Leftovers Turkey Recipes (2024)

Are you tired of eating the same leftovers over and over again? Take a break from the classic turkey sandwich with this easy and creative list of leftover turkey recipes. Whether you are hosting a small gathering or planning to feed a large crowd, these recipes will show you how to transform your holiday turkey leftovers in unexpected and delicious ways. With a few staple ingredients and some pantry basics, you can create a wide array of dishes that are sure to impress. Read on to discover inventive recipes that will help you ensure no morsel of turkey goes to waste!

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner are my absolute favorites. We always host one or the other and I love every minute of it. The best part of hosting a holiday is having all of the delicious leftover turkey! Try some of the incredible leftover turkey recipes for a great new spin on your leftovers.

Turkey Leftovers Recipes

Even though I love the leftovers, I can admit that sometimes you get sick of them. My husband is the biggest complainer when I am attempting to give him leftovers for a second night. Sometimes all it takes is a little redoing of the leftovers to make them more appealing to everyone.

These are some of the best recipes for putting those delicious leftovers to good use and get your whole family to happily eat them up.

My biggest issue will be deciding which recipe to make first. Which one will you be trying first?

Thanksgiving in a Blanketis the most genius way to eat leftovers as it combines shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce all wrapped in a crescent roll for a simple and delicious way to enjoy yourThanksgiving leftoversthe next day!Leftovers Turkey Recipes (2)

This Thanksgiving, make sure to try Leftover Turkey Casserole for an easy and tasty meal! Combining leftover turkey with mixed vegetables, a creamy chicken soup, and crunchy panko bread crumbs, this casserole will be sure to please your family and make the most of your holiday leftovers. Enjoy the perfect balance of texture and flavor with this easy and delicious meal–it is an ideal way to make your turkey last a little bit longer!

Turkey and Cranberry Panini | This panini is loaded with your holiday flavors in every single bite. This turkey and cranberry sauce-based bread. Give this crispy bread recipe a try.

Turkey Stuffing Roll-Ups are all your holiday flavors in one turkey casserole recipe. Sliced roasted turkey, stuffing, rolled up, and smothered in turkey gravy, and heated in the oven. Give thisturkey rolla try.

Take mealtime to the next level with Chili Bean Turkey Pot Pie! This easy-to-prepare dish combines two classics, chili beans and pot pie, for a bold dish full of comforting flavors. With just a few simple steps, you can make this delicious dish with leftovers encased in buttery, flaky pie crust. Go ahead and make this amazing, hearty dish for your family tonight!

Turkey & Stuffing Turnovers| These turnovers are comfort food. You have tender turnovers that have the use of stuffing and turkey hidden inside these golden little hand pies.

Leftovers Turkey Recipes (7)

ThisTurkey Pot Pie Recipe is the perfect way to use your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. You will fall in love with the creamy filling that is loaded with turkey and tons of vegetables that are topped with a flaky golden crust.I love goodleftover turkey recipesand this one is a real winner.

Introducing Turkey Tetrazzini – the ultimate comforting and crowd-pleasing pasta casserole that is sure to make dinner time a breeze! This delicious dish is made with chunks of leftover turkey, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce – creating a dish that your entire family will love! Turkey Tetrazzini is a simple and tasty way to make sure no turkey goes to waste. So why not give this easy weeknight dinner option a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Are you looking for a unique, delicious way to use up leftover turkey this season? Look no further! This flavorful, creamy tomato turkey orzo soup recipe with savory tomatoes, orzo, and baby spinach is the perfect way to enjoy your leftovers. Not only is the dish delicious, it’s also homemade and wholesome. Make the most of your leftover turkey this season with this heavenly turkey soup!

Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Burritos with Spicy Cranberry Salsa | This is one stunning presentation to serve up. Layers of flavor in a burrito bowl. Slice into these and dive right in and enjoy the tasty flavors in one easy dish.

Turkey Roll Ups| I want to recommend these for another light option. Turkey roll-ups are one that kids love. They are fun and colorful and a downright tasty and a great way to use up your leftovers.

Turkey Soup with Potato Dumplings | Here is a fantastic and hearty dish to whip up and pair with a crisp salad or even dinner rolls. I am a lover of dumplings and love the turkey option.

