10 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Hello there, fellow foodies! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with your loved ones. But now, you’re probably left with a fridge full of leftover turkey. Don’t let those precious scraps go to waste! In this article, we’ll be sharing with you 10 creative ways to use leftover turkey that will leave your taste buds happy and satisfied.

From soups and stews, salads, sandwiches, to casseroles and more – we’ve got you covered with delicious and inventive recipes that will help you make the most out of your Thanksgiving leftovers. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and let’s turn those leftover turkey bits into mouth-watering delights that your entire family will love!

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5 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner doesn’t have to go to waste, as there are many creative and tasty ways to use it. Here are five delicious ways to use leftover turkey.

1. Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

Turkey sandwiches are the most popular way to use leftover turkey. They are simple and quick to make, and you can get creative with different bread and fillings. Try these ideas:

– Classic turkey BLT: Spread mayonnaise on slices of toasted bread, add bacon, lettuce, sliced tomato, and leftover turkey.
– Turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich: Spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread, add sliced turkey, and top with the other slice of bread. You can also add stuffing, lettuce, or cream cheese.
– Turkey club wrap: Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Roll it up and slice it into bite-size pieces.

You can also use leftover turkey in quesadillas, grilled cheese, or paninis. Just use your imagination and add your favorite fillings.

2. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-fry

If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful way to use leftover turkey, try this turkey and vegetable stir-fry recipe:

Ingredients:

– 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, etc.)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the leftover turkey and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

You can also add other seasonings like garlic, ginger, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

3. Turkey Pot Pie

Pot pie is a comforting and satisfying way to use leftover turkey. Make your own pie crust or use store-bought for an easy shortcut. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

– 1 pie crust
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, potatoes, etc.)
– 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
– 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
– 1/4 cup flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and sauté until tender.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the leftover turkey and stir to combine.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth and flour until smooth.
7. Add the broth mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
8. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
9. Add the milk and season with salt and pepper.
10. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and top with the pie crust.
11. Cut a few small slits in the top of the crust.
12. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Enjoy your cozy night in with this delicious pot pie.

Try to use different vegetables or seasoning to make it your own.

In conclusion, leftover turkey can come in handy to make quick, easy, and delicious meals. Whether you prefer a sandwich, a stir-fry, or a pot pie, these recipes will help you make the most of your leftover turkey. Try them out and enjoy!

Soups, Stews and Chili

If you’ve got leftover turkey and are looking for some creative ways to use it up, soups, stews, and chili are the perfect go-to meals. They’re easy to make, incredibly nourishing, and can be packed full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, these delicious recipes can be ready in no time!

Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey noodle soup is a classic recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. It’s a hearty and comforting soup that can be made with egg noodles, vegetables, and, of course, leftover turkey. The best thing about this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking – add more vegetables, use a different type of noodle, or play around with the seasoning to suit your taste.

To make this recipe, start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and celery in a large pot. Then, add in some diced carrots and cook until they’re tender. Add in the leftover turkey and stir until it’s heated through. Pour in some chicken or turkey broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Finally, add in some egg noodles and cook until they’re tender. Serve the soup hot, garnished with some fresh parsley.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

If you’re looking for a spicy and flavorful recipe to use up your leftover turkey, try turkey and sweet potato chili. This recipe uses leftover turkey, sweet potatoes, and beans to create a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, while the beans provide a nice texture to the chili.

To make this recipe, start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and chili powder in a large pot. Then, add in some diced sweet potatoes and cook until they’re tender. Add in some canned tomatoes and beans, along with the leftover turkey. Pour in some chicken or turkey broth to thin out the chili, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Serve the chili hot, with some shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.

Leftover Turkey Stew

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful stew to use up your leftover turkey, this recipe is perfect. It uses leftover turkey and vegetables to create a hearty and delicious stew that can be served over rice or with freshly baked bread. The best thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

To make this recipe, start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and carrots in a large pot. Then, add in some diced potatoes, green beans, and corn, along with the leftover turkey. Pour in some chicken or turkey broth and let the stew simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Serve the stew hot, with some freshly baked bread or over rice.

In conclusion, leftover turkey is a great ingredient to have on hand, especially during the holiday season. With these easy and delicious soup, stew, and chili recipes, you can turn your leftover turkey into something flavorful and nutritious. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste – get creative in the kitchen and try out some of these recipes!

