Leftover Turkey Recipes

Thanksgiving and Christmas will, for many of us, look a little different this year.

For many of us, the big family get togethers, with a large turkey and all the trimmings, will be off the cards. Perhaps you are thinking of opting for a smaller turkey, or cooking something completely different altogether.

Before you finalise your plans (I realize, I am late in this – family life took over the past few weeks) – I just want to say this: leftover turkey is wonderful!

If you have a little more of it this year, then all the better! There are so many fantastic ways to use up your leftovers, and of course you’ll be helping those farmers, who like so many of us, couldn’t have comprehended the effects of the global pandemic on their business. As a farmer’s daughter, this is something very close to my heart – I’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects of unforeseen events on this industry.

So, if you do stick to your turkey plans this year (or even buy a larger one!), below you will find a roundup of delicious and easy turkey leftover recipes; from both my kitchen and my talented group of blogger friends – I know I’ll be using them and my family will love the results!!

The great thing about cooking with leftovers:

• It saves you time in the long run!
• It’s a budget friendly way of cooking.

As I always buy a larger turkey than we actually need at Christmas, one that would feed double the amount of people; one year I even bought triple the size – but I have to admit, that wasn’t completely intended…To me, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without mountains of turkey, and wondering how to use it up!

FAQ

How long does cook turkey last in the fridge?

Cooled properly and placed in the fridge within a couple of hours, covered, within a couple of hours, it will keep for up to 3 days. 

Can I freeze leftover turkey?

Yes you can. To freeze: cool the turkey, then slice into slices/chunks and wrap well. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months, although is generally considered best eaten within two to three months.

Defrost thoroughly before using it, and ensure it’s piping hot in the middle.

Tip: Enjoy cold turkey in sandwiches or salads that hasn’t been frozen. Frozen turkey tastes best reheated in hot dishes.

For more info on storing and reheating leftovers: If you’re in the UK, the Food Standards Agency, if you’re in the USA, the FDA, and Australia/NZ, the Food Standards

What can I make with leftover turkey?

Sandwiches and salads, curries, soups, pastas and casseroles, and more! – check out these easy and delicious leftover turkey recipes to try:

Leftover Turkey Banh Mi Baguette

This fresh and zingy banh mi baguette is an easy and delicious recipe for leftover turkey. Easy pickled vegetables, fresh coriander and fiery chilli make this a turkey sandwich that is far from boring

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Christmas Leftover Patties

These patties are an easy way of using up leftover roast turkey and other Christmas lunch leftovers

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Easy Leftover Turkey Curry

This Easy Leftover Turkey Curry is quick and simple but packed full of flavour. Ready in just 25 minutes, this tikka masala style curry is a great way to use up your turkey leftovers on Boxing Day and beyond! Recipe at Easy Peasy Foodie

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Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder

This creamy, rich and cosy Turkey Corn Chowder is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. One pot and 30 minutes is all you need to get this simple, comforting meal on the table. Recipe at Sugar Salt Magic

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Turkey Salad with Noodles and Vietnamese Dressing

This noodle salad is everything a roast turkey isn’t, in the best possible way: vibrant and colorful, crunchy and fresh, and full of South East Asian flavors thanks to the lime and chili dressing which positively hums with a great balance of sour, spicy and sweet. Recipe at Steam and Bake

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Turkey Turnovers with Cranberry and Cheese

Delicious Leftover Thanksgiving turkey turnovers with cranberries, Swiss cheese and a sprinkle of thinly sliced onions. Recipe at Peter's Food Adventures

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Turkey Sliders

Warm and cheesy turkey sliders made from leftover turkey meat. They’re bursting with flavor and so easy to make to feed a crowd! Recipe at Little Sunny Kitchen

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Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

Leftover turkey, buttery roasted cashews, flaky crescent roll dough and the sweet and savory spices of a mild coconut curry make these Turkey Hand Pies just the most amazingly delicious morsels of goodness! Recipe at Went Here 8 This

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Leftover Turkey Quinoa Salad

An easy salad to make when you have cooked quinoa in the fridge! Turn leftovers from your holiday turkey dinner into this Leftover Turkey Quinoa Salad! Recipe at Bakers Beans

