Some Recipes to Make Your Leftover Turkey Special

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    Transform Leftover Turkey into Delicious New Dishes: Recipes and Ideas

    Once the big Thanksgiving meal is over, it is time to figure out how to make something great out of the leftover turkey. I love a cold turkey sandwich with mayo and cheese, but we have enough left to do sandwiches and another full meal. The simple fact is that the turkey has more love to give.

    So, my bird carcass is in a pot of boiling water, where it will stay until it gives up any remnants of meat that need to be released from the bone, and we end up with a rich, flavorful stock for soup.

    Here, to help you get the most from your leftovers are a few of my favorite turkey recipes.

    1. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

    This is a great use for that turkey stock.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
    • 1 cup cooked wild rice
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 carrots, diced
    • 2 celery stalks, diced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
    • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    2. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the stock, ensuring no lumps form.
    3. Add shredded turkey, cooked rice, and thyme. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
    4. Stir in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and heat through. Serve with crusty bread.

    2. Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas

    If you broke out the cranberry sauce and nobdy ate it, this recipe gives the cranberry redemption.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
    • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
    • 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
    • 8 flour tortillas
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions:

    1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
    2. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Layer turkey, cheese, and a dollop of cranberry sauce on one half.
    3. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese melts.
    4. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole.

    3. Turkey Pot Pie

    A classic comfort dish that’s perfect for using up turkey and leftover vegetables.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
    • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
    • 1/4 cup butter
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 package refrigerated pie crust

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add broth and milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
    3. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in turkey and vegetables.
    4. Pour the filling into a pie dish. Cover with the pie crust, seal edges, and cut small slits in the top.
    5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

    4. Turkey Tetrazzini

    This creamy pasta dish is a family favorite.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
    • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
    • 1/2 cup frozen peas
    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
    2. In a large skillet, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually whisk in broth and milk, cooking until thickened.
    3. Stir in Parmesan, mushrooms, peas, turkey, and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

    5. Turkey and Avocado Wraps

    A light and fresh option for a quick meal.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced
    • 4 large flour tortillas
    • 1 avocado, sliced
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 cup mixed greens
    • 1/2 cup shredded carrots

    Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
    2. Spread the mayo-mustard mixture on each tortilla. Layer with turkey, avocado slices, greens, and carrots.
    3. Roll up tightly, slice in half, and serve.

    Tips for Storing Leftover Turkey

    1. Refrigerate promptly: Store turkey in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
    2. Freeze for later: Portion turkey into freezer-safe bags and label with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
    3. Keep it moist: Add a splash of broth or gravy when reheating to keep turkey from drying out.

    Whether you’re craving comfort food, something light, or dishes with a global twist, these recipes ensure your leftover turkey doesn’t go to waste. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, proving that leftovers can be as exciting as the main event!

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