Got leftover turkey or feeling the Thanksgiving spirit? Look no further – our Turkey & Dressing Casserole is the perfect solution! You can bring the flavors of Thanksgiving to your dinner table with this easy, hearty dish. With just one casserole, you can enjoy the delicious combination of turkey, stuffing, and sauce. Our recipe is sure to become a household favorite – it’s a classic that you can enjoy any day of the year. With our Turkey & Dressing Casserole, you’ll be sure to have a special dinner prepared in no time!

Leftover Turkey Casserole with Rice | This casserole is a great one to whip up. If you are a fan of chicken and rice you will really want to try this turkey and rice casserole.

Delicious Turkey Pot Pie Recipe | Pot pies are always welcome in our home. Tender flaky crust, loaded with turkey and even veggies in a creamy thick broth. I highly recommend this recipe.

This Turkey and Noodle Casserole is comforting, and a perfect way to transform that leftover turkey into a whole new meal. Tender pasta, a creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and mixed vegetables in every bite.

ThisTurkey cranberry grilled cheeseis the perfect way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers as it combines your favorite bread, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese for a mouthwatering sandwich that is ready in minutes.

How long are turkey leftovers good for

Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator forthree to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or use them in one of the delicious recipes listed above.

What is the best way to freeze your turkey leftovers

Slice the meat from the turkey and wrap it in freezer paper or foil, then seal in plastic freezer bags (make sure to press out all the air before sealing. Keep them for up to 6 months.

Leftovers Turkey Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long is leftover turkey good for in the refrigerator? ›

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 do you revive leftover turkey? ›

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

What to do with over cooked turkey? ›

Place your carved meat in a shallow baking dish and cover it with stock. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place in low oven, somewhere around 250 degrees, for 5-10 minutes. The dryness won't be entirely gone after this short broth bath, but the turkey will definitely be more moist than before.

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.

Can I eat leftover turkey after 7 days? ›

How long do the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.

Can you eat leftover turkey on the 5th day? ›

Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days. Another option is freezing the cooked turkey. Turkey can last up to four more months if frozen.

How do chefs reheat turkey? ›

How to reheat turkey
  1. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
  2. Carve the turkey breast meat into thin slices and carve the leg meat off the bone. Lay in a roasting tin or gratin dish. ...
  3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and roast for 30 mins until the turkey is very hot – at least 75C on a cooking thermometer.

Why does leftover turkey taste different? ›

Though it's especially obvious in leftover fish and poultry, discerning connoisseurs can pick out the WOF bouquet in most reheated meats. These flavors are the result of a series of chemical reactions that begins with the deterioration of specific kinds of fats known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs.

How do you add moisture to leftover turkey? ›

Add moisture

Splash the turkey with a bit of leftover broth or stock and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. The aluminum foil will prevent moisture from evaporating too quickly and the low temperature will help prevent the turkey from losing flavor.

What to do with burnt turkey? ›

It may be as simple as just removing the burnt skin, covering the turkey in aluminum foil and sticking it back in the oven. Dark meat takes longer to cook than white meat, so parts of the turkey could still be OK to eat if you find that the breasts are burned, according to Southern Living.

Can I eat leftover turkey cold? ›

Remember, every time they're removed from the refrigerator, it gives pathogens an opportunity to grow. Your leftover turkey sandwich is fine cold, if you cooked it properly the first time.

Is a 3 year old frozen turkey still good? ›

Frozen Turkey

Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

Can I eat turkey left out overnight? ›

How can you be sure your leftovers are safe? A turkey can sit out for a maximum of two hours in the temperature danger zone of 40 to 140 degrees F. If the room temperature is above 90 degrees, limit the time that turkey sits out to only one hour.

What to do if my turkey is still frozen after 5 days? ›

If your turkey is still frozen solid:

Try a safe quick-thawing method. Cold water: Keep the bird in its airtight packaging or a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave: Use your manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound.

Can you reheat turkey after 5 days? ›

Leftover cooked food may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. During this time, you can reheat the leftovers to 165 °F. Be sure to return any unused portion to the refrigerator within two hours to remain safe.

Are leftovers good after 7 days? ›

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.

Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for 6 days? ›

Buy a fresh turkey one to two days before the day you plan to cook. If there is a 'best-by' or 'use by' date on the manufacturer's label, then you can keep fresh poultry, unopened, in the refrigerator until that date.

Is it OK to eat turkey that's been in the fridge for 2 weeks? ›

If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

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