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Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole is a simple way to use holiday leftovers! Creamy and rich this casserole is packed with fresh broccoli, chopped turkey, and brown rice. Recipe at Cheese Curd In Paradise

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Turkey Salad Raspberry Vinaigrette

This delicious turkey salad with raspberry vinaigrette is amazingly delicious and the perfect use for Thanksgiving leftovers! Flavorful, light, and tasty! Recipe at Longbourn Farm

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Leftover Turkey Alfredo Skillet Meal

Leftover turkey alfredo skillet meal is the answer for your post-Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey, bacon, peas, and penne pasta are coated in a creamy alfredo sauce. Made in a single pan and ready in 30 minutes. Recipe at The Toasty Kitchen

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Cheesy Baked Turkey Enchiladas

Turkey Enchiladas are a cheesy baked Mexican inspired rolled tortilla dish made with leftover turkey, salsa roja and a three cheese blend. They are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey! Recipe at Dish 'n' the Kitchen

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Turkey Butternut Squash Soup

Use up leftover turkey with this Turkey Butternut Squash Soup. You only need a handful of ingredients to make a comforting and healthy meal in 20 minutes! Recipe at Eat The Gains

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Cranberry Turkey Salad on Croissants

Use up the leftover turkey and cranberry sauce and wow your guest with delicious cranberry turkey salad on croissants! Recipe at Katie's Cucina

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Easy leftover turkey casserole recipe with mayonnaise

This easy leftover turkey casserole recipe with mayonnaise uses common ingredients & 10 mins prep! Recipe at Wholesome Yum

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Fragrant Moroccan Turkey Stew

Leftover turkey, apricots, chickpeas, apple juice and spices combine into a fragrant comforting stew that friends and family alike would love. Suitable for Gluten-Free diets. Recipe at Recipes From a Pantry

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Air fryer turkey, goat cheese and pesto sandwich

Air Fryer Turkey, Goat Cheese and Pesto Sandwich is a quick and easy toasted sandwich recipe. Done in less than 10 minutes with less than 10 ingredients, this is a unique deli turkey or leftover turkey sandwich. Recipe at Smack of Flavour

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Turkey and rice soup

Tender turkey, vegetables and rice are swirled in a savory broth and finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a bright blend of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. Recipe at Pinch and Swirl

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Leftover Turkey Chilli

This leftover turkey chili recipe is perfect for using up those Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner leftovers to make a delicious family meal. Recipe at Mama Loves to Cook

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Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup

Keep leftovers interesting with this delicious turkey tortilla soup recipe. It’s a nutritious and comforting soup to enjoy with holiday leftovers, and freezer friendly! Recipe at Goodie Godmother

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Leftover Turkey Bake

Leftover Turkey Bake is made with the leftovers from your last turkey dinner! It’s so creamy and delicious, some folks like it better than the original turkey meal. Recipe at Quiche My Grits

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Leftover Turkey Ramen

This dish has so much good flavor! Boil the turkey bones to get the most decadent turkey stock and a perfect base for this Leftover Turkey Ramen. Recipe at Kendell Kreations

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Cheese, Bacon and Turkey Quiche

Cheese, Bacon & Turkey Quiche combines a crisp cheese pastry case with a rich creamy filling using cooked turkey, bacon, and soft French Brie cheese. Recipe at Farmers Girl Kitchen

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Turkey and Noodles

Turkey and Noodles, a simple variant of the classic comfort food Chicken and Noodles. This turkey and noodle recipe has thick hand rolled noodles too! Recipe at Eat the Love

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10 Minute Leftover Turkey Quesadilla

Corn tortillas stuffed with turkey, brie, and swiss cheese and fried in a herby olive oil. Recipe at White Kitchen Red Wine

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And, although not strictly a turkey leftover recipes; every year, I always make this chicken pie using leftover turkey – something I began making on cold winter days, and now have to even on hot sunny Australian summer days 😉 Add some leftover stuffing or a spoonful of bread sauce, and you have one very special pie!

Creamy Chicken Pie

A creamy chicken and leek sauce is topped with a crisp puff pastry lid to make a delicious midweek meal from leftover roast chicken

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Robyn x

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