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I don’t know about you, but after Thanksgiving, my fridge is bursting with turkey! Instead of reheating the same old plate, I love turning those turkey leftovers into something totally new and delicious.
These easy leftover turkey recipes are the perfect way to mix things up. If you are looking for classic, grandma-approved recipes using leftover turkey or fun new recipes made with leftover turkey to keep things exciting, I can help! Each of my recipes is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to make you excited about leftovers again.
Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Every year after Thanksgiving, I am always left with a bunch of leftover turkey. No matter how many people are at the table, there always manages to be some leftover meat. Luckily, these leftover turkey dishes transform the signature meal from the night into a whole new dish. These recipes show just how versatile turkey can be.
Table of Contents
- Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
- 1. Turkey Tetrazzini
- 2. Turkey Pot Pie
- 3. Leftover Turkey Casserole
- 4. Turkey Soup
- 5. Leftover Turkey Sandwich
- 6. Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
- 7. Turkey Casserole
- 8. Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
- 9. Leftover Turkey Carnitas
- FAQs
- Different Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
1. Turkey Tetrazzini
With this turkey tetrazzini recipe, you won’t have to worry about cooking a big meal after Thanksgiving. The recipe combines leftover turkey with a rich casserole filling made of cream of mushroom and chicken soup. It’s hearty, filling, and an excellent way to make another few meals from the leftover turkey.
2. Turkey Pot Pie
Swap in the turkey for chicken in this play on the classic pot pie recipe. The cream sauce gives another flavor boost to your leftover turkey for a fresh take on leftover meals.
3. Leftover Turkey Casserole
You will want to make sure you have leftover turkey on Thanksgiving so that you can make this leftover turkey casserole. The leftover turkey combines with veggies, a creamy sauce, and egg noodles to make a meal that the whole family will love.
4. Turkey Soup
You’ll want to save the whole turkey — yes, the carcass, too — for this leftover turkey soup recipe. The homemade stock from the bones of the turkey gives an extra layer of flavor. I like to make a big batch of this turkey soup and freeze it so I can enjoy it all winter long.
5. Leftover Turkey Sandwich
It wouldn’t be the Friday after Thanksgiving if lunch weren’t a leftover turkey sandwich. Our take on the classic leftover sandwich puts all the best side dishes of the night into one tasty bite.
6. Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Extend the holiday menu a little longer by transforming your leftover turkey into a slow cooker turkey and stuffing casserole. This dish is so tasty that you’ll want to make it year-round. One bite, and you’ll see why turkey and stuffing are the perfect Thanksgiving pairing.
7. Turkey Casserole
Give your turkey a makeover and turn it into a turkey casserole. This casserole leaves behind the classic Thanksgiving flavors and fills the baking dish with red sauce, cheese, and pasta to make a hearty dish.
8. Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
This may not be the fanciest recipe, but it is one of the best. Turkey and cheese pinwheels are quick, fun and delicious. Such a great, simple way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
9. Leftover Turkey Carnitas
Turkey plus tacos? Count me in! This sounds like a fantastic way to use leftover turkey in an entirely new way.
FAQs
Leftover turkey is good in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it within two hours of cooking and keep it at 40°F or below. If you won’t eat it soon, freeze it for up to three months.
Add a splash of broth or gravy before reheating to bring back moisture. You can also drizzle a bit of melted butter or olive oil over the turkey before warming it. Covering it tightly while reheating helps trap steam and keep the meat juicy.
Yes! A 10-pound turkey typically feeds about 6 people, allowing for roughly 1½ pounds per person. If you want leftovers (which everyone does!), plan for 2 pounds per person instead
Reheat turkey gently at a low temperature, around 300°F in the oven or on low power in the microwave, with a bit of broth or gravy for moisture. Cover it with foil or a microwave-safe lid to trap steam. This keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out.
Different Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
What’s your must-have Thanksgiving dish? Tell me below — or share this post with someone planning the big meal!
