40 Leftover Turkey Recipes - Kitchen Girl (2024)

Table of Contents
How to store leftover turkey Tips for using leftover turkey in recipes 40 Leftover Turkey Recipes: What To Do With Leftover Turkey Turkey Salad Recipe Turkey Stock or Broth Chicken Shepherd's Pie Leftover Roast Turkey Curry – a Comforting Meal! Mexican Turkey Soup Recipe Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Tater Tot Turkey Casserole Slow Cooker Southwestern Turkey Stew Cranberry BBQ Turkey Pizza ~ Recipe Turkey Sliders Sumptuous Turkey Pie Turkey Tortilla Soup Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuits Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup Thai red curry (perfect for leftovers) Turkey Pasta Bake {delicious leftover turkey idea!} Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup Turkey Stew Leftover Turkey Stew in the Slow Cooker Crock Pot Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Leftover Turkey Quesadillas with Black Beans Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole Cajun Turkey Casserole (Low Carb + Gluten-Free) Orzo with Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potatoes #SundaySupper One-pot Leftover Turkey Orzo Pasta | Slimming Friendly - Supergolden Bakes Weight Watchers Turkey Reuben Sandwich Low-Carb Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe Turkey Thai Curry Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Nachos Leftover Turkey Skillet Pot Pie Turkey Ramen - Using Leftovers Creamy Turkey & Dumplings (With The Best Dumplings Ever) Green Chile Turkey Tetrazzini Instant Pot Turkey and Rice Soup Leftover turkey soup Baked Turkey & Cheese Sliders Leftover Turkey Casserole With Fresh Peas & Mushrooms Turkey Salad Recipe with Cranberries FAQs

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40 Leftover Turkey Recipes helps you figure out what to do with leftover roast turkey or air fried turkey after your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast is over?

40 Leftover Turkey Recipes - Kitchen Girl (1)

We're featuring 40 easy leftover turkey recipes from our food blogging friends so you can put your leftovers to work for you. The recipes include casseroles, soups, sandwiches, sides, and salads. Some are traditional and some are creative, so there's something for everyone in this post-holiday recipe collection.

Table of Contents hide

1) How to store leftover turkey

2) Tips for using leftover turkey in recipes

3) 40 Leftover Turkey Recipes: What To Do With Leftover Turkey

How to store leftover turkey

These are the most common ways we use to store leftover turkey (or cooked chicken) in the refrigerator and freezer:

  1. My favorite airtight containers
    • refrigerate up to 5 days
    • freeze up to 3 months
  2. Silicone storage bags or zip-top freezer bags
    • refrigerate up to 5 days
    • freeze up to 1 month
  3. Plastic deli rounds or containers
    • refrigerate up to 5 days
    • freeze up to 1 month
  4. Vacuum-sealed storage bags
    • freeze up to 3 months

I find that these airtight containers and vacuum-sealer methods keep my food fresh to the fullest extent. The only downside is that the glass containers are heavier than the other options and they cost more up front. But, because they tend to outlast the other options, it offsets the cost. A vacuum sealer also for itself over time with food that can be frozen.

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Tips for using leftover turkey in recipes

Don't use overcooked turkey for these turkey recipes. Once turkey is overcooked, it will never make a tasty comeback, even after smothering it with the most delicious gravy or hiding it in a casserole.

Assuming you are left with a big stash of perfectly cooked turkey, check out these tips that you'll need if you're repurposing it.

Timing is EVERYTHING: If I'm not planning to freeze cooked turkey meat for later use, I'm nothing short of OCD about getting it into a recipe ASAP.

The reason for this...cooked turkey is perishable and needs to be eaten anywhere from 3-6 days from the day it was first cooked. This means I need to get the leftover turkey into the casserole, or soup, or whatever I'm making within 2 days, preferably 1 day, and then eat that item within another 2 days.

Substitute rotisserie chicken: You can easily swap storebought rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey in every one of these leftover turkey recipes.

40 Leftover Turkey Recipes: What To Do With Leftover Turkey

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Turkey Salad Recipe

Use your leftover roast turkey to make the best turkey salad. The combination of juicy turkey, dried cranberries, walnuts, celery, and creamy dressing make an irresistible combination. Scoop it over salad greens or pile it up to make the best sandwich!

