From soups and salads, to hearty dinners and healthy meal prep recipes, we’ve got over 25 of the best leftover turkey recipes for you!
Recipe Ideas for Leftover Turkey
If your brain is fried from planning all your holiday recipes and you need someone to do the legwork for you when it comes to ideas for using up all that leftover roast turkey, we’ve got you covered!
After the holidays, you may be craving a lightened up soup or salad, and we’ve got plenty of those to choose from. If you’ve got a family to feed, we also have lots of hearty dinners that are sure to appeal to those picky eaters as well. I’m looking at you kids!
Casseroles, sliders, pasta, sandwiches, quesadillas. You name it, we’ve got something for you! Whether you take a recipe made with cooked chicken and swap it out for leftover turkey, or make something with turkey specifically in mind, the possibilities are endless.
Turkey is a fantastic protein because it has such a mild flavor and it is very lean. You can make a light and healthy dish or pile on the cheese and cream for something hearty. It can also be incorporated it into just about any cuisine. From Asian inspired ramen, to Mexican tacos and soups, add as much or little seasoning as you’d like!
How long is leftover turkey good for?
If you are storing your leftover turkey in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 3-4 days according to official food safety practices. Just don’t tell my Mom that, because she thinks it’s a crime to waste leftovers if they are less than a week old! Lol
Can I freeze leftover turkey?
Yes! You can absolutely store leftover turkey in the freezer so it doesn’t go to waste if you have too much. Pack it up in an airtight freezer container or resealable bag and squeeze as much air out as you can. This will help prevent frost and freezer burn. You can freeze turkey for up to 3-4 months if properly packaged.
I like to store about 2 cups of leftover turkey in quart size freezer bags. This is usually the amount you will need for any leftover turkey recipes. If you freeze it all together in one big container, you will need to use it all up when you thaw it, as you shouldn’t re-freeze after a thaw.
Turkey thawed in the refrigerator will be good for 3-4 for days.
Best Leftover Turkey Recipes
From soups and salads, to dinners and healthy meal prep recipes, we've got over 25 of the best leftover turkey recipes for you!
5 ingredient and 30 minutes is all you need for these cheesy crescent rolls. They are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
After indulging in a turkey day feast, there's nothing quite like a wholesome bowl of soup the next day for lunch! This soup doesn't skimp on flavors either. It had a nice touch of spice to go with the crunchy corn and savory broth.
Does it get much better than this?! Caramelized onions, smoky seasoning, sharp cheddar and topped with savory butter sauce for a flavor explosion!
Buffalo sauce isn't just for chicken! Make these little Naan bread pizzas with your leftover turkey for a spicy and delicious meal.
These sliders are filled with creamy Havarti cheese, cranberry relish and a savory butter sauce finishes them off for amazing flavors!
If you are looking for a quick and easy lunch loaded with flavor, this wrap is perfection! There might not be an easier and tastier way to us your turkey leftovers.
Enjoy some amazing Mexican flavors with your leftover turkey! These crispy tacos with turkey and mole sauce sound out of this world.
If you need a good salad to serve as a side dish or a quick and delicious lunch, this cobb salad loaded with vegetables is so creamy and good.
Grab some Havarti cheese, green onion and tortillas and you have these amazing sweet and spicy quesadillas made with leftover turkey and cranberry relish.
Spice things up with this salad, using leftover turkey, loads of fresh vegetables and is served with a creamy Cajun yogurt dressing. It's perfect for some spicy leftover turkey or just a great way to kick up the flavors on plain turkey.
Cheesy Turkey Pot Pie Casserole is a quick and easy 20 minute weeknight dinner idea with only 5 ingredients! It calls for chicken, but substitute leftover turkey chopped up and you will have a delicious weeknight meal.
Swap out the chicken for turkey and enjoy one of my all-time favorite salad sandwiches. The crunch and flavor from apples and pomegranates is so good!
This turkey casserole will have the kids and adults begging for more! Creamy shells, corn and peas round out this hearty dinner bake.
Whip your pressure cooker for this mouthwatering ramen! Is there any better way to infuse great flavor in leftover turkey?!
Pile all your leftovers on a nice piece of bread and make a quick cranberry mayo for a creamy and delicious way to enjoy your turkey feast one more meal!
This creamy chipotle soup is one of my favorites! A can of fire roasted tomatoes, coconut milk, chipotles in adobo and cilantro come together in this rich soup with so much flavor you'd never guess it only calls for 7 ingredients! Swap out the chicken for turkey and you have a robust meal for days.
Toss your leftover turkey in a much need salad after the holidays. Add in some dried cranberries, almonds, farro grains and feta. Toss it with a light apple cider vinaigrette or layer it in a jar for an awesome meal prep for lunches throughout the week!
This classic casserole is a hearty family friendly dinner you can't go wrong with.
All the traditional flavors of chicken and rice soup, but you can put all that leftover turkey to good use!
Make this flavorful salad loaded with crunch and a homemade Thai peanut sauce. Toss in some leftover turkey and you've got a fantastic lunch loaded with veggies!
No one will be able to claim turkey is bland in this spicy soup bursting with so much amazing Mexican flavor!
This is one of my favorite salads that is filling and oh so tasty! Pineapple, cranberries, pepitas and quinoa are tossed in a light dressing made with pineapple juice, lemon and honey. Swap out the chicken for leftover turkey and you've got one amazing lunch!
Toss your leftover turkey with some buffalo sauce and cheese and wrap it in a pocket of pizza dough for these easy 5 ingredient Air Fryer calzones!
How fun is this?! Wrap up those holiday leftovers in egg rolls and pop them in the Air Fryer for a fun and delicious lunch the day after the big holiday.
Layer your turkey and peas in a cream sauce topped with leftover stuffing for this hearty dinner.
Twice Baked Buffalo Sweet Potatoes are a healthy and delicious dinner recipe loaded with vegetables, perfect for freezer meal prep!
If you are tapped out from cooking after the holidays, it doesn't get much simpler than tossing all the veggies, turkey and noodles in a slow cooker and let it do it's thing!
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