Leftover Turkey Recipes

Stuck for ideas for leftover roast turkey from Christmas or Thanksgiving? These tasty recipes will make sure that nothing goes to waste.

Everyone loves the famed Leftovers Sandwich after a festive meal. I’m sure every family has their own version! But leftovers can get boring very quickly, especially when you have a huge bird like a turkey to finish off. I’ve compiled a list of different recipes which are perfect for using up leftover cooked turkey. There is everything from tasty soups to hearty stews and easy pasta dishes.

You can substitute leftover turkey into most recipes which call for cooked and diced, sliced or shredded chicken. If there is just too much turkey and your family is getting bored of the same meat every day, you can freeze leftover cooked turkey.

Soups with Roast Turkey

Soup is a great way to utilise leftovers from a big festive meal. Not only can you use up leftover cooked turkey or other meats, but excess vegetables too. Soups make a great cosy but light meal which is perfect for cold weather. Warm up after a crisp Boxing Day walk with one of these tasty soup recipes.

carriecarvalho.com

Chicken Minestrone Soup

Uss turkey in this delicious broth for cosy post-Christmas lunches.

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lifearoundthetable.ca

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Find me a more festive soup than this delicious Wild Rice Soup with turkey and cranberries. A warm hug in a bowl.

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oliviaskitchen.com

Chicken Bone Broth Soup

A great recipe to use leftover turkey, you can even use the carcass to make homemade broth.

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xoxobella.com

Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup

Not sure what to do with those Christmas or Thanksgiving leftovers? You can’t go wrong with this creamy mushroom kale turkey soup.

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easyfamilyrecipes.com

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy, creamy chicken noodle soup is made with rotisserie chicken, veggies, and noodles to make a quick, rich, and cozy one pot dinner.

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Pasta Recipes Using Turkey

Pasta is always my go-to when I need a quick and speedy dinner. You can use cooked turkey in each of these pasta recipes for a quick and satisfying meal.

carriecarvalho.com

Tomato, Basil and Chicken Spaghetti

Spaghetti tossed in a quick and easy tomato sauce with fragrant basil and shredded turkey. Perfect any night of the week.

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dinneratlulus.com

Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi

Utilise leftover roast turkey in Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi for a comforting twist on a traditional favourite. Using pantry staples, its cooked in one pot in about 30 minutes!

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balancewithjess.com

Turkey Alfredo

Use up your leftover turkey in this 30 minute Turkey Alfredo! Made with pantry staples and without heavy cream for a lighter, post-holiday pasta meal!

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Leftover Turkey Dinner Ideas

If you have a bit of a cooking hangover after the festive season, then here are some quick and easy dinner recipes to try. Stews, curries and stir fries are perfect ways to use up leftovers from Christmas dinner.

Turkey Fried Rice with Brussels Sprouts

Need a new way to use up leftover roast turkey? Turkey Fried Rice with Brussels sprouts was made with leftovers in mind! Perfect for after Christmas, Thanksgiving or a Sunday Roast, this quick and easy stir fry is great with chicken too. 

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Chicken and Chorizo Stew

Chicken and Chorizo Stew is a hearty and comforting meal with a subtle smoky flavour. Swap in leftover turkey for an easy and cosy dinner.

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carriecarvalho.com

Chicken, Sweetcorn and Potato Gratin

Chicken (or turkey) and sweetcorn in a delicious creamy, white wine sauce is topped with sliced potatoes and cheese then baked to perfection.

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carriecarvalho.com

Chicken and Leek Stir-Fry

Easy and healthy rice stir-fry, packed with nutritious leeks, pepper and kale plus smoky chorizo. Just swap the chicken for shredded leftover turkey and you have a great speedy dinner!

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blessthismeal.com

The Best Air Fryer Flautas

Crispy and delicious air fryer flautas are filled with seasoned shredded chicken and cheese, then air-fried to perfection. Quick, easy, and full of flavor!

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thefamilyfoodkitchen.com

Easy Leftover Chicken Curry

This Easy Leftover Chicken Curry is the ideal dish to use up leftover Christmas roast. All you need to add is veggies and some simple ingredients most of us have in our kitchens at home.

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spendwithpennies.com

Hearty Turkey Stew (with leftover turkey)

Potatoes, carrots, celery, & peas are simmered in a creamy broth with leftover turkey to create this hearty & healthy Turkey Stew!

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simplystacie.net

Turkey Thai Curry {Perfect for Leftover Turkey}

Turkey Thai Curry is a great way to use leftover turkey! This weeknight meal is a 20-minute dish with the flavors of an all-day simmer.