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Turkey Stock or Broth

How to make turkey stock with leftover turkey bones, vegetables, and herbs. This savory "liquid gold" can be used as turkey broth for soup, gravy, or any recipes requiring turkey stock or broth.

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Chicken Shepherd's Pie

Use your leftover turkey for this scrumptious comfort casserole. It's made with loads of veggies, juicy meat leftover from holiday dinner, and creamy mashed potato topping.

This easy Leftover Turkey Curry recipe is simple, delicious and the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. This fuss-free British curry uses no special ingredients and can be on the table in less than half an hour. Adaptable and easy to pack with vegetables for a healthy boost.

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Photo Credit:www.ketocookingwins.com

Mexican Turkey Soup Recipe

This Mexican Turkey Soup Recipe is a genius use of leftover turkey, and with big, bold, and bright flavors, you can double it and freeze some for later!

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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken broccoli rice casserole is a tasty one-pot stove-top dinner made with lean chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and no soup! It's quick, easy, a little cheesy, and great for weeknights.

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Photo Credit:thefeatherednester.com

Tater Tot Turkey Casserole

Turkey tater tot casserole is a delicious one-pan meal you can make with leftover turkey and everyone's beloved tater tots. Make this recipe and watch those turkey leftovers disappear!

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Photo Credit:www.fromachefskitchen.com

Slow Cooker Southwestern Turkey Stew

Use your leftover turkey for the most delicious turkey stew. It's slow-cooked and loaded with butternut squash, black beans, and so much Southwest flavor!

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Pizza — Thick homemade pizza crust topped with sweet homemade cranberry bbq sauce, roasted turkey, red onions, bacon, cilantro and two different cheeses! This is the perfect use for all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

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Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com

Turkey Sliders

Warm and cheesy turkey sliders made from leftover turkey meat. They’re bursting with flavor and so easy to make to feed a crowd!

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Photo Credit:www.fabfood4all.co.uk

Sumptuous Turkey Pie

This Sumptuous Turkey Pie will use up your leftover turkey, Bacon and cream. Added to those are leeks, mushrooms and puff pastry, pies don't get better than this!

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Photo Credit:www.beyondthechickencoop.com

Turkey Tortilla Soup

Turkey tortilla soup is a delicious soup made with leftover turkey, black beans and corn.

Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuits is an easy, one-pot dinner to use up rotisserie chicken or turkey leftovers. Bake up fresh whole wheat buttermilk biscuits while the creamy turkey pot pie filling simmers on the stove.

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Photo Credit:stripedspatula.com

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

This Turkey Tetrazzini with a rich Parmesan cream sauce is an easy way to turn leftover turkey into a cozy comfort food dinner.

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Photo Credit:thetoastykitchen.com

Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal

Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal is the answer for your Post-Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey, bacon, peas, and penne pasta are coated in a creamy alfredo sauce. Made in a single pan and ready in 30 minutes.

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Photo Credit:www.earthfoodandfire.com

Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

The easiest way to use up leftover turkey meat, this simple soup is hearty, healthy, and best of all delicious!

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Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com

Thai red curry (perfect for leftovers)

This delicious Thai red curry is made with a quick homemade paste from scratch for a fantastic bold flavor. Plus it’s a great way to use leftover meat.

Made in one pot using leftover turkey, this turkey pasta bake is easy, cheesy and delicious.

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Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup

ThisPesto Chicken Gnocchi Soupis made with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey, pesto, gnocchi, fresh spinach, and chicken broth. It relies on prepared ingredients and requires minimal cooking skills. Add this soup to your collection of rotisserie chicken recipes for easy weeknight dinners!

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Photo Credit:www.therusticfoodie.com

Turkey Stew

This Turkey Stew recipe is made from scratch with potatoes and vegetables. It’s hearty and a great way to use up leftover turkey. Rustic and comforting!

A simple and easy to whip up Leftover Turkey Stew that’s done in a slow cooker! It’s low carb and gluten-free.

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Photo Credit:anitalianinmykitchen.com

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

This homemade Turkey Pot Pie can even be made with leftover turkey or chicken. A creamy delicious filling topped with puff pastry. Pot Pie never tasted so good!

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Photo Credit:www.babaganosh.org

Leftover Turkey Quesadillas with Black Beans

Put that leftover turkey to good use and make these Leftover Turkey Quesadillas with Black Beans. If you've never added black beans to a quesadilla, you've GOT to try this recipe, it's so good!

