This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
A list of 20+ fun and delicious leftover turkey recipes from breakfast and appetizers, to soups, sandwiches and turkey dinner and casserole ideas.
One of the greatest parts about Thanksgiving is the next day leftovers. But seriously, sometimes there is SO MUCH leftover and you get tired of eating the same meal over and over again.
From all the mashed potatoes and creamed corn, to sweet potatoes, sous vide turkey breast and honey roasted ham, to cheesy baked cauliflower and braised green beans...there are so many leftovers and so little time!
What's your favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipe? Scroll down to the bottom and leave a comment - I love to hear what you guys are making!
What to Make With Leftover Turkey
Here are more than 20 droolworthy ways to use that leftover Thanksgiving turkey and a few of your other Thanksgiving leftovers. And don't forget to scroll down and learn how to store your leftovers.
Leftover Turkey Breakfast Ideas
Let's get real - turkey is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about breakfast. But this is Thanksgiving guys. Turkey should ALWAYS be on your mind. Here are some fun and unique turkey breakfast ideas:
Leftover Turkey and Egg Sliders From Garlic and Zest
Creamy Turkey Over Biscuits from Cheese Curd in Paradise
Avocado Toast with Turkey & Cranberry Sauce from Seasonal Cravings
Leftover Turkey Salads & Sandwiches
The first thing I think about when I hear Thanksgiving leftover is a turkey sandwich. Maybe with some leftover stuffing and a smattering of mashed potatoes. And cranberry sauce. Now that's good stuff....but let's spice it up a bit. Here are some super fun new ideas for turkey sandwiches and salads:
Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Sandwich from The Spice Train
Grilled Turkey and Brie Sandwich from Nourish Nutrition Blog
Turkey Avocado Sandwich from Colleen Christensen Nutrition
Turkey Salad from Miss in the Kitchen
Leftover Turkey Soups & Stews
It's winter and I want all the soups. And all the stews. All the warming, comforting, delicious bowls of steaming broth and meats and vegetables. So what better way to use leftover turkey than in a soup. Or a chili? And we're not talking plain old turkey noodle soup (though there is nothing wrong with that). We're talking new, creative ideas like these ones:
Instant Pot Turkey Chili from Went Here 8 This
Turkey Chowder from Sugar Spun Run
Turkey and Dumplings from Went Here 8 This
Turkey Ramen from Went Here 8 This
Turkey Lentil Soup from Went Here 8 This
Leftover Turkey Appetizer Ideas
So many parties coming up during the holiday season...take those Thanksgiving leftovers and make some of these appetizers for your guests. Or game day...you always need apps for game day!
Thanksgiving Leftover Empanadas from Delicious Table
Crispy Stuffing Balls from Went Here 8 This
Leftover Turkey Quesadillas from Babaganosh
Turkey Stuffed Crescent Rolls from Went Here 8 This
Old Fashioned Turkey Croquettes from Chef Dennis
Turkey Tostadas from Whitney Bond
Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders from Food Above Gold
Leftover Turkey Dinner Recipes
Turkey casseroles, pot pies, stir fries....so many great ideas for turkey dinners.
Leftover Turkey Fajitas from Went Here 8 This
Turkey Pot Pie from Went Here 8 This
Roast Turkey Biyrani from Fuss Free Flavors
Buffalo Turkey Pizza from Erica's Recipes
Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas from What a Girl Eats
Kentucky Hot Brown from This Mom's Menu
Turkey and Spinach Lasagna from Went Here 8 This
Turkey Tamale Pie from Chisel and Fork
Christmas Pizza from Bacon is Magic
Shepards Pie from The Kitchen Girl
In addition to all these incredible recipes, you can also replace the chicken with turkey in these recipes:
Save Those Turkey Bones
You will definitely want to save any turkey bones (or ham bones for that matter). Turkey bones are great to make Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth, which is incredible used as a base in these soups:
How to Freeze Turkey
First, I highly recommend freezing leftover turkey in individual servings. This way you can thaw and use only the portion you need instead of thawing 2 pounds of turkey to make a turkey sandwich.
I always recommend removing the bones before freezing your turkey (see above for using those turkey bones).
You can freeze leftover turkey in freezer bags or freezer safe container. Remove as much of the air as possible for the best results (i.e. reduce/eliminate potential freezer burn).
How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last?
Leftover turkey will last for about 3-5 days in the fridge (in a covered container), or about 2-3 months in the freezer (see above for freezing instructions).
Leave a Reply