After the Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with a fridge full of leftover turkey. Instead of eating the same meal for days, why not transform those leftovers into something new and exciting?
From sandwiches and salads to hearty casseroles and comforting soups, there are countless ways to enjoy your turkey the second time around.
These leftover turkey recipes help you reduce food waste while creating delicious meals your family will love. You’ll find easy options for quick lunches like turkey BLTs and creative dinner solutions such as turkey tetrazzini, shepherd’s pie, and even curry.
With these versatile recipes, your post-holiday meals can be just as memorable as the feast itself.
1. Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie is one of the best ways to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This comforting dish combines diced turkey with vegetables like peas, corn, and carrots in a creamy sauce.
The mixture is then baked inside flaky pie crusts until golden brown. You can use frozen pie crusts to make this recipe even easier.
What makes this dish special is that you can use ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s a no-fuss meal that transforms your holiday leftovers into something new and delicious.
You can customize your pot pie by adding different vegetables or herbs to match your taste preferences.
2. Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta casserole that gives your leftover turkey new life. This dish combines chunks of turkey with pasta in a creamy sauce.
The main ingredients include turkey, spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich sauce made with butter and cheese. Many recipes incorporate Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese for extra creaminess.
You can enhance the flavor with white wine and turkey broth. Sweet peas add a pop of color and texture to this baked dish.
Simply mix everything together, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s an easy way to transform yesterday’s turkey into tonight’s satisfying dinner.
3. Turkey Enchiladas
Turkey enchiladas are a delicious way to transform your leftover turkey into a completely different meal. You can easily make this Mexican-inspired dish with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Start by shredding your leftover turkey meat. Mix it with black beans, corn, and sautéed onions for extra flavor and texture.
Roll the mixture into tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with plenty of cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
You can customize your enchiladas with additional toppings like black olives, sour cream, or avocado. This family-friendly meal comes together quickly and offers a flavorful change from traditional turkey leftovers.
4. Turkey Soup
Turkey soup is a classic way to use leftover holiday turkey. After Thanksgiving or Christmas, you can transform your turkey remains into a delicious meal.
Start with turkey bones to make a rich broth. Simply simmer them with onions, carrots, and celery for about an hour.
Add leftover turkey meat, vegetables, and your choice of rice, noodles, or wild rice. Chef John’s Spicy Turkey Gumbo offers a Cajun twist, while Turkey Wild Rice Soup provides a hearty, comforting option.
For something different, try Turkey Pozole using your leftover meat. These soups can be ready quickly, especially when using pre-made broth.
5. Turkey Casserole
Turkey casserole is a simple way to transform your leftover turkey into a delicious meal. It combines diced turkey with creamy sauce and other ingredients in one dish.
You can make a basic turkey casserole in just three steps. Start by mixing your leftover turkey with stuffing, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary and thyme to your gravy or sauce. Vegetables like carrots and onions work well in these casseroles.
Some recipes include a cheddar crust on top for added texture and taste. You can also create a shepherd’s pie style casserole using your turkey leftovers.
6. Turkey Quesadillas
Turkey quesadillas are a quick and tasty way to use your leftover turkey. Simply place shredded turkey and cheese between two tortillas and cook until crispy.
You can make these in just 10 minutes, making them perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or stick with a milder cheese if you prefer.
Add chopped cranberries to your quesadilla for a sweet-savory combination that gives Thanksgiving flavors a new twist. For something different, try a buffalo-style turkey quesadilla with hot sauce and blue cheese.
Serve your quesadillas with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
7. Turkey Sandwich
The turkey sandwich is a classic way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. Start with good bread—toasted if you prefer—and spread on some mayo, salt, and pepper.
Layer on slices of your leftover turkey, then add stuffing and cranberry sauce for that perfect sweet-savory balance. For an upgrade, consider adding brie cheese, which melts beautifully against the warm turkey.
A cranberry aioli can take your sandwich to the next level. Simply mix mayo with cranberry sauce and spread it on your bread.
These sandwiches are perfect for a quick Black Friday lunch when you don’t want to do any more complicated cooking.
8. Turkey Panini
Transform your leftover turkey into a delicious grilled sandwich. A turkey panini is easy to make and combines different flavors into one tasty meal.
Start with good bread and add your leftover turkey. You can include Swiss or provolone cheese for that perfect melty texture.
For extra flavor, consider adding cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, or fig jam. Some recipes suggest mixing in chopped pecans, celery, or Granny Smith apples with mayonnaise for a tasty spread.
For a different twist, try adding avocado and bacon to upgrade your sandwich. Butter the outside of the bread and grill until golden brown and crispy.
