Leftover turkey can be transformed into delicious meals with just a few ingredients. From soups to casseroles, these recipes make great use of your holiday leftovers.
Each dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Here are 34 creative ways to enjoy leftover turkey.
1. Turkey Noodle Soup
Simmer turkey pieces, egg noodles, and vegetables in a savory broth. Add garlic and thyme for depth.
Serve with warm bread or crackers for a comforting, hearty meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Turkey Pot Pie
Layer shredded turkey, vegetables, and creamy sauce under a flaky, golden crust. Add herbs for aromatic flavor.
Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a classic comfort dish. Serve with a simple side salad.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Turkey Enchiladas
Wrap turkey, cheese, and enchilada sauce in tortillas for a flavorful, cheesy bake. Use corn or flour tortillas as preferred.
Top with more sauce and cheese, then bake until melted and golden. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Turkey Salad
Mix turkey chunks with mayonnaise, celery, and cranberries for a creamy, tangy salad. Add walnuts for crunch.
Serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce leaves for versatility. Garnish with chives or parsley for freshness.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Turkey Tetrazzini
Combine turkey, pasta, and a creamy mushroom sauce for a hearty casserole. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Bake until bubbly and golden for a satisfying family meal. Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Turkey Chili
Simmer turkey with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty, flavorful chili. Add cumin and paprika for warmth.
Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips. Garnish with shredded cheese and diced green onions.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer turkey and vegetables under creamy mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Use gravy or broth for added flavor.
Bake until the top is golden and crispy. Serve with a side of green beans or a salad.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Turkey Fried Rice
Stir-fry turkey with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick, flavorful meal. Add scrambled eggs for authenticity.
Serve as a standalone dish or a side. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Turkey Quesadillas
Layer turkey, cheese, and salsa between tortillas, then grill until crispy and melty. Use a non-stick skillet for best results.
Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole. Pair with a side of refried beans.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Turkey Stuffing Casserole
Combine turkey, stuffing, and a creamy sauce for a comforting casserole. Use leftover gravy for added flavor.
Bake until the top is golden and crispy. Serve with cranberry sauce on the side.
Full recipe: click here.
11. Turkey Pho
Simmer turkey bones with star anise, ginger, and cloves for a rich, aromatic broth. Add rice noodles and shredded turkey.
Serve with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts. Adjust seasoning with hoisin or sriracha.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Turkey Caesar Wraps
Combine turkey, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing in a tortilla wrap. Add croutons for crunch.
Serve as a quick lunch or light dinner. Pair with a cup of soup or a small salad.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Turkey Ramen
Simmer turkey pieces with broth, soy sauce, and miso for a flavorful ramen base. Add noodles, eggs, and vegetables.
Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Serve with chili oil for added heat.
Full recipe: click here.
14. Turkey Croquettes
Mix turkey with mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, and spices, then shape into patties. Fry until golden and crispy.
Serve with a dipping sauce or gravy. Pair with a fresh side salad for balance.
Full recipe: click here.
15. Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
Cook turkey with diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty skillet dish. Add paprika for smoky flavor.
Top with fried or poached eggs for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Full recipe: click here.
16. Turkey Alfredo Pasta
Toss turkey with fettuccine and a creamy Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and garlic. Add peas or broccoli for color and texture.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
Full recipe: click here.
17. Turkey Stir-Fry
Stir-fry turkey with mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and ginger for a quick, healthy meal. Add sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Full recipe: click here.
18. Turkey Panini
Layer turkey, Swiss cheese, and cranberry sauce on bread, then grill to perfection. Add a few spinach leaves for freshness.
Serve with a cup of soup or a handful of chips. Use a panini press for the best texture.
Full recipe: click here.
19. Turkey Cabbage Stir-Fry
Cook turkey with shredded cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce for a low-carb dish. Add ginger and garlic for flavor.
Serve as a main dish or a side. Garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds.
Full recipe: click here.
20. Turkey Flatbread Pizza
Top flatbread with turkey, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza sauce. Add sliced onions or peppers for extra flavor.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side salad for a light meal.
Full recipe: click here.
21. Turkey Cobb Salad
Layer turkey, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and avocado on a bed of lettuce. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.
Add cherry tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles for a classic Cobb salad twist. Serve with a slice of crusty bread.
Full recipe: click here.
22. Turkey Empanadas
Fill pastry dough with turkey, onions, and spices, then bake until golden and flaky. Add a bit of cheese for richness.
Serve with salsa or a dipping sauce. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Full recipe: click here.
23. Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Hollow out zucchini halves and fill them with turkey, tomatoes, and breadcrumbs. Top with melted cheese for a rich finish.
Bake until the zucchini is tender and the filling is bubbly. Pair with a side of rice or quinoa.
Full recipe: click here.
24. Turkey Sloppy Joes
Combine turkey with a tangy tomato-based sauce and serve on toasted buns. Add pickles or onions for crunch.
Serve with coleslaw or potato chips on the side. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal.
Full recipe: click here.
25. Turkey Frittata
Mix turkey with eggs, cheese, and vegetables, then bake until fluffy and set. Add spinach or mushrooms for flavor.
Serve as a breakfast or brunch dish. Pair with fresh fruit or toast for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
26. Turkey Tortellini Soup
Combine turkey with tortellini, spinach, and a savory broth for a hearty soup. Add garlic and Italian herbs for depth.
Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Full recipe: click here.
27. Turkey BLT Wraps
Roll turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla with mayonnaise or ranch dressing. Add avocado for extra creaminess.
Serve with a handful of chips or a cup of soup. A great option for lunch or picnics.
Full recipe: click here.
28. Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with turkey, rice, and a tomato-based sauce. Top with melted cheese for a rich finish.
Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. Serve with a side salad.
Full recipe: click here.
29. Turkey Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with turkey, cheese, and black beans. Add jalapeños and salsa for spice.
Bake until the cheese is melted, then top with sour cream and guacamole. Perfect for sharing.
Full recipe: click here.
30. Turkey Curry
Simmer turkey with coconut milk, curry spices, and vegetables for a fragrant dish. Add cilantro for garnish.
Serve with steamed rice or naan bread. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
Full recipe: click here.
31. Turkey and Bean Burritos
Wrap turkey, black beans, rice, and salsa in tortillas for a hearty burrito. Add shredded cheese for richness.
Serve with sour cream or guacamole. Great for meal prepping and reheating later.
Full recipe: click here.
32. Turkey Spring Rolls
Fill rice paper wrappers with turkey, lettuce, and shredded vegetables. Add herbs like mint or cilantro.
Serve with a peanut dipping sauce or sweet chili sauce. Light, fresh, and perfect for appetizers.
Full recipe: click here.
33. Turkey Stroganoff
Cook turkey in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions. Add sour cream for tanginess.
Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for brightness.
Full recipe: click here.
34. Turkey Taco Salad
Layer turkey, lettuce, cheese, and tortilla chips in a bowl. Drizzle with salsa or ranch.
Top with avocado or sour cream for added creaminess. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Leftover turkey can be turned into a variety of flavorful and satisfying meals. These recipes make use of simple ingredients to create something new.
Experiment with flavors and pairings to find your favorites. Enjoy transforming leftovers into something delicious!
Featured image credit to ©dinnerthendessert.
