If there’s one thing that defines the holiday season, it’s the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones and indulging in a mouthwatering turkey feast. But what about the days that follow, when your fridge is overflowing with turkey leftovers? Don’t let those precious morsels of holiday goodness go to waste! In this post, we’ve got you covered with 10 delectable turkey leftover recipes that will keep the festive spirit alive. From sandwiches to soups and more, let’s dive into the world of scrumptious post-Thanksgiving creations.
Turkey and Cranberry Panini
Turn your turkey leftovers into a gourmet panini. Layer slices of turkey, cranberry sauce, and your favorite cheese between two slices of crusty bread. Grill until golden brown, and you’ve got a delightful sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of crusty bread
- Sliced turkey leftovers
- Cranberry sauce
- Cheese of your choice
Instructions:
- Lay out two slices of bread and spread cranberry sauce on one side of each slice.
- Place slices of turkey on top of one slice.
- Add your favorite cheese on top of the turkey.
- Place the other slice of bread, cranberry side down, on top.
- Grill the panini in a pan or sandwich press until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and enjoy!
Turkey Pot Pie
Warm, comforting, and a family favorite, turkey pot pie is a fantastic way to utilize your leftovers. Combine turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, top it with a flaky crust, and bake until golden.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey leftovers, chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth and milk. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the turkey and mixed vegetables to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the filling into a pie dish.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it over the filling, crimping the edges.
- Cut a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Create a soothing broth with turkey, noodles, and vegetables. This homemade soup is perfect for cozy, post-holiday evenings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey leftovers, shredded
- 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of oil until they begin to soften.
- Add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the turkey or chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, add the turkey, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the egg noodles and cook until they’re tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Layer stuffing, turkey, and gravy in a casserole dish and bake until everything is heated through. It’s like having a mini-Thanksgiving feast all over again.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey
- Leftover stuffing
- Gravy
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, layer leftover stuffing as the base.
- Add chunks of leftover turkey on top of the stuffing.
- Pour warmed gravy over the turkey and stuffing layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
Turkey Cranberry Salad
Mix your turkey with cranberries, nuts, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing salad that’s a perfect contrast to the holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey leftovers, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- Lettuce leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
- Add the turkey, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Turkey Quesadillas
Spice up your turkey leftovers with a dash of Tex-Mex. Make turkey quesadillas with cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, shredded
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions:
- Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
- Add turkey and salsa on top of the cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press it down with a spatula.
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
- Slice and serve with sour cream.
Turkey Leftover Curry
Give your turkey a global twist with a flavorful curry. Simmer it with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and vegetables for a hearty dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey leftovers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, peas, carrots)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, sauté the onions
- , garlic, and curry powder in a bit of oil until fragrant. 2. Stir in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the chopped turkey and mixed vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the curry with salt and pepper.
- Serve the turkey curry over cooked rice.
Turkey Leftover and Cranberry Grilled Cheese
Turn your leftovers into hand pies filled with turkey, cranberry sauce, and a touch of cream cheese. These empanadas are perfect for snacking or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey
- Cranberry sauce
- Sliced bread
- Butter
- Sliced cheese (e.g., cheddar or brie)
Instructions:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the non-buttered side of one slice, layer slices of cheese, turkey, cranberry sauce, and more cheese.
- Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and enjoy your turkey and cranberry grilled cheese.
Turkey Leftover and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey leftovers, chopped
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- In a wok or large skillet, stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger in a bit of oil until fragrant.
- Add the chopped turkey and vegetables. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Serve the turkey stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Turkey leftover and Mashed Potato Croquettes
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, shredded
- Leftover mashed potatoes
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey with a portion of mashed potatoes.
- Shape the mixture into croquettes.
- Dip each croquette into beaten egg and then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the croquettes until they’re golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Conclusion:
The holiday season doesn’t have to end after the main feast. With these 10 turkey leftover recipes, you can savor the flavors of Thanksgiving for days to come. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and transform those turkey remnants into culinary delights that your family will love. Don’t let your holiday leftovers go to waste – make the most of them and enjoy every bite!