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.

What to do with over cooked turkey? ›

If the turkey is dry, sitting in the moist gravy will help to rehydrate it. Serving more sauce on the side also helps to add moisture. Finally, if you've made a large turkey and have a lot left over, use it in recipes such as Turkey Pot Pie or a soup such as Turkey Wild Rice.

How many lbs of turkey per person with leftovers? ›

How Much Turkey Per Person Should You Cook? As a general rule, plan for 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. You might wonder how one person can eat that much turkey, especially when plenty of Thanksgiving sides are served. But keep in mind this is not just the weight of the meat but also considers bone and cartilage.

Is a 15 lb turkey enough for 10 people? ›

The general rule of thumb is 1–1½ pounds turkey per person. If that seems like a lot, remember that a whole turkey comes with a lot of parts that don't end up getting eaten.

Can I eat leftover turkey after 7 days? ›

As a general guideline, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends eating or freezing turkey and other leftovers within three to four days. For Thanksgiving, that means you should eat or freeze by Monday.

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

According to foodsafety.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the following foods are safe in the fridge: Turkey: 3-4 days. 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.

How do you reheat turkey so it tastes good? ›

Place the turkey pieces in a baking dish and drizzle with a few tablespoons of stock and/or butter. Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the sliced turkey (cover with a damp paper towel) in a microwave-safe dish at 50% power in 1-minute intervals.

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 to make leftover turkey juicy? ›

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 size turkey for 3 adults? ›

The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per guest. If you're buying boneless meat, assume about 8 ounces per guest. To buy the right size turkey for your party, simply tally up the turkey-eating guests.

What size turkey for 7 people? ›

In figuring how much turkey to prepare, the rule of thumb is 1.5 pounds per person. For seven people you need a 12 pound bird minimum.

How many people does a 14lb turkey feed? ›

By the same math, a 14-pound turkey will feed nine to 10 people.

How long does it take to thaw a 14 lb turkey? ›

It takes 24 hours for every four to five pounds of weight for a turkey to thaw in the refrigerator (a 15-pound turkey will take three days to thaw in your refrigerator). A completely thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for one or two days before cooking.

How many people does a 10lb turkey fees? ›

How to Figure Out How Much Turkey Per Person
Number of GuestsTurkey Weight–
810lbs
1013lbs
1215lbs
1520lbs
4 more rows
Nov 21, 2022

How much is a 15-pound turkey? ›

According to the findings, Americans can expect to pay an average of $34.15 for a frozen 15-pound turkey this year, which translates to about $2.28 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.

When should you throw out leftover turkey? ›

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. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

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.

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