30+ Leftover Turkey Recipes

Leftover turkey provides a bounty of opportunities for future meals when repurposed. However, a few measures should be taken to ensure that this succulent meat does not dry out.

A lovely, large turkey is a spectacular way to feed a tableful of guests around the Holiday season, yet it can leave the host with quite a few leftovers — especially if your guests all flew in. And sadly, you just can’t send everyone home with a plateful of turkey on the plane.

Instead, you likely find yourself either refrigerating those delectable leftovers and using them up over the next few days, or freezing them for dishes over the next few months.

Like leftover goose, a bundle of options are available to utilize that leftover turkey in a number of recipes. Turkey can be substituted for chicken in many cases, working brilliantly in everything from pot pies and pasta bakes to soups and stews. The key is to ensure the meat stays juicy and moist while reheating.

Cooking Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey can be used in a wide variety of ways, yet as it is a leaner meat, you do have to worry about it drying out. After you’ve feasted on your turkey for that Holiday dinner, be sure to cover and chill the meat in an airtight container to hold in moisture. Leave turkey out for no longer than 2 hours before putting it away for food safety.

The best method of reheating turkey is with the help of an oven, baked low and slow to retain moisture. Bake turkey pieces topped with either stock or butter in an oven-proof dish covered with foil. Reheat at 350°F for around 30 minutes or until the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

If reheating turkey via a microwave, the best course of action is to cut your turkey into smaller pieces, drizzle with a little stock and cover with a damp paper towel before zapping. Try reheating in 15-second increments until meat is steamy or microwaving in 30-second increments with reduced power.

Cooked turkey will keep in the refrigerator for four days. To store any longer, meat should be frozen as soon as possible.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Now that you know how to reheat turkey, the next step will be choosing what to create with your leftover Holiday centerpiece. Luckily, you don’t just have to keep reheating that same dinner plate of turkey, green beans and cranberry sauce. That leftover bird can be repurposed into sandwiches, salads, casseroles and inventive new dinner dishes.

Just remember to keep an eye on the moisture content, especially when working with turkey breast. Soups, stews and gravy-filled pies are supreme ways to ensure these drier portions don’t lose any more moisture. Thighs and legs will be more forgiving as dark meat is juicier, not to mention more flavorful.

Leftover Turkey Sandwiches and Wraps

When attempting to use up all that turkey meat, wraps and sandwiches are a dependable place to start. You can transform multiple Holiday leftovers into a decadent turkey wrap with cranberry sauce, red cabbage and turkey all neatly wrapped into a tortilla. Two more Thanksgiving-themed sandwiches include a crunch wrap crammed with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and gravy, or a warm Thanksgiving panini stuffed between toasted sourdough slices.

For more bready ideas, consider retooling that leftover bird to build a BLT club sandwich with spicy jalapeno mayo, shredding it up for turkey salad sandwiches or making a Vietnamese-style sandwich known as bánh mì, assembled from turkey, cucumber and pickled slaw.

Leftover Turkey Salads

Given all the Holiday gorging, a nice salad can be a healthy break both for you and your oven. And turkey meat is one lovely protein to repurpose into nutrient-packed salads. Feature turkey breast in a cobb salad alongside soft-boiled eggs, avocado and crispy pancetta for a lively mix. For another vibrant option, mix cold turkey with spinach, pomegranate seeds and candied pecans.

The salad options don’t end there! Turkey pairs wonderfully with a variety of flavors including fruits like apples, cranberries and citrusy oranges, veggies such as tomatoes and endives, as well as an abundance of cheeses and nuts. Pair turkey with herbs like parsley, cilantro and dill, or dressings ranging from balsamic vinegar to creamy dressings embellished with orange zest and poppy seeds.

Leftover Turkey Soups and Stews

Be those turkey leftovers light meat or dark, they can make a delicious addition to hearty soups and stews. As your turkey meat has already been cooked through, you can add it towards the end of your cooking to boost flavor.

Allow turkey to take center stage of your meal with a turkey noodle soup made with either turkey or chicken broth. Add turkey meat to low-calorie minestrone or creamy turkey gnocchi for delightfully warm dishes. For heartier bowls, test out turkey with creamy rice and veggies, stew it with the flavors of the Southwest or try turkey ramen with dried shiitake and eggs.

Leftover Turkey Dinner Recipes

Looking to build an entirely new meal from your turkey? A plateful of exciting dinner opportunities await you! Implement leftover turkey meat in either tacos or enchiladas for flavorful meals and lunches. Turkey can be reformed into a crispy taco filling similar to carnitas by shredding cooked turkey and crisping up the meat in a pan with fat. Leftover turkey can also lead to scrumptious turkey enchiladas, be they oven-baked or a one-pan enchiladas skillet.

For a spicy idea, add leftover turkey to curry and serve with rice and naan bread. In search of something unusual? Turkey and other Holiday ingredients can also be reassembled to top a savory pizza. Or perhaps you may be interested in brunch for dinner? Remodel those leftovers to build turkey hash patties crafted from green veggies, stuffing and mashed potatoes and pair with steak and eggs.

Leftover Turkey Casseroles

If seeking tasty baked dishes, turn to turkey to fulfill your protein needs. Weave turkey into a tasty casserole with cheesy gravy and cornbread for a Southern-style comfort or convert those Holiday leftovers into a newly formed dish with cranberry, walnut, green beans and turkey. More multipurpose casserole dishes include blending turkey with stuffing or topping with tater tots.

Are those Holiday side dishes all gone? No worries. Bake turkey with mushrooms and penne and top with toasted breadcrumbs or go cheesy with egg noodles, peas and carrots. A tetrazzini with spinach, mozzarella and spaghetti is another quick and simple casserole, ideal for family dinners.

Leftover Turkey Pies and Tarts

Add leftover turkey to savory pies and tarts for crispy-crusted dishes that are homey and filling. Swap out chicken for leftover turkey in your next pot pie or partner turkey with the flavors of leek and bacon, potato and sausage, or ham and creamy sauces for more comfort-filled baked sensations.

For open-faced pies as delicious as they are appetizing, consider a tart with peas and parmesan, a rustic turkey tart with ripe pear and dried cranberries, or a galette built from turkey and all its Thanksgiving accompaniments. And for a quick weeknight meal or snack, be sure to sample these simple stuffed turkey dumplings baked with crescent rolls and cheese.

Using A Turkey Carcass

Now that you’ve gobbled down all that turkey meat, you’re left with the carcass. But don’t just toss it away! There are uses for this too.

In addition to making turkey carcass soup, those leftover turkey bones make superb stocks and broths. Turkey stock is an excellent choice whether it be made for immediate or future use — all you need are turkey bones, water and some chopped veggies, and in a few hours you’ll have a rich stock for future soups and other recipes.

Turkey stock will keep refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for 3 months.

Additionally, you may pressure can leftover turkey meat as well as bone broth to free up precious freezer space while extending the flavor of that prized bird.

If you are new to this canning method, be sure to read up on the basics of pressure canning. It does require a specialized canner, unlike regular water bath canning recipes. Here’s where you can find a full list of turkey canning recipes.

Leftover Recipes

Looking for more ways to use leftovers?

Leftover Goose Recipes