Leftover Turkey Casseroles

Don’t let your leftover turkey go to waste! Turn it into a delicious casserole with these easy and flavorful recipes. From classic comfort food to Mexican-inspired dishes, you’ll never get bored with these tasty and creative ways to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Turkey and Broccoli Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting casserole recipe, this turkey and broccoli casserole is a must-try. The combination of tender turkey, fresh broccoli, and creamy sauce topped with breadcrumbs is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
Add the turkey and broccoli to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs and cheese on top.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Mexican Turkey Casserole

If you’re in the mood for something spicy and zesty, this Mexican turkey casserole is the perfect recipe for you. Loaded with flavorful ingredients like corn, black beans, and cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, corn, black beans, salsa, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

For a classic and comforting casserole recipe, try this turkey shepherd’s pie. Made with mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and leftover turkey, this dish is a family favorite. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the mixed vegetables on the bottom of a baking dish and layer the turkey on top.
Add the mashed potatoes on top of the turkey and spread evenly.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Now that you have these delicious leftover turkey casserole recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas on how to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. Enjoy!

Leftover Turkey Salads

If you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying way to make use of your leftover turkey, then a salad is the way to go. With some greens, fruits, and vegetables, it’s so easy to create a tasty and colorful salad that will make you feel good about your food choices. Here are three leftover turkey salad recipes you can try at home.

Turkey and Cranberry Salad

This salad recipe is perfect if you want something sweet and savory. It uses leftover turkey, dried cranberries, mixed greens, and a homemade honey mustard dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups mixed greens
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens, leftover turkey, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Mix well and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Thai Turkey Salad

If you want to add an Asian twist to your leftover turkey salad, then this recipe is for you. It uses leftover turkey, mixed greens, peanuts, and a spicy Thai dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups mixed greens
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens, leftover turkey, peanuts, and cilantro. Mix well and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the spicy Thai dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Turkey Caesar Salad

This classic salad recipe is perfect if you’re craving something simple and easy. It uses leftover turkey, Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
1/2 cup croutons
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, add the Romaine lettuce, leftover turkey, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside. Add the Caesar dressing to the bowl and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

These leftover turkey salad recipes are a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and dressings to create your own unique salad recipe. Happy eating!

Leftover Turkey Breakfast Ideas

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the best meals of the year, and it’s even better when you have leftovers to make delicious meals. Instead of just eating the same turkey dinner again, why not use the leftovers to make a tasty breakfast? Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Turkey and Egg Omelet

One of the easiest and most delicious ways to use leftover turkey is to make a turkey and egg omelet. To make this recipe, whisk eggs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add some butter. Once the butter has melted, add the egg mixture, diced leftover turkey, and your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Cook the omelet until the eggs are set, then fold it in half and serve.

Turkey Hash

If you’re looking for a filling breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch, try making turkey hash. Start by dicing potatoes and onions and cook them in a large skillet over medium heat until the potatoes are crispy and the onions are caramelized. Add diced leftover turkey, your favorite spices, and cook until the turkey is heated through. Top the hash with a fried or poached egg and you have a hearty breakfast that’s sure to please.

Turkey Breakfast Burrito

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful breakfast, make a turkey breakfast burrito. Start by cooking scrambled eggs in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add diced leftover turkey and cook until the turkey is heated through. Warm a tortilla in the microwave for 10 seconds and place the egg mixture in the center. Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it up tightly. Serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side.

Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla

Another quick and easy breakfast idea is to make a turkey and cheese quesadilla. Start by heating a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a tortilla to the pan, then sprinkle shredded cheese on one half. Add diced leftover turkey and any other toppings you like, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapenos. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Turkey and Potato Frittata

If you’re serving breakfast for a crowd, a turkey and potato frittata is a great option. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat a non-stick oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced leftover potatoes and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Add leftover diced turkey to the skillet, pour the egg mixture over everything, and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are set. Slice and serve.

With these leftover turkey breakfast ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious breakfast the day after Thanksgiving without any extra effort. So, dig in and start cooking!

Thank You for Reading!

We hope these creative leftover turkey recipes gave you some inspiration for your next meal. Remember, turkey doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. With a little creativity, you can turn your leftovers into delicious and exciting dishes.

Be sure to save this article for later and share it with your friends and family who might be struggling to use up their own leftover turkey. And don’t forget to come back to our website for more helpful articles and recipes.

Thank you again for reading, and happy cooking!