Let the feast live on with these 11 leftover turkey recipes! Leftovers are one of my favorite parts of the holidays since it means easy meals for days or weeks to come (YAY!!). So, if you’re wondering what to do with leftover turkey, look no further.
Leftover turkey is a golden opportunity to create irresistible meals. From hearty sandwiches (a Hot Turkey Sandwich is my absolutely favorite way to use leftovers) and creamy soups to savory casseroles, this tender and juicy meat turns every meal into a delicious time-saving delight. Or want to try something different and fun? These leftover Thanksgiving nachos are so good! So, here we go, from roast to refresh…
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It’s Time for Turkey Soup!
It’s time to stir up a meal, and turkey soup is the first go-to for leftover turkey. Don’t toss the carcass; it is a flavor powerhouse that will turn your soups into flavorful and cozy sips of comfort. Or use the leftover meat for any one of these soup variations. Serve with some dinner rolls or a thick slice of garlic bread to soak up every last drop!
Tasty Turkey Casseroles
Sometimes, all you want is a cozy, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. That craving hits hard, and there’s nothing better than a belly-warming dish that’s easy to make and will make good use of all that turkey.
The Final Turkey Twist – Sandwiches & Salads
The turkey feast is over, but the flavor isn’t going anywhere. Leftover turkey turns simple lunches into flavor-packed favorites, think salads, sandwiches, and all your go-to easy meals!
The great thing about roasting turkey or turkey breasts is that it’s cooked once and then you have easy prep for days (or weeks to come)! I use every bit of the turkey from the neck and backbone to the carcass.
Regardless of how you intend to use it, store leftover turkey meat and bones in airtight containers or zippered bags. This will help keep it fresh as long as possible.
In the fridge, the leftover turkey should last for up to 5 days.
In the freezer, it should last for up to 4 months if frozen. Perfect when you intend to use it later!
Wish these recipes had been around years ago when my family were still young. Now 86 and only me to cook for,still enjoy reading them.
So happy to hear you enjoy our recipes, Jean!
I use your recipes all the time, and would like to save my favorites. And will continue to do so. Thanks so much.❤️
So glad you enjoy our recipes, Nancy!
Holly, I wanted to tell you how thankful I am for you and all of your wonderful recipes. My family has loved every recipe of yours I have made for them. I just recently got back into cooking and I prefer to make everything from scratch. Your recipes have never disappointed them or me! They rave about how good it is and how they can taste the love…LOL. Keep up the good work and thank you so much! Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Liz!
Am I overlooking it? A while back I pinned the leftover Turkey Dinner Stacks and for the life of me, I can no longer find it. I mean, I can figure it out but just curious where to find it.
Hi Sue, we heat some gravy and add the sliced turkey into it until heated through. We toast the bread, spread mayonnaise on it, and top with the turkey gravy mixture and enjoy!
I don’t see the recipe either. Looked like mashed potatoes, then stuffing, then turkey, then gravy and mushrooms.
Great list! Missing turkey mac & cheese. :) This year we smoked the turkey and made a great smoked turkey jalapeno mac & cheese! Also a fantastic pot pie that went from the freezer to the oven. Dishes that freeze well really help stretch the leftovers.
All of those sound delicious, Andrew! Thanks for sharing.
Just want to learn. New recipes for my family
These are our favorite turkey recipes but you can find more recipes in our recipe index. Happy Cooking!