If you cooked a big turkey for Thanksgiving, you’re probably looking for creative ways to use the leftovers. Rather than defaulting to the same old sandwiches, here are more than 50 inspired ideas to transform leftover turkey into exciting, satisfying meals. From soups and casseroles to salads, tacos, and breakfast dishes, these recipes will help you make the most of every last bite.
What to Do with Leftover Turkey
Most families roast a turkey that’s larger than what they can eat in a single sitting, leaving plenty of meat for follow-up meals. Leftover turkey is versatile and works well in quick weekday dishes as well as more elaborate comfort-food recipes.
Here are several easy directions to take your leftovers:
- Sandwiches — Elevate your sandwiches with cranberry sauce, melted cheese, nuts, or caramelized onions for an upgrade from the ordinary.
- Casseroles — Combine turkey with rice, noodles, vegetables, and cheese for hearty, freezer-friendly casseroles that reheat beautifully.
- Soups — Make a rich turkey broth and use it as the base for comforting soups like wild rice, chowders, or lemon-orzo soup.
- Breakfast — Turn leftovers into morning fare: casseroles, waffles, or savory hash make Thanksgiving taste fresh again.
- Salads & Wraps — Toss shredded turkey into salads or lettuce wraps for a lighter, nutritious option.
- Curry & Stew — Let spices renew the flavor of turkey in Indian- or Thai-inspired curries or fragrant Moroccan stews.
- Tacos & Pies — Use turkey in tacos, pot pies, shepherd’s pie, or stuffed potatoes for family-friendly dinners.
Over 50 Leftover Turkey Recipes
This collection includes straightforward recipes for novice cooks and creative twists for food lovers. A few highlights:
Turkey Ala King — A classic, comforting preparation that’s delicious over noodles, biscuits, toast, or enjoyed on its own. It’s a quick, hearty way to use leftover turkey.
Leftover Turkey Appetizers
Small bites let you sample Thanksgiving all over again. Try turkey and cranberry crostini for a snack that tastes like the holiday in one bite. Collard wraps keep things light and healthy, while mushroom turkey meatballs make flavorful party appetizers paired with a cranberry dipping sauce.
Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are perfect for turning odds and ends into a cohesive, comforting meal. Make a freezer-friendly Thanksgiving casserole that layers all the flavors of the holiday, or a strata-style bake that uses bread, eggs, and turkey to make a rich, savory dish. Other options include noodle-based turkey casseroles, mushroom-and-porcini combinations, or low-carb versions featuring bacon, broccoli, and blue cheese.
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipes
Homemade turkey broth is a game-changer and freezes well for future soups. Use that stock as the base for creamy wild rice soup, a fragrant Moroccan turkey stew with apricots and chickpeas, lemon-orzo Greek soup, Creole turkey chili, turkey corn chowder, or pot pie–style soups. These soups are warming, economical, and great for chilly days.
Turkey and Dumplings
Turkey and dumplings deserves its own category. Whether you prefer a classic Southern version or a twist that uses leftover stuffing as the dumpling base, this comforting dish is ideal for cold evenings and makes excellent use of both turkey meat and holiday sides.
Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Ideas
Leftovers translate beautifully to breakfast: bake a breakfast casserole with rolls, turkey, and veggies, or try turkey and bacon waffles for a fun, savory-sweet morning meal. These ideas make leftovers feel new and festive first thing in the day.
Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipes
Sandwiches are quick and endlessly adaptable. Swap in brie and cranberry for a gourmet grilled cheese, try a panini with cranberry mustard, or go for decadent smoked gouda and turkey in a gooey grilled cheese. Waffled sandwiches with cream cheese and cranberry make a sweet-and-savory twist.
Turkey Salad Recipes
Turkey salad is a timeless way to use leftovers. Mix turkey with cranberries, nuts, and a creamy dressing for sandwiches or serve it as a side. Shaved turkey salads loaded with fresh vegetables are bright and light, while Chinese-style turkey lettuce wraps offer an Asian-inspired option that’s crisp and healthy.
Leftover Turkey Curry Recipes
Curry revitalizes turkey with bold spices. Try an Indian-style leftover turkey curry modeled on classic restaurant flavors or a Thai curry with coconut milk and fresh herbs for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Turkey Stuffed Potatoes
Stuffed baked potatoes topped with a Coronation-style turkey mix or piled with turkey and fixings are a comforting single-serving meal. These are excellent for using small amounts of leftover turkey and reheating easily for lunch or dinner.
Turkey and Rice Recipes
Turkey pairs wonderfully with rice: risottos with mushrooms and pancetta, pine-nut pilafs, and simple one-pot pilaf recipes make impressive, flavorful meals from leftovers.
Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a natural partner for turkey. Make a one-pan bacon-alfredo skillet, orzo with sweet potatoes, Instant Pot turkey pasta, tetrazzini, or macaroni and cheese with turkey, bacon, and Brussels sprouts for indulgent, family-pleasing meals.
Leftover Turkey Pie Recipes
Pot pies and shepherd’s pies are classic uses for turkey. Whether you prefer a gluten-free pot pie, a quick potato-topped leftover turkey pot pie, or a turkey shepherd’s pie with cheesy mashed potatoes, these dishes are cozy, freezer-friendly, and great for feeding a crowd.
Leftover Turkey Tacos
Turkey tacos are fast, versatile, and family-friendly. Spice the meat for depth, or add unexpected flavor combinations like cranberry and cream cheese for a playful twist. Serve with fresh slaws, pickled onions, or avocado for texture and brightness.
Leftover Stuffing Recipes
Leftover stuffing deserves attention too. Turn it into croquettes, layer it with potatoes and turkey for a casserole, or roll it into sausage-style bites with cranberry for delightful appetizers. Stuffing repurposed this way stretches your holiday food and makes new, delicious dishes.
I hope these ideas give you plenty of inspiration to use up your leftover turkey in delicious, creative ways. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and make the most of your holiday bounty!