10+ Leftover Turkey Recipes to Transform Your Holiday Feasts

Leftover turkey can be a wonderful starting point for creating delicious meals that reduce waste and save time.

You can transform your holiday turkey into a variety of tasty dishes that your family will love.

From soups and casseroles to sandwiches and salads, there are endless ways to enjoy those leftovers.

Using leftover turkey not only adds flavor but also brings a sense of comfort to your meals.

By exploring these recipes, you can make the most out of your turkey, ensuring that nothing goes to waste while treating your taste buds to something delightful.

1) Turkey Carnitas

Turkey carnitas are a delicious way to use leftover turkey. You can make this dish with shredded turkey, spices, and some tasty sauces.

It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on a bed of rice.

To start, gather your leftover turkey and mix it with spices like cumin and paprika.

You can also add garlic powder for extra flavor.

Cook the mixture in a pan with some oil over medium heat until it gets crispy. This should take around 10-15 minutes.

Turkey carnitas are great for sharing. Load them into tortillas and top with your favorite ingredients like salsa, avocado, or cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds leftover cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 ½ cups turkey or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred the leftover turkey.
2. Mix the turkey with spices in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the turkey mixture and cook until crispy, about 10-15 minutes.

2) Classic Turkey Soup

Classic turkey soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for using up leftover turkey. You can make it quickly or let it simmer to develop rich flavors.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add turkey, broth, and your favorite seasonings. Let it cook until the vegetables are tender and the soup is warm.

For a heartier version, you can include noodles or rice. This makes the soup even more filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup noodles or rice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the shredded turkey and broth.
4. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add noodles or rice if desired and cook until tender.

3) Turkey Casserole

Turkey casserole is a great way to use up your leftover turkey. It combines turkey with other ingredients to create a warm, comforting dish.

You can mix cooked turkey with noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. The casserole is then topped with cheese or crunchy onions for extra flavor.

You can bake it at 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly and golden. This dish is not only easy to make but also delicious.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cooked turkey, cubed or shredded
• 4 cups pre-made bread stuffing
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (low sodium)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, soup, and milk.
3. Mix well and pour into a baking dish.
4. Top with cheese if using.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

4) Turkey Salad Sandwich

A turkey salad sandwich is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. You’ll enjoy it with a mix of flavors and textures.

Start by chopping your leftover turkey. Then, mix it with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, diced celery, and a touch of mustard. Adding cranberries can give a sweet twist. You might also include salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Spread the turkey salad on your favorite bread. You can use whole grain, white, or even a wrap. Top it with lettuce or tomato for extra crunch.

This sandwich is perfect for lunch or a quick snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked turkey (chopped)
• 1/2 cup celery (diced)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cranberries (optional)
• Bread or wraps

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the leftover turkey into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine turkey, celery, yogurt, and mustard.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and cranberries if desired.
4. Spread the mixture onto your choice of bread or wrap.
5. Add lettuce or tomato, then serve.

5) Savory Turkey Pot Pie

A savory turkey pot pie is a comforting dish that makes great use of leftover turkey. The creamy filling includes turkey, vegetables, and herbs, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.

You can make it easily in your kitchen.

Start by cooking onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft. Then, add your leftover turkey and some broth for flavor.

Top it all with a pie crust, then bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll get a warm, golden-brown pie that’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in turkey, chicken broth, and thyme.
5. Add frozen peas.
6. Transfer the filling to a pie dish.
7. Cover with a pie crust and seal edges.
8. Cut slits in the crust for steam to escape.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden.

6) Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas

Using leftover turkey is a great way to make delicious cheesy enchiladas. These meals are comforting and full of flavor, perfect for a quick dinner.

To make your enchiladas, start with shredded turkey. Combine it with enchilada sauce and your favorite cheese. You can customize your dish by adding vegetables like black beans or corn.

Roll the mixture in tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) until everything is hot and bubbly.

This recipe is simple and allows for fun variations based on your taste. It’s an easy way to enjoy your leftover turkey!

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
• 8 flour tortillas
• Optional: black beans, corn, or other veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix shredded turkey, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
3. Fill each tortilla with the mixture and roll it up.
4. Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7) Moist Turkey Quesadillas

Using leftover turkey for quesadillas is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal. These quesadillas are flavorful and filling.

To keep them moist, add cheese and a bit of salsa. You can even include vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra crunch.

Heat a pan over medium heat.

Place the turkey and cheese between two tortillas, then cook until golden brown. Flip carefully to avoid spills.

Serve with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat!

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 4 tortillas
• ½ cup salsa
• Optional: bell peppers, onions, or other veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
3. Layer shredded turkey and cheese on top.
4. Add salsa and any veggies if desired.
5. Top with another tortilla.
6. Cook until the bottom is golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Flip and cook until the other side is golden.
8. Remove from heat, slice, and serve warm.

8) Zesty Turkey Bolognese

Zesty Turkey Bolognese is a great way to use leftover turkey. It’s tasty, rich, and perfect over pasta or zucchini noodles. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and a mix of chopped vegetables to build flavor. Add shredded turkey and let it cook through. Then mix in crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a splash of red wine for a zesty kick.

Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting meal that uses up what you have left from Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add carrots and celery; cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in shredded turkey and cook until heated through.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, and Italian seasoning.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles. Enjoy!

9) Spicy Turkey Gumbo

Spicy turkey gumbo is a great way to use up leftover turkey. This dish is full of flavor and offers a comforting, warm meal for any day.

To make this gumbo, you’ll need a rich broth. Combining turkey broth with sausage adds extra depth. The key is the roux, which can be made easily in the oven.

You can add bell peppers, onions, and spices to enhance the taste. Serving it over rice makes it a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs leftover turkey, shredded
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ cups canola oil
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pot, mix canola oil and flour. Bake for about 45 minutes to make a roux, stirring occasionally.
3. Add onions and bell peppers; cook until soft.
4. Stir in broth, turkey, and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve gumbo over rice. Enjoy your meal!

10) Turkey and Vegetable Gratin

Turkey and vegetable gratin is a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. This dish layers turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy layer.

Start by mixing cooked turkey with your favorite vegetables.

You can use leftover veggies or fresh ones. A creamy cheese sauce makes it extra delicious.

Top it off with breadcrumbs or cheese, then bake in the oven.

You’ll want to set your oven to 350°F (175°C). The gratin will be ready when it’s bubbly and golden on top.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine turkey and vegetables in a mixing bowl.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour mixture into a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, then cover with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.