Feast your way through this collection of the best leftover turkey recipes! Find familiar favorites from Street Smart Nutrition, as well as fellow dietitians and food bloggers. From comfort food favorites to creative updates to classic recipes, you might discover your new favorite way to enjoy what’s left of your Thanksgiving feast!
This might not qualify as a “hot take” but I think leftovers deserve way more love than they get. They’re basically just a less glamorous version of meal prep. I grew up loving them, although I know not everyone feels the same way!
But when Thanksgiving dinner is over, you’re probably faced with a somewhat daunting task of figuring out whether you want to eat the same meal for the next three days in a row.
That’s where this list comes in! You’ll feel, dare I say, excited at the prospect of breathing new life into your leftovers. Plus, embracing a spruced up dish can help reduce food waste and save time and effort. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy whatever didn’t get eaten, so put those leftovers to good use!
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: You should only store leftover turkey in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep it at 40 degrees F or below to prevent bacterial growth, and when in doubt, throw it out! None of these leftover turkey recipes are worth a round of food borne illness.
What’s Included In This List
Breakfast Recipes for the Next Day
If you didn’t get your fill of turkey the night before, start the morning with one of these options! A savory hash or egg-topped breakfast sandwich will keep you energized and nourished for whatever your long weekend plans entail.
Leftover Turkey Sandwiches and Wraps
The classic leftover turkey sandwich is a go-to option for good reason! It’s a great way to work through slices of leftover turkey. And I know it may not feel worth it to save that cranberry sauce or a little bit of gravy, but a smear of either one adds much needed moisture and great flavor.
Here are a few new recipes or unique ideas you may not have considered. Try these if you’re feeling bored with the same ol’ sandwiches!
Main Dishes with Leftover Turkey
Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into an easy meal with one of these recipes. Some can be made in a single pot or pan, which means minimal extra dishes to clean! Try some simple sheet pan meals, pasta dinners, or one of these other creative leftover turkey recipes.
Baked Dishes and Turkey Casserole Recipes
Transform your holiday leftovers into another hearty family dinner. These leftover turkey recipes can help you use leftover stuffing, leftover mashed potatoes, vegetables, and fresh herbs from the main meal. Plan to add some puff pastry to your shopping list ahead of time so you’ll be prepared!
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipes
Settle in for some good old fashioned comfort food with these turkey soup recipes. No matter which kind of turkey leftovers you have (white meat, dark meat, thick slices or tiny shreds), all of these work well when tossed into cozy soups and stews.
And don’t forget to saved the turkey bones, giblets, or other scraps from the turkey carcass to make a homemade turkey stock. This will earn you bonus points for cutting down on food waste!
I hope this list convinces you that the best part of having a ton of extra food is that you can make so many delicious leftover recipes. I hope you found the perfect recipe to create a new vibrant dish from what’s in your fridge. Isn’t it nice to have so many options?
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Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!
Disclosure: This post was originally published in November 2023. It has since been updated to include additional recipes.
