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Turn leftover turkey recipes into delicious dishes! Here’s over 30+ Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey recipes that are anything but boring. From super sandwiches to cozy casseroles, that turkey is going far!
Table of Contents
With this delicious list of Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes, you’ll never have to worry about using up that holiday bird! Turkey is such a versatile bird, it takes on so many flavors and seasonings. Adding juicy turkey meat to sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and pasta not only uses up leftovers, it can also elevate a recipe to the next level! Read on for 31 Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey recipes that’ll knock your festive socks off! If you made my Thanksgiving turkey or dry brined turkey breast and you’re loaded with lots of turkey meat, make sure you bookmark this collection of easy leftover turkey recipes.
Why you should cook more Leftover Turkey recipes
- Helps you reduce food waste. Repurposing your leftover Thanksgiving turkey minimizes food waste and is a cost-effective way to create additional meals without needing more groceries.
- Saves you time. Because turkey naturally pairs well with other traditional seasonal foods like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes – you can really maximize that initial investment in time and whip up any of these Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes in no time.
- It allows you to get creative. Experimenting with leftover turkey allows you to flex your creativity and think outside the box, trying new flavor combinations and cooking techniques.
- Make family-friendly meals. These simple leftover turkey recipes are very kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There’s something for everyone – from quesadillas to pasta bakes to hearty soups. You can be sure you’ll find something that your whole family can enjoy!
Tips for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey
- Be sure to carve the remaining turkey before storing it. You may not have room in the fridge for a whole turkey, especially with the other leftovers. So carve the turkey before you store it. It’s also easier to carve at room temperature than after refrigerating.
- Sprinkle on fresh herbs to liven up your bird. Sprinkle the tops of casseroles, pasta, and soups with turkey friendly herbs like sage, basil, or fresh parsley.
- Don’t keep leftover turkey meat longer than 4 days in the fridge. You can always freeze leftovers, just in case you get turkey overload!
- Keep things festive with holiday garnishes. Tis the season for cranberry, walnuts, and all those classic winter garnishes. Top your turkey salads with walnuts, toasted pecans, roasted pumpkin seeds, and use up that cranberry sauce in turkey sandwiches.
- Don’t forget the sides. Whatever sides, sauces, and toppings you use for your Thanksgiving, use them for the leftovers too! But if you’re running low, you can quickly roast butternut squash halves, roasted acorn squash, or Instant Pot spaghetti squash.
BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPES
Enjoy the seasonal flavors of Thanksgiving dinner long after the guests leave by transforming leftovers into flavorful meals. From the simplicity of small bites that are great as appetizers, brunch idea, or even a light meal to simple leftover turkey recipes to satisfy you during that lunch hour. Fall in love with turkey all over again with these easy leftover turkey recipes that feature a collection of hearty soups, casseroles, and leftover turkey recipes for dinner that the whole family will love.
TURKEY LEFTOVER IDEAS FOR SMALL BITES
- Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls – All your favorite Thanksgiving flavors stuffed in a crispy, golden brown egg roll and paired with a tangy cranberry relish for dipping sauce. Perfection in every bite.
- Turkey Bites – A savory blend of turkey, asiago cheese, hot sauce, garlic chili sauce, and a touch of refreshing dill make the perfect little appetizers. These turkey bites are not only flavorful and satisfying but also a creative and easy way to repurpose leftover turkey.
- Turkey Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites – Perfect for an easy brunch or appetizer before the big meal. The filling made with turkey, cranberries, celery, and green onions can be made ahead of time, making this appetizer a sure winner!
- Leftover Turkey Cranberry Melts – Give your holiday turkey a makeover with these tasty bite-size melts. Toasty bread slices are topped with cranberry sauce, shredded turkey meat, havarti cheese, and some peppery arugula for an addictingly delicious appetizer!
- Leftover Turkey Taquitos – Serve these either as a hearty appetizer or a light lunch, but either way – they’ll become one of your favorite easy leftover turkey recipes. Tender turkey is tossed with cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, and wrapped in corn tortillas before they’re fried until perfectly golden brown.
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla – Similar to bean and cheese quesadillas but these tasty bites feature all the Thanksgiving flavors wrapped in a golden crispy tortilla shell. Made with turkey, cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, and fresh sage and cooked on the skillet until cheese is melty and oh-so-delicious!
SIMPLE LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPES FOR LUNCH
- Turkey Salad Sandwich – Leftover turkey meat is mixed with Greek yogurt, cranberries, diced celery, and onions and scooped into your favorite rolls. Soft dinner rolls or skillet yeast rolls work great but your favorite store-bought version will work great.
