My favorite way to use leftover turkey is to make a delicious pot of turkey noodle soup. It’s also an excellent way to clean out your refrigerator!.
The key to the best-tasting soup is to make homemade turkey stock with the bones after Thanksgiving, so save those bones! This recipe for Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is the ideal way to use up holiday leftovers for a filling supper—I promise it’s simple! This soup is comfort in a bowl, with tender turkey, a blend of veggies and noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth. Try these three of my favorite soup recipes: Turkey Pot Pie Soup, Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, and Tortilla Soup. They would all be delicious with leftover turkey.
The holidays are over, the turkey is gone, but the leftovers remain. What to do with all that delicious turkey meat? Well, one of the best ways to use it up is to make a hearty and flavorful leftover turkey soup
Here, we’ll explore two fantastic recipes from Vikalinka and Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, each offering a unique twist on this classic comfort food.
Vikalinka’s Leftover Turkey Soup: A Simple and Wholesome Delight
Vikalinka’s recipe is all about simplicity and wholesome flavors. It’s a quick and easy soup that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey
- Onions, celery, carrots
- Bay leaves, parsley
- Giant couscous (or regular noodles)
- Olive oil, butter, homemade turkey stock (or store-bought)
- Fresh thyme (or dried)
- Garlic clove
Method:
- Sauté the vegetables in olive oil and butter for extra flavor.
- Add homemade turkey stock (or store-bought) and the leftover turkey.
- Throw in giant couscous (or regular noodles) and cook until tender.
- Season with fresh thyme (or dried) and a bay leaf for an aromatic broth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
Tips:
- Use leftover roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture.
- Substitute giant couscous with pasta, rice, or even gnocchi.
- This recipe is also perfect for leftover chicken.
Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s The Best Leftover Turkey Soup: A Creamy and Comforting Classic
Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s recipe takes the classic turkey soup to a whole new level with its creamy and comforting texture.
Key Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey
- Carrots, celery, onions
- Thyme, rosemary
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Brown rice (or brown and wild rice blend)
- Half and half (or milk)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt, pepper
Method:
- Sauté the vegetables in butter and olive oil.
- Add broth, rice, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Whisk together half and half (or milk) with flour to create a smooth mixture.
- Stir the flour mixture into the soup and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the leftover turkey and heat through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips:
- Adjust the simmering time based on the type of rice used.
- Use skim milk for a slightly less creamy soup.
- This recipe is also perfect for leftover chicken.
Additional Resources:
- Vikalinka’s Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe: https://vikalinka.com/leftover-turkey-soup-recipe/
- Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s The Best Leftover Turkey Soup: https://www.melskitchencafe.com/the-best-leftover-turkey-soup/
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover turkey soup?
Leftover turkey soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Both recipes work equally well with leftover chicken.
What are some other ways to use leftover turkey?
- Turkey sandwiches
- Turkey salad
- Turkey pot pie
- Turkey stir-fry
- Turkey tacos
So there you have it! Two delicious and easy leftover turkey soup recipes to help you use up those Thanksgiving leftovers. Whether you prefer a simple and wholesome soup or a creamy and comforting one, there’s a recipe here for you. So get cooking and enjoy the delicious flavors of the holidays all year long!
How to Make Turkey Stock with a Leftover Turkey Carcass
Bones create a rich, flavorful stock, and it’s easier to make than you might think. There are no exact measurements—use whatever is in your refrigerator.
- Put everything in a soup pot, including any leftover turkey meat, an onion, some celery stalks, garlic, herbs, and any other leftovers you find in your fridge.
- Simmer: Pour water over everything, cover the pot, and simmer on low for a few hours.
- After straining the liquid, set aside the turkey, discard the bones and veggies, and begin making soup.
If you’re not making the soup right away, refrigerate the stock. Then, remove the fat from the top. You can use this turkey stock recipe as a base swapping the turkey wings for leftover turkey.
Why This Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe Works
- Simple: This egg noodle and vegetable turkey soup is incredibly easy to make. You don’t even have to sauté the onions and garlic. Just throw everything in a pot and simmer.
- Healthful: With only 131 calories and less than 26 grams of carbohydrates, this dish offers good amounts of protein and fiber.
- Nourishing: Potassium and vitamins A, C, and K are just a few of the nutrients this hearty, comforting dish offers.
- Freezer Friendly: Because leftover turkey noodle soup reheats nicely, this recipe is excellent for meal prep and freezing.
- Remaining turkey from Thanksgiving can be used to make homemade stock.
- Herbs: Bay leaf, fresh parsley
- Vegetables: Carrot, onion, celery
- Garlic: Mince two garlic cloves.
- Salt and Black Pepper to season your soup
- Noodles: I used No Yolks egg noodles.
- Turkey: You’ll need two cups of leftover shredded turkey.