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Photo Credit:cheesecurdinparadise.com

Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole is a simple way to use holiday leftovers! Creamy and rich this casserole is packed with fresh broccoli, chopped turkey, and brown rice. A new post-holiday family favorite!

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Photo Credit:www.healthy-delicious.com

Cajun Turkey Casserole (Low Carb + Gluten-Free)

Low carb turkey casserole, made with cauliflower rice, green beans, and cheddar cheese can be on the table in under 45 minutes. It’s the PERFECT way to use up your leftover holiday, but you can easily make it with rotisserie chicken any time of year.

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Basil Chicken Tetrazzini is a scrumptious, veggie loaded entree that puts your leftover chicken or turkey to good use. This entree is gluten-free and utterly delicious!

Sweet potatoes combined with savory turkey and cheese in a delicious orzo pasta dish. A wonderfully delicious way to use that leftover turkey

This creamy one-pot orzo pasta recipe is great for using up leftover Thanksgiving/ Christmas turkey. It is quick, easy, delicious AND slimming friendly too!

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Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

Weight Watchers Turkey Reuben Sandwich

This Turkey Reuben Panini is Weight Watchers friendly at only 6 WW freestyle smart points (blue plan) and can be made with leftover turkey or deli turkey meat

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Photo Credit:simplysohealthy.com

Low-Carb Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

This recipe for Leftover Turkey Casserole transforms turkey into pure comfort food!

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Photo Credit:www.simplystacie.net

Turkey Thai Curry

Turkey Thai Curry - A brilliant way to use up your Christmas leftovers! Get dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.

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Photo Credit:blessherheartyall.com

Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Nachos

Thanksgiving leftovers are so quick and easy to put together and serve while watching all those football games and during all of the family activities this Thanksgiving weekend. These turkey nachos turn your leftover turkey stash into a cheesy, crunchy, spicy, gluten-free party food that will be scooped up in seconds!

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Photo Credit:www.foodabovegold.com

Leftover Turkey Skillet Pot Pie

This slightly creamy leftover turkey pot pie recipe is made in a cast iron pan to keep things simple. Bursting with gourmet flavors and crisp vegetables, this pot pie recipe is ultimate comfort food.

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Photo Credit:www.sprinklesandsprouts.com

Turkey Ramen - Using Leftovers

If you are searching for what to do with thanksgiving leftovers then search no further, this turkey ramen is the ultimate leftover turkey soup! The turkey is poached in a delicious and easy stock, which with a few additions turns into the wonderful broth for this simple homemade ramen. You can up the chili and make it spicy and even use two minute instant noodles. A great alternative to chicken ramen and just perfect for holiday leftovers.

Turkey and dumplings is the perfect winter supper and the perfect use for leftover turkey. We tested and tested to find the best dumplings ever! 1 hour weeknight simple recipe for a warm cozy dinner.

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Photo Credit:www.goodlifeeats.com

Green Chile Turkey Tetrazzini

Green Chile Turkey Tetrazzini takes this traditional turkey leftover recipe to the next level. This turkey casserole is loaded with flavor thanks to the addition of green chiles, poblano peppers, and spicy pepper jack cheese.

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Photo Credit:www.savorynothings.com

Instant Pot Turkey and Rice Soup

This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers from a big dinner - a quick and easy soup full of healthy ingredients! It turns out wonderfully creamy and comforting.

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Photo Credit:berrymaple.com

Leftover turkey soup

Rich flavorful turkey leftover soup from carcass. With homemade shredded turkey, vegetables and noodles, this soup is healthy and will feed your whole family!

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Photo Credit:freshaprilflours.com

Baked Turkey & Cheese Sliders

Easy turkey and cheese sliders baked in a honey mustard glaze. The simplicity in this recipe is that once your glaze is together, you just layer your slider bottoms, mayo, turkey, cheese, and slider tops in a casserole dish and cover everything with the glaze. Bake and boom, dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes!

This leftover turkey casserole recipe is the perfect way to use up your holiday extras with a few fresh partners mixed in.

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Photo Credit:www.savorywithsoul.com

Turkey Salad Recipe with Cranberries

This turkey salad recipe is so flavorful, colorful, and delicious! And it makes great use of your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion.

