Eating leftover turkey doesn't have to meat dried out meat or a ton of plain sandwiches. Check out these 60+ recipes for what to do with leftover turkey for plenty of ideas.
One of the best things about Thanksgiving or roasting a whole turkey is all the leftovers. However, after a while, it's a bit monotonous eating the same old turkey or a plain turkey sandwich.
Here are several ideas and leftover turkey recipes that will have you wanting to cook turkey more than once a year just for all the fabulous recipes you can make with turkey leftovers.
How Long Is Leftover Turkey Good For In The Fridge?
First of all, it's important that any turkey left at room temperature for more than 2 hours is discarded.
Leftover cooked turkey stored properly before then can then be eaten cold or when reheated.
My general rule for any sort of leftovers is that after 3 to 4 days it gets thrown away.
If you don't think you'll use all your turkey leftovers before then, I like picking the meat off the bones and freezing it with my Foodsaver or you can use a freezer-safe ziptop bag or container.
The cooked turkey meat can be frozen and used within 2 to 6 months for the best quality and taste. You can find the USDA's full guide to turkey roasting and leftovers safety here.
Leftover Turkey Pie Recipes
From pot pies to hand pies leftover turkey in a pie is a delicious creamy way to change things up.
Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Homemade turkey pot pie made easy with a creamy scratch-made filling and plenty of veggies
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Garlic Drop Biscuits
In the mood for stick to your ribs comfort food? Fix this thick & hearty chicken pot pie in one skillet on the stovetop and while that's simmering away, bake a batch of quick & easy cheddar garlic drop biscuits to serve on top. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken, turkey or ham!
Healthy Easy Turkey Pot Pie
Use leftover turkey and frozen vegetables in this Healthy Easy Turkey Pot Pie recipe to serve a quick and light dinner. It uses phyllo sheets instead of puff pastry and there’s no heavy cream OR butter in the filling!
Savoury Hand Pies {use leftover turkey or chicken}
Using leftover turkey (or chicken), puff pastry and a few other ingredients, you could whip up these delicious savoury hand pies. So good on their own or with a side salad.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Hot Pockets
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Hot Pockets gesture all the Thanksgiving classics wrapped in golden, flaky pie crust. It’s Thanksgiving in every bite.
Use Thanksgiving Leftovers for Turkey Pie Reinvented
Turkey Pot Pies
These Turkey pot pies are my go to recipe whenever I have leftover turkey.
(Leftover) Tex-Mex Chili Bean Turkey Pot Pie
An easy-to-prepare dish that combines ingredients of two classics, chili beans and pot pie. It’s basically made with leftovers encased in buttery, flaky pie crust resulting in a bold dish full of comforting flavors.
Spiced Turkey-Vegetable Hand Pies – Leftover Turkey Hand Pies
Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
Turkey Pot Pie (Gluten-Free): Leftovers, Pie Crust, and Make-Ahead Tips
This is the Turkey Pot Pie we crave the moment the Thanksgiving leftovers are snug in their containers.Made from scratch with chunks of roasted turkey and vegetables bathed in a silky, creamy sauce.And oh, that crust. Or no crust. Here, you have plenty of options.
Leftover Turkey Casseroles
Turkey casserole recipes are a great way to use leftover turkey and have it feel like an entirely different dish.
Easy Leftover Turkey Casserole
This is the easiest (and probably the tastiest) leftover turkey casserole you're going to find! With only five ingredients - it just doesn't get any better and you can use up all that leftover turkey you're going to have after the holidays.
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
This delicious and easy chicken hashbrown casserole could easily be made using shredded leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It's a family favorite with so much versatility.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Use up your Thanksgiving leftover turkey in this classic Turkey Tetrazzini casserole.
Genius Potato, Turkey and Stuffing Layered Leftovers: Better than Thanksgiving Day's Dinner!
Totally genius because it not only uses up all your leftovers, but it doesn't taste "leftover"! Maybe even better than Thanksgiving dinner! Make extra everything!
Thanksgiving Leftover Strata
This Thanksgiving Leftover Strata transforms all your leftovers into a layered casserole that’s chock-full of flavor with pockets of gooey cheese, crispy bacon, juicy turkey, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, all topped with crunchy croutons and a drizzle of cheesy turkey gravy!
