkey brings many possibilities to the kitchen table. Whether you’re looking for a few creative ideas, simple recipes, comforting soups and stews, or just something totally different, you’ll find it in this list of delicious recipes and ideas.

Creative Ideas for Leftover Turkey

When all the Thanksgiving festivities are done, you’re left with plenty of leftover turkey. Rather than simply reheating it the next day, why not try one of these creative ideas: Make a turkey pot pie, use it as a sandwich filling, create an exotic dish, or mix it into a casserole. You’ll be able to enjoy flavorful, hearty dishes that make the most out of your Thanksgiving leftovers.

If you're looking for something a bit more unique, you can also try making a turkey curry, turkey tacos, or a turkey soup. You can also use the turkey to make a delicious quiche or frittata. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using up your leftover turkey!

Simple Recipes to Transform Leftover Turkey

If you’re looking for something light and easy, these simple recipes will help you turn leftover turkey into delicious meals. Try a classic turkey topped with an herbed butter sauce, add cooked and diced turkey to homemade tacos, or make a quick turkey and cheese frittata. The possibilities are endless.

You can also use leftover turkey to make a flavorful soup. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot, then add diced turkey, vegetables, and broth. Simmer for about 20 minutes, and season with herbs and spices. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Flavorful Soups and Stews with Leftover Turkey

Turkey soup and stew are both cozy and hearty dishes to enjoy while the weather turns colder. They can be made with canned vegetables or vegetables fresh from your garden. Try adding turkey to traditional favorites like chicken noodle soup, chowder, gumbo, chili, and vegetable soups. You can also create your own unique recipes with creative combinations of vegetables, herbs, and spices.

For a unique twist, try adding some of your favorite spices to the soup or stew. A pinch of cumin, a dash of paprika, or a sprinkle of garlic powder can all add a delicious flavor to your dish. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, squash, or mushrooms. Adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste can also give your soup or stew a rich, savory flavor.

Try a Traditional Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is a traditional dish that’s perfect for chilly weather or as a comforting dinner idea. You can customize it to your liking by adding vegetables, herbs and spices, and pre-made pie crusts. Whether you make your pot pies in individual ramekins or large baking dishes, you’ll be sure to enjoy this cozy meal.

For a twist on the classic turkey pot pie, try adding a layer of mashed potatoes on top of the pie crust. This will give the dish a creamy texture and a delicious flavor. You can also top the pie with cheese or herbs for an extra layer of flavor. No matter how you customize it, turkey pot pie is sure to be a hit with your family.

Create a Delicious Sandwich Filling with Leftover Turkey

Whether you’re making a perfect turkey sandwich on crunchy bread or toping your favorite wrap with succulent slices of turkey, you can easily create delicious fillings with your leftover turkey. Try mixing cooked and diced turkey with herbs and mayonnaise or mustard to make an easy sandwich spread. You can also add pickles, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes for a tasty meal your friends and family will love.

For a more creative sandwich filling, try adding some diced apples or cranberries to the mix. The sweetness of the fruit will balance out the savory flavors of the turkey and herbs. You can also add some crunchy nuts or seeds for an extra layer of texture. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your sandwich.

Transform Leftover Turkey into a Savory Pie

If you’d rather make something sweet with your turkey leftovers, try making a savory pie. You can use an individual pie dish or a large baking tray. Fill your pastry with turkey combined with a selection of vegetables, herbs and cheese. Top with a pastry lid for a delicious main meal or serve as an indulgent side dish.

For a truly indulgent savory pie, try adding a creamy sauce to the filling. You can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour and milk, or use a store-bought sauce such as a cheese sauce or mushroom sauce. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your pie.

Quick and Easy Dishes with Leftover Turkey

If you don’t have much time on your hands but still want to make something tasty with your scraps of leftover turkey, these dishes are the perfect options. Use cooked turkey slices in a quesadilla, stir-fry it with vegetables in teriyaki sauce, stuff mushrooms with diced turkey, spinach and cheese, or wrap it up in pizza dough with mozzarella cheese.

You can also make a delicious turkey pot pie with a flaky crust, or a turkey and wild rice casserole. For a lighter option, try a turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make a turkey shepherd’s pie with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Make Use of Your Leftovers and Create a Casserole

Casserole dishes are great for combining leftover ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. Diced turkey works well in shepherd’s pie, macaroni and cheese, risotto or simply stir-fried in oil with a selection of vegetables. Be sure to use plenty of herbs and spices to get the most flavor out of your ingredients.

You can also use leftover vegetables to create a delicious casserole. Try combining cooked potatoes, carrots, and onions with a creamy sauce and topping with cheese. Or, mix cooked rice with cooked vegetables, canned beans, and a flavorful sauce for a hearty meal. You can also add cooked meats or tofu to the mix for added protein.

Transform Leftover Turkey into a Hearty Soup

Turkey soup is always a crowd pleaser! Whether you opt for a traditional thick vegetable soup or give it a spicy kick with chilli powder and cumin, this hearty soup is the perfect way to use up all of your Thanksgiving leftovers. Start by sautéing vegetables before adding chicken broth and chunks of turkey. Cook until the vegetables are tender before adding diced potatoes, if desired.

For a creamy soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. If you want to add a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the soup. Simmer for a few minutes until the soup has thickened. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

Try Something Different: Turn Leftovers into an Exotic Dish

Surprise your family by transforming leftover turkey into an exotic dish. Combine it with cream cheese, herbs and spices to make flavorful quesadillas or wraps filled with the flavors of India. You can also try adding diced turkey to curries, stir-fries and even tacos for an interesting twist on traditional favorites.

Deliciously Creative Ideas for What to Do With Your Leftovers

From simple recipes to creative ideas, there is so much you can do with leftover turkey. Whether you turn it into a savory pie or craft it into an imaginative dish full of exotic flavors, you’ll find an abundance of delicious recipes that showcase your Thanksgiving leftovers in the best way possible.