40 Leftover Turkey Recipes - Kitchen Girl (2024)

FAQs

What to do with dry turkey leftovers? ›

In addition to gravy, you can also save dry turkey with a little chicken (or even better, turkey) stock or broth. Place your carved meat in a shallow baking dish and cover it with stock.

How many lbs of turkey breast per person? ›

How much turkey per person do I need? Our recommendation is to plan for one pound of turkey per person, or ½ pound per person for a boneless turkey breast. If you're buying a bone-in turkey breast, figure on 3/4 pound per person.

How many pounds of turkey per person with leftovers? ›

As a general rule, plan for 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. You might wonder how one person can eat that much turkey, especially when plenty of Thanksgiving sides are served. But keep in mind this is not just the weight of the meat but also considers bone and cartilage.

How many turkeys for 100? ›

Turkey size is important since it will determine how big of a helping each guest gets—not to mention how much will be left for Thanksgiving leftovers. Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1.25. You'll want to plan on about 1.25 pounds of turkey per person.

Is leftover turkey good after 7 days? ›

Before refrigerating, make sure to divide leftovers into smaller portions and put them into shallow containers so they cool quickly, which should prevent bacterial growth. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three to four days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

How many people will a 20-pound turkey feed? ›

A 20-pound turkey will feed between 12 and 14 people.

How big of a turkey for 30 guests? ›

While 1 pound per person could feel like too little, and 1 1/2 pounds for each guest might be over-doing it, 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per mouth is the perfect balance. At that rate, feeding a large party of 15 or more people requires 20+ pounds of turkey.

Is bone-in turkey breast better than boneless? ›

Properly cooked bone-in and boneless breasts can be juicy and flavorful. However, bone-in turkey breasts have a slight advantage. The bone in the breast insulates the nearby meat during cooking, causing it to heat slower and retain moisture.

How much does a 30 pound turkey feed? ›

Turkey Math: As a general rule, plan on 1 pound of turkey per person. If you like leftovers, make it 1½ to 2 pounds per person. Therefore, a 30-pound turkey can serve up to 30 people (but realistically, more like 15 to 20 if you want leftovers, and you probably do!).

How long does it take to thaw a 15lb turkey? ›

It takes 24 hours for every four to five pounds of weight for a turkey to thaw in the refrigerator (a 15-pound turkey will take three days to thaw in your refrigerator). A completely thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for one or two days before cooking.

How to decorate a sliced turkey platter? ›

The pop of color from reds and oranges against the dark brown turkey and the leafy greens is so great. Pomegranates and cranberries are favorite holiday garnishes, but you could also include roasted beets or clusters of grapes. The grapes give the feeling of a bounteous feast when mixed with other gorgeous fruits.

How many turkeys to feed 40 people? ›

The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per guest. If you're buying boneless meat, assume about 8 ounces per guest. To buy the right size turkey for your party, simply tally up the turkey-eating guests. Add a few pounds on for bones and you've got your turkey weight.

How many turkeys to cook for 60 people? ›

So if you need to feed 60 people, buy two turkeys that are around 20 pounds each. Families that prefer white meat might also want to consider just buying turkey breast (or a couple extra in addition to the bird) for your meal.

How much gravy for 60 people? ›

In general, aim for at least 1/3 cup of gravy per person, with about an extra cup for every six people.

How do you make leftover turkey juicy again? ›

Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F.
  2. Slice the turkey and spread into a baking dish. ...
  3. Cover the turkey with broth and dot with the butter. ...
  4. Reheat in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. ...
  5. Serving.

What can I do with leftover turkey grease? ›

Dispose of it the Right Way

Pour the grease into a seal-tight container and throw in the waste bin. Some homeowners pour the grease down the drain or even the toilet. This can be catastrophic if the grease solidifies in the septic tank, leading to solid globs that clog the system.

What to do with leftover turkey drippings? ›

Whenever you make a Roast Turkey, don't toss the fat and juices that are left behind in the roasting pan. We love using these turkey drippings in gravy to achieve homemade results with minimal effort and no extra dishes needed. This is truly the best turkey gravy recipe around!

How long does dried turkey last? ›

Dehydrating meat is a great way to preserve and store it for up to 30 years when done correctly. Dehydrating meat involves removing water content and achieving a kill step temperature of 165°F is essential to ensure that all harmful bacteria are eliminated.

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