Turketti {aka: Leftover Turkey Spaghetti Casserole}
Creamy spaghetti loaded with chopped leftover turkey and slathered with cheese, Turketti {aka: Leftover Turkey Spaghetti Casserole} debuted to rave reviews with our kiddo. It's an easy, tasty way to enjoy those turkey leftovers. Not to mention, it's just got a fun name, don't you think?
Too much turkey? Make Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole!
If you have too much turkey, you have to try this Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole! Especially when your family is tired of heating up plain turkey or your leftovers have dried out a bit.
Leftover Cheesy Turkey Casserole – Jas’ Kickasserole
You might want to roast turkey all year round for this flavorful leftover cheesy turkey casserole. Not only is this kickasserole easy to make but you can use any kind of leftover meat for an incredibly tasty dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Leftover Turkey Sandwich Ideas
Who says a leftover turkey sandwich has to be boring?
Leftover Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect way to use up Leftover Turkey. Packed with Bacon, Avocado and Ranch, turkey melts never tasted so good!
Turkey Cheddar Sliders
Transform your leftover turkey into something delicious. These Turkey Cheddar Sliders are an easy meal idea for the crazy, after Thanksgiving shopping weekend!
Turkey Panini {with crispy prosciutto & strawberries}
These sweet and savoury turkey panini sandwiches are a delicious way to use leftover turkey. They come together quickly and hit the spot!
Ross’s Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich
Ross’s Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich is the sandwich you need to make the day after! Starring Monica’s ‘Moist Maker,’ this sandwich is just delicious!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Turkey cranberry sliders are the perfect addition to your leftover turkey recipes! These are simple to make and taste amazing! With the Hawaiian rolls and garlic mustard, you can’t beat this Thanksgiving leftover treat!
Southern Turkey Salad
Take those leftover turkey sandwiches up a notch - and make them turkey SALAD sandwiches instead! This Southern Turkey Salad recipe is creamy, loaded with flavor, and a perfectly delicious way to enjoy those turkey leftovers.
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!
Deluxe Chicken Salad Wraps
Deluxe Chicken & Bacon Salad Wraps. These little wraps are great for parties, lunches, suppers, or any time! It's a great way to use up left over chicken (or turkey), and the recipe is nice and easy, with no fuss. Delicious!
Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini
Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini makes a great lunch packing your favorite Mediterranean flavors into a warm, flavorful sandwich. Garlic and Herb hummus is spread on your favorite bread and topped with smoked turkey, roasted red peppers, spinach, sliced tomatoes, artichokes and havarti cheese to create the ultimate sandwich.
Daddy's Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich
These loaded, hearty sandwiches are served open faced and piled high with mashed potatoes, turkey, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and gravy. Oh, and more cheese! Jeez, eat one of these and you will be full for the rest of the day. Just like eating a Thanksgiving Day meal!
Crunchy Turkey Spinach Wraps
This delicious paring of spinach and turkey make for a simple lunch or dinner idea. Through in a few vegetables for an added crunch in just minutes.
Leftover Turkey Salad Panini Sandwich with Cranberries and Pecans
This Leftover Turkey Salad Panini Sandwich with Cranberries and Pecans is a fast and easy way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Copycat Trader Joe's Turkey Gobbler Wrap
This Turkey Gobbler Wrap is an exact copycat of the Trader Joe’s version, complete with stuffing, cream cheese, and cranberries! Use leftover holiday turkey and sides to create these delicious and easy make-ahead lunches!
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipes
Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Wondering what to do with leftover turkey? This creamy turkey wild rice soup recipe is a delicious way to use up turkey leftovers that’s different from the same old same old.
Chicken And Dumplings Recipe With Vegetables
Leftover turkey can easily be used instead of chicken in this creamy southern classic recipe
Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
Another recipe you can use turkey instead of chicken for - plus it's a lot faster than making a pot pie while tasting just as good!
Instant Pot Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Today we are rocking the soup bowls with some turkey wild rice soup. It is full to bursting with turkey, mushrooms, rice, turkey broth and plenty of seasoning. This is perfect for a quick one pot meal after a busy day at work or to soothe you when you have a virus.
Hearty Turkey Stew
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup + Best Ever Homemade Broth
Turkey and Lentil Soup ~ ground turkey or holiday leftovers ~ A Gouda Life
Turkey and Lentil Soup made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Easy, delicious healthy recipe packed with vegetables and protein. Cooks in 30 minutes.
Weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup
This Instant Pot Noodle Soup recipe is perfect for weeknight cooking! Using the speed of pressure cooking and the convenience of pre-cooked chicken or turkey, you can have a delicious meal on the table in 35 minutes!
Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice & Spinach
Turkey Stew
This Turkey Stew recipe is made from scratch with potatoes and vegetables. It’s hearty and a great way to use up leftover turkey. Rustic and comforting!
Turkey Tortilla Soup
Turkey tortilla soup is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. This soup is made with black beans, corn and canned tomatoes and is so full of flavor.
Hearty Turkey Corn Chowder
Hearty Turkey Corn Chowder- Here is a delicious Hearty Turkey Corn Chowder recipe that is perfect to make with leftover turkey. Not only is this chowder hearty, with all the turkey and veggies, it is delicious and filling as well.
Leftover Turkey Pizza Recipes
Deep Dish Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza
Deep Dish Thanksgiving Leftovers PizzaThanksgiving leftovers (turkey, cranberry, stuffing and sides) tucked under a blanket of colby jack cheese for a deep dish pizza version of the traditional leftover bake.
Easy Leftover Turkey and Pear Pizza Recipe
This Easy Leftover Turkey and Pear Pizza recipe uses leftover Thanksgiving turkey, sliced pears, mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a delicious appetizer or meal.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza
Here's a fun twist for Pizza night: pizza topped with all your favorites from Thanksgiving dinner! Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Turkey, and Cranberry Sauce all top crunchy pizza crust for an epic pizza creation!
More Recipes For Leftover Turkey
Ideas for what to make with leftover turkey including Mexican-style dishes and more.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cups Recipe
A great way to use turkey leftovers instead of chicken if you're having friends over to watch the game.
Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls
Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls are the most delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. A crispy, golden brown egg roll wrapper surrounds your favorite Thanksgiving flavors.
Thanksgiving Poutine
One of the most delicious ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers to make this easy turkey poutine recipe. Instead of a turkey sandwich serve the leftover turkey, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce over crispy sweet potato fries and melty cheese curds to make turkey poutine.
Turkey Thai Curry
Turkey Thai Curry - A brilliant way to use up your Christmas leftovers! Get dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.
Cran-Turkey Enchiladas Recipe - Best Use of Thanksgiving Leftovers Ever!
This Cran-Turkey Enchiladas recipe has a Mexican twist and are THE BEST use of Thanksgiving leftovers!
Leftover Turkey Tacos
These shredded turkey tacos are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. Plus, they’re outrageously delicious and beyond easy to make!
Leftover Turkey Quesadillas with Black Beans
Make quesadillas with leftover turkey, because no one wants to cook anything elaborate the day after a big holiday. Just add tortillas, cheese, and black beans to your shopping list and you'll be all set!
Turkey & Stuffing Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Turkey and Stuffing Air Fryer Egg Rolls are the perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, but they also make an easy and unique weeknight meal!
Leftover Turkey Fried Rice Recipe
An Asian twist to Thanksgiving turkey leftovers? Yes, everyone will love this healthy and tasty dish!
Turkey Thai Basil :
Use up your leftover turkey in this simple, yet flavorful meal! This Turkey Thai Basil helps you get dinner done fast during the busy holiday season.
Cranberry, Cheese & Turkey Filo Rolls - The Flavor Bender
Transform your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into these delicious Cranberry, Cheese & Turkey Filo Rolls (Or Phyllo Rolls) and find out just how amazing even those leftovers could taste
Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas
Easy Cheesy Turkey is enchiladas make great use of your holiday leftovers!
Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a great use of Thanksgiving & Christmas turkey leftovers all rolled up in flaky puff pastry. A little savory, a little sweet, it’s the flavors of a holiday dinner in a roll.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Turkey & Rice
Full of delicious Chinese flavours, super simple to make and you won’t just be able to stop at one portion!
Leftover Turkey Potato Cakes - pure comfort food heaven...from leftovers!
Turkey Cranberry Crescent Braid
This Turkey Cranberry Crescent Braid is a fantastic way to use leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.
More Ways To Use Leftovers
A lot of people say they hate eating leftovers but I love making a previous dish into an entirely new meal. Check out these other ways to use leftovers including:
What are some of your favorite ways to use leftover turkey?