10+ Turkey Leftover Recipes to Transform Your Feast into New Favorites

After a big holiday meal, many people have extra turkey. Leftover turkey can be a tasty treat if you know how to use it creatively.

Discover fun and delicious recipes to make the most of your leftover turkey.

There are many ways to turn your leftover turkey into new meals your family will love. From hearty soups to savory casseroles, you can easily whip up something special with just a few ingredients.

This article shares turkey leftover recipes that are simple and flavorful.

1) Turkey Carnitas for Tacos

You can use leftover turkey to make carnitas for tacos. Shred your turkey and mix it with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

Heat oil in a pan and add the turkey mixture. Cook until it gets crispy on the outside.

Serve your carnitas in warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or cilantro.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings (salsa, avocado, cilantro)

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred leftover turkey meat.
2. Mix turkey with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Add turkey mixture and cook until crispy.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with toppings.

2) Creamy Turkey and Potato Gratin

Creamy Turkey and Potato Gratin is a great way to use leftover turkey. Layer cooked turkey with potato slices and creamy sauce for a comforting dish.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, mix cooked turkey and thinly sliced potatoes.

Pour a creamy sauce over the top. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the flavors blend.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cream or milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like Colby or cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes.
3. Add the shredded turkey over the potatoes.
4. Pour the cream over the turkey and potatoes, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender.

3) Turkey and Avocado Sandwiches

Turkey and avocado sandwiches are easy and delicious. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with savory turkey.

Start with fresh bread, such as sourdough or whole grain. Add sliced turkey and mashed avocado to one slice of bread.

Spread mustard or a light mayo for extra flavor. Add leafy greens for crunch if you like.

You can also add bacon or tomatoes. Enjoy your sandwich with your favorite side!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (sourdough or whole grain)
• 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
• 5 oz thinly sliced turkey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or mayonnaise
• Leafy greens (optional)
• Bacon or tomatoes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread if desired.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on one slice of bread.
3. Layer the turkey on top of the avocado.
4. Add mustard or mayo.
5. Top with leafy greens, bacon, or tomatoes if using.
6. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

4) Savory Turkey and Mushroom Soup

Turkey and mushroom soup is a cozy way to use leftover turkey. It’s rich and creamy, perfect for a chilly day.

Sauté onions and garlic in a pot. Add diced turkey, mushrooms, and carrots.

Pour in chicken broth for extra flavor. Stir in cream or milk and season with thyme and salt.

Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and carrots, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the diced turkey and chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
5. Mix in the cream and thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook until heated through and vegetables are tender.

5) Turkey Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

Turkey Tetrazzini is a great way to use leftover turkey. This dish combines turkey, pasta, and creamy sauce for a comforting meal.

Start with cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. Mix in leftover turkey, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce made from cheese and broth.

Top with more cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 7 ounces thin spaghetti (broken in half)
• 2 cups cubed cooked turkey
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
4. In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, turkey, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, cream, and half the cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6) Classic Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is a warm and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey.

Sauté onions and carrots. Add turkey and broth.

Pour the mixture into a pie crust and cover with another crust. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.

Let it cool for a bit, then serve.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1-2 pie crusts

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté the onions and carrots in a skillet until soft.
3. Add the turkey and mixed vegetables.
4. Pour in the broth and milk; stir in thyme.
5. Fill a pie crust with the mixture and cover with another crust.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.

7) Spicy Turkey Quesadillas

Spicy turkey quesadillas are a fun way to use leftover turkey. They are quick and full of flavor.

Heat oil in a skillet. Add diced turkey, chopped green chiles, and cranberries for sweetness.

Mix in your favorite cheeses until melted. Place the filling between two tortillas.

Cook each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Cut your quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced cooked turkey breast
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tablespoon canned chopped green chiles
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 4 tortillas
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add turkey, green chiles, and cranberries. Stir until mixed well.
3. Add cheese and mix until melted.
4. Place filling between two tortillas.
5. Cook each quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Cut into wedges and serve.

8) Turkey and Veggie Stir Fry

Turkey stir fry is quick, tasty, and packed with nutrients. You can mix in your favorite vegetables for a colorful meal.

Chop turkey into bite-sized pieces. Gather veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add turkey and vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add soy sauce and mix well. Serve this dish over rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped turkey and vegetables.
3. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and mix well.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

9) Zesty Turkey Nachos

Zesty Turkey Nachos are a fun way to use leftover turkey. You can easily turn your holiday leftovers into a tasty snack or meal.

Start with tortilla chips as the base. Add shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños.

Sprinkle cheese on top and add your favorite toppings. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Serve with salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Salsa or guacamole for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
3. Add shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños on top.
4. Sprinkle cheese over everything.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Serve with salsa or guacamole.

10) Turkey and Cranberry Salad

Turkey and cranberry salad is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. The mix of turkey, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts makes a delicious meal.

You can serve it in croissants, pita pockets, or on bread. This salad is easy to make and works well for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped leftover turkey
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the turkey with cranberries. Add celery and almonds.

2. In another bowl, combine mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.

4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor.