10+ Leftover Turkey Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Leftover turkey can be a delightful surprise after a big meal. It gives you a chance to create new dishes that excite your taste buds.

You can transform your Thanksgiving turkey into a variety of delicious meals. Whether you have a mountain of turkey or just a little left, there are many recipes to help you make the most out of your leftovers.

From soups and casseroles to sandwiches and salads, the possibilities are endless. Using leftover turkey not only reduces waste but also keeps your meals interesting and full of flavor.

Embrace the versatility of turkey and discover creative ways to turn your leftovers into something special.

1) Turkey Pot Pie with Gratin

Turkey pot pie with gratin is a comforting dish perfect for using leftover turkey. It combines a creamy turkey and vegetable filling with a tasty potato gratin topping. This twist on the classic will surely please your family.

Start by layering cooked turkey, mixed vegetables, and a rich sauce in a baking dish. Then, top it with thinly sliced potatoes for a crunchy finish. Bake until golden and bubbly.

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a great way to transform your leftovers into something special.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
2. In a skillet, melt butter and add turkey and vegetables.
3. Stir in broth and cream; season with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour turkey mixture into a baking dish.
5. Layer sliced potatoes on top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until potatoes are golden and filling is bubbly.

2) Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is a wonderful way to use your leftover turkey. It’s an easy and comforting dish that the whole family will love. With creamy sauce, pasta, and tender turkey, it’s a satisfying meal.

You can make this dish quickly with just a few ingredients. Start by cooking pasta and mixing it with a rich sauce made of cream, mushrooms, and cheese. Add your leftover turkey for extra flavor and protein.

Topped with breadcrumbs, this casserole bakes up to a golden crust. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re planning a family get-together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked turkey, cubed
• 7 ounces of thin spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups of cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• ½ cup of breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
3. In a pan, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
4. In a large bowl, mix turkey, spaghetti, sautéed veggies, cream, and cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

3) Turkey Enchiladas

Turkey enchiladas are a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. They are simple to make and packed with flavor. You can use tortillas filled with turkey, cheese, and enchilada sauce.

Start by adding some spices to the turkey for extra taste. Roll the turkey mixture in tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Top with more enchilada sauce and cheese before baking.

Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal with your family or friends!

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix turkey, cheese, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Spoon the mixture onto each tortilla, roll, and place in a baking dish.
4. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

4) Spicy Turkey Gumbo

Spicy turkey gumbo is a fantastic way to use leftover turkey. This dish combines turkey with a rich, flavorful broth and spices. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for any day.

To make it, you can start with your leftover turkey, which adds great taste. A roux is also important, as it thickens the gumbo and gives it depth. You can make the roux in the oven for an easier process!

Serve this delicious gumbo over rice for a complete meal. It’s a great option for using turkey after the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs shredded leftover turkey meat
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ cups canola oil
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups okra, sliced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pot, combine canola oil and flour over medium heat to make a roux. Stir until brown.
3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add turkey, broth, water, okra, and seasoning. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve over rice and enjoy!

5) Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich

A Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich is a tasty way to enjoy leftover turkey. It combines tender turkey with sweet cranberry sauce for a flavorful meal.

You can use grilled or fresh bread, depending on your preference. Adding melted cheese enhances the sandwich, giving it a creamy texture.

Spread some cranberry sauce on your bread, layer the turkey, and top with cheese. Grill it for a warm, melty treat.

This easy recipe is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• Slices of bread (your choice)
• Cooked turkey, sliced
• Cranberry sauce
• Cheese (like cheddar or Swiss)
• Butter, for grilling (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread.
2. Layer turkey slices on top.
3. Add cheese over the turkey.
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Grill in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) until golden brown, flipping once. Enjoy!

6) Savory Turkey Quesadillas

Savory turkey quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. They are quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal. You can customize them with your favorite cheeses and toppings.

Start with flour tortillas and layer shredded turkey, cheese, and maybe some cranberry sauce for a sweet touch. Cooking them in a skillet until crispy gives you a delicious crunch.

These quesadillas are not just filling; they’re also fun to share. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 cup cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (optional)
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
3. Add shredded turkey and cheese on one half.
4. If using, spread some cranberry sauce over the turkey.
5. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove and slice into wedges. Enjoy!

7) Classic Turkey Soup

Making a classic turkey soup is a warm and comforting way to use your leftover turkey. Start with a savory base of onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables until they soften.

Next, add your shredded turkey along with chicken or turkey broth. If you have leftover turkey carcass, you can simmer it to enhance the flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

For some texture, toss in cooked rice or noodles. Let the soup simmer until heated through. Serve it hot with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked rice or noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the shredded turkey and broth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Add rice or noodles and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve hot. Enjoy!

8) Herbed Turkey Salad

Herbed turkey salad is a tasty and easy way to use leftover turkey. It combines turkey with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies for a delightful mix of flavors.

Start by chopping your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Then, mix in celery, green onions, and a handful of your favorite herbs like parsley or dill.

For the dressing, you can use a blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will bring everything together nicely.

Serve the salad on its own or in a sandwich. You can even add some grapes or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped leftover turkey
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine turkey, celery, green onions, and herbs.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and stir to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.

9) Turkey and Vegetable Casserole

This turkey and vegetable casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey. It’s a warm dish that combines turkey, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce.

You can customize it with your favorite veggies. Common choices include peas, carrots, and green beans.

Mix everything together and bake until it’s bubbly and golden brown. This dish is not only easy to make but also comforting and filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and green beans)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the turkey, vegetables, soup, milk, and spices.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

10) Zesty Turkey Nachos

Transform your leftover turkey into a tasty treat with zesty turkey nachos. This dish is quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor.

Start with a layer of tortilla chips. Top them with shredded turkey mixed with fajita seasoning for that zesty kick. Add some diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and olives for extra flavor and crunch.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over everything and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly. Serve it with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 ½ tsp fajita seasoning
• 4 cups tortilla chips
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salsa or guacamole for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix shredded turkey with fajita seasoning.
3. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
4. Top chips with seasoned turkey, tomatoes, jalapeños, and olives.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted.
7. Serve with salsa or guacamole.