Leftover Turkey Recipes: 48 Delicious Ways to Use Up Your Thanksgiving Feast

After Thanksgiving, you probably have a ton of leftover turkey in your refrigerator and are starting to get anxious about the impending end of the year. Dont let those leftovers go to waste as you brace yourself for the impending winter holidays. The days of only eating turkey sandwiches are long gone, though we do have a pretty great recipe for them, to be honest.) Instead, try our Thanksgiving Crunchwrap, turkey salad, turkey enchiladas, and soup made from the carcass. If you wish you had more roasted turkey so you could try each and every one of these 48 recipes for leftover Thanksgiving turkey, we won’t be shocked.

This cozy casserole just might be our new go-to way to enjoy the holiday leftovers. What more could you ask for when it’s warm and comforting, low work, and allows you to eat all of your favorite Thanksgiving foods in one bite?

These potato skins are easy to prepare, and since you’ve already cooked most of the Thanksgiving meal or have a big container of leftovers from takeout, all you need for this recipe are a couple more pantry staples: potatoes and cheddar cheese.

Friendsgiving nachos are the ultimate way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers (with minimal effort). Everything that is typically associated with Thanksgiving is there: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce, along with cheese that is placed atop crisp nacho chips.

Thanksgiving may be over, but the feast doesn’t have to end! Instead of letting your leftover turkey languish in the fridge, transform it into a whole new culinary adventure with these 48 incredible recipes From comforting casseroles to creative sandwiches, these dishes will have you singing the praises of Thanksgiving leftovers all year long.

Top 5 Most Popular Ways to Enjoy Leftover Turkey

While there are countless ways to repurpose your Thanksgiving turkey, some methods reign supreme in popularity Here are the top 5 most beloved ways to enjoy leftover turkey:

  1. Turkey Sandwich: The classic Thanksgiving leftover sandwich is a timeless favorite for a reason. Pile your favorite bread with juicy turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a touch of mayo for a satisfying and nostalgic bite.
  2. Turkey Stew, Chili, or Soup: Warm up with a hearty bowl of turkey stew, chili, or soup. These comforting dishes are perfect for a chilly day and offer a delicious way to use up leftover vegetables and broth.
  3. Turkey Casseroles: Casseroles are a fantastic way to stretch your leftover turkey and create a crowd-pleasing meal. From creamy turkey tetrazzini to cheesy turkey pot pie, there’s a casserole recipe for every taste.
  4. Turkey Burgers: Who says burgers are just for summer? Ground your leftover turkey and create juicy, flavorful turkey burgers. Top them with your favorite burger fixings and enjoy a unique twist on a classic dish.
  5. Turkey Salad: This versatile dish is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even a light lunch on its own. Combine shredded turkey with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and your favorite seasonings for a quick and easy meal.

48 Delicious Leftover Turkey Recipes to Inspire You

Ready to dive into the world of leftover turkey recipes? Here are 48 fantastic options to get you started:

Delish’s Top Leftover Turkey Recipes:

  1. Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
  2. Thanksgiving Potato Skins
  3. Friendsgiving Nachos
  4. Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts
  5. Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos
  6. Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
  7. Turkey Salad
  8. Turkey Carcass Soup
  9. Thanksgiving Ring
  10. Perfect Thanksgiving Sandwich
  11. CPK Italian Chopped Salad
  12. Thanksgiving Crunchwrap
  13. Turkey Casserole
  14. Thanksgiving Leftover Salad
  15. Monte Cristo Sandwich
  16. Southern Collard Greens
  17. Turkey Tetrazzini
  18. Turkey Chili

Taste of Home’s Top Leftover Turkey Recipes:

  1. Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
  2. Turkey Sandwich with Raspberry-Mustard Spread
  3. TLC (Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole)
  4. Turkey Potpies
  5. Air-Fryer Turkey Croquettes
  6. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
  7. Taste of Home Crescent Turkey Casserole
  8. Anytime Turkey Chili
  9. Taste of Home Bistro Turkey Sandwich
  10. Homemade Turkey Soup
  11. Bistro Turkey Calzone
  12. Turkey Curry with Rice
  13. Weeknight Turkey Tortilla Soup
  14. Turkey Alfredo Pizza
  15. Turkey a La King
  16. Taste of Home Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash
  17. Turkey Salad on Wheat Bread
  18. Turkey Macaroni Bake
  19. Turkey Lattice Pie
  20. Curry Turkey Stir-Fry
  21. Taste of Home Hot Brown Turkey Casserole
  22. Turkey Enchiladas Verdes
  23. Taste of Home Dilly Turkey Melt
  24. Turkey Biscuit Skillet
  25. Ham Cobb Salad
  26. taste of home Turkey Corn Chowder
  27. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Leftover Rolls
  28. Turkey Curry
  29. Southwestern Turkey Bake
  30. Taste of Home Minestrone with Turkey
  31. Turkey Spaghetti Casserole
  32. Sourdough Dressing
  33. Taste of Home Avocado Turkey Salad
  34. Butternut Turkey Soup
  35. Slow-Cooked Turkey Sandwiches
  36. Taste of Home Italian Turkey Skillet
  37. “Thanksgiving’s Not Over Yet” Enchilada Soup
  38. BLT Turkey Salad
  39. Crispy Mashed Potato & Stuffing Patties
  40. Mexican Turkey Roll-Ups
  41. Taste of Home Turkey Bundles
  42. Turkey a la King with Rice
  43. Taste of Home Turkey Biscuit Stew
  44. Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup
  45. Cashew Turkey Salad Sandwiches
  46. Taste of Home Turkey Crepes
  47. Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili

With these 48 leftover turkey recipes at your fingertips, you’ll never have to worry about what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers again. From quick and easy sandwiches to hearty casseroles and creative culinary creations, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion. So get ready to explore the delicious world of leftover turkey and enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all year long!

Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Since cheese isn’t traditionally associated with Thanksgiving, we’ve made it our mission to use it in as many of our leftover dishes as possible. One example of this is this sandwich, which consists of a mound of leftover turkey topped with creamy buttery brie, tart cranberry sauce, and rustic slices of artisan bread. .

Get the Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Although most people enjoy their Thanksgiving sandwiches, there’s something about utilizing tortillas (check out our Thanksgiving Crunchwrap) that elevates leftovers from the day to a whole new level. Particularly when paired with freshly made turkey in a faux-mole sauce enhanced with gravy, chipotle chiles, and dark chocolate.

Get the Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Now that you can encase all those leftover potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a crunchy, crispy egg roll wrapper, leftovers have never been more exciting. Serve these with gravy for one of the most ingenious uses for leftovers EVER. Get the Thanksgiving Egg Rolls recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Take what’s left of that massive deep-fried or oven-roasted turkey and make turkey salad. Just like its chicken counterpart, its great piled on a sandwich, eaten with crackers. skys the limit!.

Get the Turkey Salad recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

The best cure for overeating on Thanksgiving day? This simple and delish soup. The most crucial component is a turkey carcass, but don’t worry if it’s not perfectly clean; just cut off as much of the bird as you can, then simmer the remaining portion with the soup.

Get the Turkey Carcass Soup recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Thanksgiving leftovers arent regular leftovers, theyre *cool* leftovers. Stuffed inside a crescent roll (well, basically a giant crescent roll) theyre EVERYTHING. Get the Thanksgiving Ring recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Rule #1 for the day after Thanksgiving: NO COOKING. It would be a crime to not make this sandwich with all of that leftover pickle-brined turkey and creamy mashed potatoes.

Get the Perfect Thanksgiving Sandwich recipe.

CPK Italian Chopped Salad

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

A vibrant mixture of lettuce, chickpeas, turkey, salami, tomatoes, and cheese, combined with an Italian mustard-herb vinaigrette, this CPK-inspired salad could potentially make us choose the greens over pizza.

Get the CPK Italian Chopped Salad recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Tired of the same ol leftover Thanksgiving sandwich? This crunchwrap is the perfect way to shake things up. Dont have all the leftover ingredients? No worries! Just use what youve got. Everything short of pumpkin pie will work just fine. .