- Turkey Panini – One of my favorite turkey leftover ideas is making a tasty sandwich using classic Thanksgiving flavors like tender turkey meat, cranberry sauce, and a little bit of gravy tucked between sandwich bread and pressed in a panini maker.
- Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas – These hand pies are filled with a mouthwatering blend of vegetables and leftover turkey meat and are baked to golden brown perfection. Use store-bought empanada dough for ease and convenience or homemade pie crust if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Healthy Leftover Turkey Wrap – You’ll love this simple-to-prepare and delicious wrap recipe. With tender chunks of turkey, cranberry sauce, and roasted butternut squash tucked in a flour tortilla for an incredibly mouthwatering turkey lunch.
- Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders – When it comes to simple leftover turkey recipes, nothing is easier than repurposing leftovers in buttery rolls and baking them to mouthwatering perfection. These sliders have all your favorites nestled in Hawaiian rolls and served warm for that oh-so-good cheese pull.
- Turkey Cobb Salad – This is a tasty seasonal spin on the traditional cobb salad, featuring roasted turkey, butternut squash, dried cranberries, hard-boiled eggs, goat cheese, and tossed in a refreshing apple cider vinaigrette.
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel – Looking for the ultimate brunch meal that gives leftover turkey new life? This healthy leftover turkey recipe is it. Spread creamy cranberry sauce on an everything bagel and fill it with Thanksgiving leftovers and fried eggs. The savory and sweet combo is irresistibly delicious!
EASY LEFTOVER TURKEY SOUP RECIPES
- Turkey Rice Soup – This is the homemade turkey soup you’ve been looking for. With tender chunks of leftover turkey and fresh veggies in every bite, it’s healthy, hearty, and delicious! It’ll quickly become one of your favorite Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes.
- Easy Turkey Pho – Light and so flavorful, this soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. The broth is flavored with fish sauce, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger for a flavorful kick. Loaded with tender shreds of turkey, rice noodles, and fresh herbs, this easy turkey soup brings a comforting Vietnamese twist to your post-holiday meals.
- Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Soup – This soup is hearty, satisfying, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious! It’s the perfect soup to “set it and forget it” while you spend time with your family. It’s also one of the best turkey leftover ideas because you can make it in advance and freeze for a rainy day later.
- Healthy Leftover Turkey and Black Bean Soup – When I think about healthy leftover turkey recipes, this southwestern soup comes to mind. It’s packed with fresh flavor from veggies, lime juice, and cilantro and bursting with aromatic herbs. Top with your favorite fixings and you have a delicious soup the whole family will love.
- Turkey Chili – Is there anything better than a warm bowl of chili on a cold day? Pair it with vegan cornbread, and you have a match made in heaven. This chili is loaded with flavor from sauteed onions, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and seasonings. The addition of hearty shreds of leftover turkey takes it over the top.
- Turkey Noodle Soup – This easy-to-make soup tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Ideal for those looking for healthy leftover turkey recipes for dinner that doesn’t take a long time to make. This comfort food is easy, satisfying, and oh-so-good!
- Turkey Pot Pie Soup – Have all the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie but in soup form and using leftover turkey instead. It’s just as good and so hearty with chunks of potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and turkey in every bite!
HEARTY CASSEROLES WITH LEFTOVER TURKEY
- Cheesy Leftover Turkey Casserole – Creamy, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious. This cheesy casserole dish features leftover turkey smothered in gravy (use homemade gravy to take it over the top!), cornbread, peas, and carrots and is oven-baked to golden perfection.
- Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – When it comes to leftover turkey recipes for dinner, few dishes are more comforting than a hearty meat pie. If you’re a fan of Shepherd’s pie, you will love this version. It has the warm flavors of creamy and saucy vegetable-meat mixture topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole – Transform your leftover turkey into this delicious and hearty casserole. Full of amazing flavors that pair perfectly with tender chunks of turkey, a rich, creamy sauce, butternut squash, and cheesy deliciousness.
- Turkey Enchiladas – Loaded with vibrant flavors, these enchiladas are absolutely delicious and the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. If you’re looking for healthy leftover turkey recipes, this option offers a satisfying and healthy version with Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Turkey Spaghetti Bake – Enjoy the comfort of spaghetti in this easy bake made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and loads of cheesy goodness. This delicious crowd-pleaser meal will stand out among all the leftover turkey recipes – healthy and satisfying in every bite.
LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPES FOR DINNER
- Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta – This stovetop pasta dinner tops them all when it comes to simple leftover turkey recipes. Toss in your favorite pasta with a creamy garlic mushroom sauce for a delightful and comforting meal. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this is a family favorite!
- Leftover Turkey Tacos – Add this one to your list of easy leftover turkey recipes! Give your Thanksgiving turkey meat new life by crisping it up in a skillet with taco seasoning and stuffing it in flour tortillas. Top with your favorite fixings like guacamole, salsa, and chipotle corn salsa and you have an easy meal.
- Skillet Turkey Pasta – You will fall in love with this quick and effortless dinner. A simple pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and texture from mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, and of course, that Thanksgiving turkey.
- 15-Minute Leftover Turkey Alfredo – If you love the classic flavors of alfredo, you will love this easy leftover turkey recipe. You can use your favorite brand of alfredo or make vegan cauliflower sauce or one that is boosted with protein such as in this cottage cheese alfredo pasta.
- Turkey Pesto Pasta – If creamy alfredo is not your thing, how about zesty, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing pesto? This easy dish will quickly become one of your favorite Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes. Use homemade pesto to take it over the top and watch your family devour it.
- Leftover Turkey Creamy Mushroom Sauce – The mushroom gravy gives turkey meat new life and makes it juicy again. This dish will be a treat for your taste buds and a quick and easy solution for those looking for easy leftover turkey recipes. Great over mashed potatoes or brown rice.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPES
- Mind the recipe storage instructions. Most recipes will have suggestions for how to store the dish properly and for how long. It’s important that you follow those recommendations.
- Store different components separately. Keep the turkey meat separate from other components such as leafy greens, stuffing, or gravy to help preserve the individual textures and flavors.
- Avoid refreezing. Once you’ve thawed and reheated frozen turkey, it’s best not to refreeze it again as that will affect the texture and taste of the leftovers. If possible, freeze in smaller portions to avoid the need to thaw the whole dish.
- Portion control. Divide the larger quantities of leftovers into smaller, meal-sized portions before storing. This will help to cool the dish faster and allows you to reheat only what you need. It also makes meal prep easy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long can I keep leftover turkey in the refrigerator?
It’s best to consume leftover turkey within 3-4 days to ensure food safety and avoid the risk of bacterial overgrowth. If you don’t think you’ll finish turkey within that time frame, I recommend you transfer it to air-tight container that is freezer safe, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I reheat leftover turkey more than once?
No, I recommend you avoid reheating any leftovers, including turkey meat, multiple times to minimize the risk of contamination. Reheat only the amount needed for each serving.
Can I thaw frozen leftover turkey on the countertop?
It’s safer to thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave for quicker thawing. But thawing food at room temperature, especially if it includes meat, may lead to bacterial growth.
I hope this collection of tasty turkey leftover ideas inspires you to make the most of this seasonal bird. From turkey sandwiches to the comforting warmth of dinner casseroles, these recipes not only reduce food waste but also offer delicious creativity to your post-holiday meals.
FULL LIST OF RECIPES
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Eggs Rolls with Cranberry Dipping Sauce are perfect for using up the leftovers you love so much!
Turkey Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
Turkey Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites are a super tasty appetizer using leftover turkey, cranberries and swiss cheese baked on puffed pastry.
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Melts
Use your leftover holiday turkey to make these easy and cheesy turkey melts. They are great for lunch or dinner.
Leftover Turkey Taquitos | Tasty Way to Use Leftover Turkey!
You’ll love these easy taquitos made with leftover turkey. No turkey on hand? Just about any shredded cooked meat will work – chicken, pork, or lamb!
Thanksgiving Quesadilla (Turkey Quesadilla) Recipe – The Cookie Rookie®
This Thanksgiving, use your leftovers to make a Thanksgiving Quesadilla! Skip the sandwich and use this turkey quesadilla recipe instead!
Lunch, Salad, Sandwich
Turkey Salad Sandwich
Delicious leftover turkey salad recipe without mayo! Greek yogurt, cranberries, turkey breast, and some fresh veggies make this turkey salad irresistible.
10 minutes
Sandwiches
Turkey Panini
If you have lots of leftover food from Thanksgiving, try this easy turkey panini recipe, made with turkey, thyme, cranberry sauce and melty provolone cheese
4 minutes
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas
These Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas, or hand pies are a delicious way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
Leftover Turkey Wraps with Cranberry Sauce – My Gorgeous Recipes
Healthy Leftover Turkey Wraps with cranberry sauce and butternut squash, a fantastic way of using up food that might otherwise go to waste.
Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders | Damn Delicious
Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders – Leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, Dijon and melted cheese on super buttery Hawaiian rolls. Bake and serve warm! SO SO GOOD.
Turkey Cobb Salad
This turkey cobb salad is one hearty, protein-filled, and dinner-worthy salad that makes the best of your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich – Spices in My DNA
How was everyone’s Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving weekend? I hope it was filled with loved ones, tons of delicious food of course, relaxation, and maybe some shopping! Mine sure was. Now it’s just less than a month until Christmas, which is pretty insane, but it’s hands down my favorite time of year. I l…
Soup
Turkey Rice Soup
Leftover turkey and rice soup with fresh vegetables and a herbaceous rosemary-infused broth. It's the homemade turkey soup recipe you've been looking for!
45 minutes
Easy Turkey Noodle Soup
Easy turkey noodle soup recipe – LIGHT and so flavorful. Perfect for leftovers on a cozy chilly day!
Slow Cooker Turkey Soup
This easy and satisfying Slow Cooker Turkey Soup lets you use up your leftover turkey in an easy soup that you can make in the crockpot.
Healthy Leftover Turkey Soup with Black Beans + Corn – Bowl of Delicious
Put a southwestern twist on this quick and easy leftover turkey soup with black beans, corn, peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, fresh lime juice, and cilantro!
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Got Leftover Turkey Meat? Make This Amazing Turkey Chili!
This easy turkey chili is a great way to use up turkey leftovers from big holiday meals! Make it with shredded leftover turkey, beans, onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
Easy Turkey Soup
Homemade turkey soup is so healthy & hearty. Carrots, onions, & celery are simmered in delicious homemade broth with leftover turkey!
Turkey Pot Pie Soup | foodiecrush.com
This comforting turkey pot pie soup with a buttery, flaky pie crust top is my favorite way to use up Thanksgiving turkey leftovers.
Leftover Turkey Casserole
Leftover Turkey Casserole made with leftover turkey, cheesy gravy, and cornbread is fast, easy, and ready in under 45 minutes!
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie | The Modern Proper
Leftover turkey gets new life in this ultra-hearty, rich, savory turkey shepherd’s pie recipe.
Turkey Casserole
This Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole is delicious, and the perfect thing to throw together for a weeknight meal.
Turkey Enchiladas
Do you celebrate Friendsgiving? I feel like over the last decade or so, this holiday has become almost as monumental in the month of November as the big T-Day itself. My friends love going all-out for
Turkey Spaghetti Bake
Grab the recipe for this leftover thanksgiving Turkey Spaghetti Bake! It’s the perfect way to use leftover shredded turkey (or chicken!)
Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta
Need an easy peasy recipe for using up your leftover roast turkey? Then you need to try my Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta. No leftover turkey? No worries, this simple alfredo pasta recipe can be made with leftover chicken or see below for how to ‘create’ some turkey leftovers!
Best Leftover Turkey Tacos
With these juicy and oh so delicious Leftover Turkey Tacos, you won’t dread having leftover Thanksgiving turkey around the house.
Leftover Skillet Turkey Pasta
Leftover Skillet Turkey Pasta, an easy Pasta recipe, just add some of your favourite veggies such as mushrooms, tomatoes and peppers add some leftover cut up chicken or turkey and Dinner is Served. As I plan my Christmas lunch menu, a typical Italian Christmas, Lasagna, Roast Potatoes, Roast Lamb,…
15 Minute Leftover Turkey Alfredo
This turkey alfredo is mouth watering and whips up in 15 minutes. Kids and adults love this and it’s almost impossible to screw up.
Leftover Turkey Pesto Pasta – Becky’s Best Bites
Leftover Turkey Pesto Pasta is the perfect way to use up holiday turkey! Whole wheat pasta and homemade pesto for a quick, easy & healthy weeknight dinner.
Leftover Turkey in Gravy – NatashasKitchen.com
Leftover Turkey in gravy is the best way to use up Thanksgiving turkey meat. Serve this leftover turkey recipe over leftover mashed potatoes.
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Leftover Mashed Potatoes Recipes, Fall Recipes, Recipes that are Great for Leftovers, and Pumpkin Recipes.
If you found this recipe roundup for Leftover Turkey Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