9. Turkey Bolognese
Turkey Bolognese is a tasty way to use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This hearty pasta sauce transforms shredded turkey into a rich and flavorful meal.
To make it, start with shredded turkey (a mix of dark and white meat works best). Add diced carrots, onions, and celery as your vegetable base.
Some recipes include pancetta for extra flavor. Simmer everything with tomatoes and Italian seasonings until the sauce thickens.
Serve your Turkey Bolognese over linguine or your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting dish that doesn’t taste like leftovers at all.
10. Turkey Salad
Turkey salad is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey meat after a holiday meal. It combines tender turkey pieces with crisp ingredients for a refreshing dish.
Mix chopped turkey with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice for the creamy base. You can use mayo for richness or yogurt for extra protein.
Add crunch with diced celery and texture with chopped apples or nuts like pecans. Sweet-tart dried cranberries provide a nice flavor contrast against the savory turkey.
For freshness, include green onions and herbs such as dill. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve your turkey salad on bread, in wraps, or over greens.
11. Turkey Pizza
Turkey pizza is a creative way to use your Thanksgiving leftovers. Simply spread your favorite pizza sauce on homemade or store-bought dough.
Top with shredded leftover turkey and your choice of cheese. Some recipes even suggest using mashed potatoes as a base instead of traditional sauce.
You can add other Thanksgiving leftovers like stuffing or vegetables for extra flavor. The pizza takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
This dish transforms your holiday leftovers into a completely new meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a tasty alternative to the usual turkey sandwiches.
12. Turkey Nachos
Transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a fun and tasty dish with turkey nachos. Pile crispy tortilla chips with shredded turkey, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings.
For a simple version, layer chips on a baking sheet, add turkey pieces and shredded cheese, then bake until the cheese melts. Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and avocado after baking.
You can customize your nachos with cranberry salsa for a Thanksgiving twist. These nachos make a perfect casual lunch or dinner when you’re tired of traditional leftover meals.
They’re quick to prepare and everyone can add their own toppings, making this a crowd-pleasing option for the family.
13. Turkey Carnitas
Transform your leftover turkey into delicious carnitas for a tasty Mexican-inspired meal. This recipe works best with dark meat turkey, which stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
Place your leftover turkey meat (with bones if available) in a pot with orange, onion, and bay leaf. Add enough water to cover halfway, then cover and bring to a simmer.
The slow cooking process creates tender, flavorful meat that can be shredded and crisped up slightly for the perfect texture. You can serve your turkey carnitas in tacos, on nachos, or in burritos.
This technique gives your leftover turkey a completely new flavor profile, making it a refreshing change from traditional Thanksgiving leftovers.
14. Turkey Gumbo
Turkey gumbo is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey. It combines shredded turkey meat with a rich, flavorful broth to create a comforting dish.
To make turkey gumbo, start with a dark roux made from oil and flour. Cook until it’s the color of chocolate for authentic flavor.
Add onions, bell peppers, and celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking) and sauté until soft. Then mix in your shredded turkey meat.
Season with herbs like thyme and sage, plus salt and pepper to taste. For a milder version, skip the cayenne and hot sauce. Serve over rice for a hearty meal.
15. Turkey Wild-Rice Soup
Turkey Wild-Rice Soup is a perfect way to use your leftover turkey. This hearty soup combines tender turkey pieces with nutritious wild rice for a satisfying meal.
The soup typically includes vegetables like carrots and celery, which add color and nutrition. The broth is flavorful and comforting, especially during cold weather.
You can make this soup easily with about 8 cups of turkey stock and leftover turkey meat. Adding butter or oil helps develop flavors when sautéing the vegetables.
This soup is both healthy and delicious. It transforms your Thanksgiving leftovers into a completely new meal that your family will enjoy.
16. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Looking for a quick way to transform your leftover turkey? Try making a delicious stir-fry. This meal comes together in just 30 minutes and makes great use of any vegetables you have on hand.
Simply slice your turkey into bite-sized pieces and prepare your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots work wonderfully in this dish.
Create a simple sauce using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook your vegetables in a hot pan until tender-crisp, add the turkey to warm through, then pour in your sauce.
Serve your stir-fry over white rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
17. Turkey and Potato Gratin
Turkey and potato gratin transforms your leftover turkey into a comforting, cheesy dish. This creamy casserole combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes with chunks of turkey meat.
To make it, you’ll need potatoes, leftover turkey, heavy cream, cheese, and seasonings. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pour the cream mixture over top, and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that makes excellent use of your holiday leftovers.
This gratin pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete dinner.
18. Turkey Fried Rice
Turkey fried rice is a quick and tasty way to use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It combines diced turkey with cold cooked rice, vegetables, and Asian seasonings in one skillet.