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thesuburbansoapbox.com

Turkey Tetrazzini

Easy Turkey Tetrazzini is a great way to use up thanksgiving leftovers! Equally delicious all year long with cooked turkey or chicken.

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gracefuldame.com

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole – layers of chicken, ham, cheese, and a deliciously creamy sauce, then yummy sourdough stuffing tops it off!

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Turkey Sandwiches

I think every family has their own version of a leftover sandwich, best enjoyed the day after Christmas or Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. If you don’t have a tried and tested leftover sandwich, or are just looking for new ideas then check out these tasty turkey sandwiches for inspiration.

carriecarvalho.com

The Best Chicken Mayo Sandwich

Use leftover shredded turkey for the ultimate leftovers sandwich.

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pureandsimplenourishment.com

Turkey Pesto Sandwich

Full of flavour this turkey and pesto panini is easy to make and is a healthy meal that can be made gluten free.

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vintagekitchennotes.com

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

The answer to post-holiday leftovers, this Turkey Cranberry Sandwich on seeded bread has cheese, lettuce and is super easy to put together.

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cinnamonandsageco.com

Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Wrap

Packed full of flavor, this Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Wrap is a savory mixture of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and feta cheese.

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thevirtualcaterer.com

Grilled Turkey Cranberry Sandwich with Crispy Sage and Buttered Pecans

Try this unique and decadent twist on the typical turkey cranberry sandwich! Sourdough bread is filled with roasted turkey, cranberry relish, mozzarella cheese

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thishealthytable.com

Turkey Banh Mi

This leftover turkey banh mi sandwich is tangy, crunchy sandwich heaven. If you’ve got leftover turkey it’s the perfect sandwich to make!

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ihearteating.com

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Turkey cranberry sliders turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce into a new meal! The sliders take just minutes to make!

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More Leftover Turkey Recipes

Looking for something that’s a bit different to the usual leftovers? Try one of these recipes. Turkey Fritatta for Boxing Day Brunch, fresh and flavourful Turkey Rice Paper Rolls and Loaded Turkey Nachos are just some great ideas for using Christmas leftovers.

lifeasastrawberry.com

Leftover Turkey Frittata

This leftover turkey frittata is perfect for Boxing Day Brunch! With eggs, goat cheese, and lots of veggies.

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gypsyplate.com

Leftover Turkey Nachos

These easy turkey nachos will give a fun new twist to your leftovers. They whip up in about 20 minutes and make a great appetizer or meal!

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greedygirlgourmet.com

Leftover roast chicken congee (jook)

This quick and easy leftover roast chicken congee is a delicious way to use up leftover meat! Someone described it as “a hug in a bowl.”

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fitmamarealfood.com

Healthy Deli Turkey Salad Recipe (Or Leftover Turkey)

This healthy deli turkey salad recipe is light, protein-packed, and full of crunch! A satisfying salad that’s perfect as a stand-alone meal.

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sungrownkitchen.com

Leftover Turkey Chili with Black Beans and Lime

Leftover Turkey Chili is the best way to use up Thanksgiving turkey! This one-pot chili is loaded with toppings and finished with fresh lime!

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streetsmartnutrition.com

Leftover Turkey Ramen Bowls with 7-Minute Eggs

These Leftover Turkey Ramen Bowls are an easy leftover turkey recipe using just a few fresh ingredient and soft boiled eggs.

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savourthepho.com

Vietnamese Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn Gà)

Savor Vietnamese Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn Gà): Delicate, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients. A true delight!

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littlenomadsrecipes.com

Christmas Empanadas

A fun air-fried Christmas Empanadas in a tree-shaped shape filled with a chicken, avocado mixture, and dice of red bell pepper to keep it festive for the kids!

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More Christmas Leftover Recipes

If you don’t have turkey for your festive dinner, or just have other excess festive food (and drinks) that you don’t want to go to waste, here are some non turkey festive leftover recipe ideas. I always end up with lots of Brussels Sprouts, prawns (from our Christmas Prawn Cocktail), smoked salmon, bacon, cream, cheese and open bottles of prosecco.

• Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Carbonara
• Bacon and Pea Pasta
• Prawn Pasta Salad
• Smoked Salmon and Prawn Linguine
• Salmon Pea Pasta
• Prosecco Pasta
• Strawberry Tequila Fizz
• Festive Fizz Five Ways

I hope you like these recipes! If you have your own favourite recipe to use up festive leftovers then please leave a comment so I can try it!