10 Easy Leftover Turkey Recipe Ideas for Post Thanksgiving Meals
Thanksgiving is all about indulging, but once the big meal is over, you’re often left with piles of turkey. Don’t let it go to waste! With these simple and delicious recipes, you can transform your leftover turkey into fresh meals that taste just as exciting as Thanksgiving dinner. Here are ten super-easy leftover turkey recipe ideas to keep the flavors going all week long!
1. Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe
This oozy, savory-sweet grilled cheese is perfect for a cozy lunch after Thanksgiving. The cranberry sauce gives it a festive touch!
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
Butter for grilling
1/2 cup shredded turkey
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
2 slices cheese (like provolone or mozzarella)
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on the unbuttered side.
3. Grill until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
2. Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Warm up with this hearty soup that’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for those chilly days.
Ingredients:
4 cups turkey or chicken broth
1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
1 cup noodles
1 carrot, sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring broth to a boil in a pot.
2. Add noodles, carrots, and celery; cook until tender.
3. Stir in turkey and heat until warm. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Leftover Turkey Quesadilla Recipe
Give your leftover turkey a Mexican twist with this crispy, cheesy quesadilla.
Ingredients:
1 flour tortilla
1/2 cup shredded turkey
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Salsa and sour cream for serving
Instructions:
1. Place tortilla in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle turkey and cheese on one side, fold over.
3. Cook until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
4. Turkey & Stuffing Breakfast Hash Recipe
Turn turkey and stuffing into a breakfast hash with eggs for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
1/2 cup leftover stuffing
2 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add turkey and stuffing, cook until heated through.
3. Create two small wells, crack an egg into each. Cook until eggs are set.
5. Turkey Salad Wraps Recipe
These turkey wraps are light, fresh, and perfect for a quick lunch!
Ingredients:
1 cup leftover turkey, chopped
2 tablespoons mayo or Greek yogurt
1 celery stalk, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves or tortillas for wrapping
Instructions:
1. Mix turkey, mayo, celery, salt, and pepper.
2. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves or tortillas and roll up.
6. Creamy Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Rich, creamy, and comforting—this Alfredo pasta is a fantastic way to enjoy turkey leftovers!
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked pasta
1/2 cup leftover turkey, shredded
1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Combine pasta, turkey, and Alfredo sauce in a saucepan.
2. Heat until warm, top with Parmesan.
7. Turkey Caesar Salad Recipe
Give classic Caesar salad a protein boost with leftover turkey!
Ingredients:
1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
Croutons and Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Toss lettuce with dressing, top with turkey.
2. Add croutons and Parmesan for extra flavor.
8. Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
This simple one-pan dish combines sweet potatoes and turkey for a tasty, nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
1 sweet potato, cubed
1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook sweet potato cubes in a skillet over medium heat until tender.
2. Add turkey and cook until warm. Season and garnish with fresh herbs.
9. Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
This comforting turkey pot pie uses store-bought puff pastry to make it super easy!
Ingredients:
1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
1/2 cup mixed frozen vegetables
1/2 cup gravy or cream of chicken soup
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine turkey, vegetables, and gravy in a baking dish.
3. Top with puff pastry, bake until golden brown.
10. Turkey Fried Rice Recipe
Turn your turkey into a delicious fried rice for a quick, flavorful dinner!
Ingredients:
1 cup leftover turkey, chopped
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup mixed frozen veggies
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 egg, scrambled
Instructions:
1. In a skillet, cook veggies until tender.
2. Add rice, turkey, and soy sauce, stirring well.
3. Stir in scrambled egg and cook until everything is warm.
There you have it! These easy leftover turkey recipes are perfect for when you need a fast, satisfying meal without all the fuss.