You can make this meal in just 10-30 minutes, making it perfect for busy post-holiday days.
The recipe typically includes frozen peas, carrots, onions, and sometimes red bell peppers. Sesame oil adds authentic flavor, while scrambled eggs provide extra protein.
This dish transforms your turkey leftovers into something completely different from the original holiday meal. For best results, use cold rice that was cooked earlier or the day before.
19. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect way to use up holiday leftovers. You can transform your turkey and mashed potatoes into a delicious, comforting meal.
This hearty dish combines leftover turkey with vegetables and gravy, then tops it with creamy mashed potatoes. Some recipes even add cheese on top for extra flavor.
It’s easy to customize based on what you have left from your holiday meal. You can add leftover green beans or other vegetables to make it even more nutritious.
The result is a satisfying one-dish meal that your family will enjoy. It’s actually so good, they might not even realize they’re eating leftovers.
20. Spicy Turkey Chili
Transform your leftover turkey into a hearty, warming chili. This comforting dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days after the holiday.
Start by sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic in a large pot. Add your shredded leftover turkey along with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for that signature kick.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Some recipes include a touch of brown sugar to balance the heat.
Add beans of your choice – kidney or black beans work well. Let everything simmer until flavors meld. Serve topped with cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
21. Turkey and Cranberry Wrap
A turkey and cranberry wrap is a quick, delicious way to use leftover turkey. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and offers a perfect balance of flavors.
Start with a soft tortilla as your base. Spread cream cheese or cranberry sauce evenly across the surface.
Add your leftover turkey slices, along with some fresh spinach or lettuce for crunch. You can enhance the flavor with dried cranberries or chopped almonds.
For extra variety, consider adding stuffing for a Thanksgiving-inspired wrap or avocado and tomato for freshness. Roll it tightly and slice in half before serving.
This wrap works great for lunch boxes or a light dinner option when you’re tired of heavy holiday meals.
Storing Leftover Turkey
Proper storage of leftover turkey ensures you can enjoy it safely for days or even months after your big meal. Following the right techniques for refrigeration and freezing will maintain flavor and prevent foodborne illness.
Refrigeration Tips
After your meal, refrigerate leftover turkey within two hours of cooking. This timeline is crucial to prevent bacteria growth.
Don’t wait for the turkey to cool completely at room temperature. Remove the meat from the bones before storing. This saves space and allows for quicker cooling in the refrigerator.
Store turkey in shallow, airtight containers or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Properly stored leftover turkey will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Label containers with the date to track freshness. If you notice any sour smell or slimy texture, discard the turkey immediately.
Best Practices for Freezing
Freezing turkey extends its shelf life up to 6 months.
For best quality, freeze turkey within 1-2 days of cooking rather than waiting until it’s about to spoil. Slice or chunk the turkey before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need for future recipes.
Wrap the turkey tightly in freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or freezer-safe plastic bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label packages with contents and date. When ready to use, thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight – never at room temperature.
For best flavor and texture, use frozen turkey within 4 months, though it remains safe to eat for up to 6 months.
Benefits of Cooking with Leftovers
Using leftover turkey after a big feast offers several advantages beyond just clearing space in your refrigerator. The benefits extend to your wallet and the environment in meaningful ways.
Cost Efficiency
When you cook with leftover turkey, you essentially get a second meal for free. The turkey you’ve already purchased and prepared becomes the foundation for entirely new dishes without additional meat costs. This stretches your food budget significantly.
A single turkey can provide multiple meals for days after the initial feast. Think of it this way: the cost per serving drops with each additional meal you create from the same bird.
You’ll also save on electricity and gas by simply reheating or quickly transforming pre-cooked meat rather than starting a dish from scratch.
Many leftover turkey recipes require fewer additional ingredients than complete meals, further reducing your grocery bill. Time savings is another economic benefit. With the main protein already cooked, you can prepare meals in much less time than starting fresh.
Reducing Food Waste
Using leftovers directly combats food waste, a significant environmental concern.
According to food waste statistics, Americans throw away about 30-40% of their food supply, including holiday leftovers.
When you repurpose your turkey into new dishes, you prevent perfectly good food from ending up in landfills. This reduces methane emissions that occur when food decomposes in landfills.
Food waste also represents wasted resources. The water, energy, land, and labor that went into producing that turkey are preserved when you use every bit of it.
Creative leftover recipes can help you consume food before it spoils.
Turkey typically stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, giving you a reasonable window to transform it into soups, sandwiches, and casseroles.
Using leftovers also honors the animal that provided the meal by ensuring nothing goes to waste.