Get the Thanksgiving Crunchwrap recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

We typically have more leftover turkey after Thanksgiving than can be fit in a Thanksgiving sandwich. Turkey casserole is a great way to use up some leftover turkey as well as any lingering veggies. The buttery crumb top really makes it.

Get the Turkey Casserole recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Although we always enjoy sandwiches leftover, there are occasions after the big day when we could use something a little lighter. Enter: this perfect salad. Leftover stuffing gets turned into irresistible croutons, and a vinaigrette is made from any remaining cranberry sauce. Feel free to add any leftover veggies from Thanksgiving too.

Get the Thanksgiving Leftover Salad recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

A Monte Cristo sandwich is filled with Swiss cheese, ham, turkey, and Dijon mustard. After that, it’s dipped in a French toast batter, shallow-fried, and served with jam on the side and confectioners’ sugar on top. Basically, it has all of the classic American diner flavors: sweet, salty, cheesy, and indulgent.

Get Monte Cristo Sandwich recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

To great effect, Chef Millie Peartree’s recipe for Southern collard greens substitutes smoked turkey neck for ham hock. Hot tip: add extra water to your greens to make them more brothy, and make sure to adjust the seasoning.

Get the Southern Collard Greens recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

This simple casserole is a year-round favorite pasta dish that is extra-savory and creamy, not just a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Turkey, mushrooms, and cheese are mixed into baked spaghetti to create a simple, weeknight supper that’s sure to please everyone.

Get the Turkey Tetrazzini recipe.

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

There’s no reason at all why a traditional beef chili has to take precedence over turkey chili. This simple chili has twice as many beans and a hearty, meaty flavor as ground turkey. It’s also very easy to make by simply using leftover turkey instead of ground turkey.

Get the Turkey Chili recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

what is the most popular way to eat leftover turkey

Usually, a chef salad has three different types of meat, two cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, and an abundance of vegetables; however, these toppings are merely suggestions. Add in avocado, bell peppers, or any other veggies you want to use up!.

Get the Classic Chef Salad recipe.

What to make with LEFTOVER TURKEY (or chicken) | 3 great recipes!

FAQ

Which of the following is the most popular way to serve leftover turkey?

One of the most classic and beloved ways to enjoy leftover turkey is by making a delicious sandwich. Whether you prefer a simple turkey and mayo combo or a more elaborate creation with cranberry sauce and stuffing, the options are endless.

How long is leftover turkey good in the fridge?

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

How to make leftover turkey tender?

To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Keeping the turkey in the roasting pan, pour a bit of stock (chicken, turkey, or veggie stock or broth will work) over the meat to moisten it. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the turkey is warmed through.

Can I freeze cooked turkey after 3 days?

If your turkey has been properly handled, you can refrigerate and eat it for up to four days. If you are planning to freeze it, it’s best to freeze it within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after three days and it will be fine.

What to do with leftover Turkey chowder?

Leftover turkey potato chowder is a creamy, savory, and delicious soup that is loaded with holiday leftovers. Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes. Creamy leftover turkey tetrazzini with spinach is a simple, easy and delicious pasta recipe that is comforting, creamy and cheesy. It’s a family favourite.

Can one have turkey and carrots?

Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.

What to do with leftover Turkey Tetrazzini?

Turkey tetrazzini is a great leftover turkey casserole, but etcetrazzini is even better than most leftover turkey recipes because it also uses up your other Thanksgiving bits and bobs: roasted brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans, et cetera. (Get it?) Grated Parmesan is a must here; it also likes a shower of freshly ground black pepper.

Can you eat leftover turkey & mashed potatoes all week long?

It’s no surprise that after a big holiday dinner like Thanksgiving or Christmas, you will end up with a lot of turkey leftovers. And having a lot of leftovers doesn’t mean that you have to eat turkey and mashed potatoes all week long. You can use leftover turkey and completely transform it in a new and delicious recipe.

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