Don’t Let That Turkey Go to Waste: Delicious Leftover Turkey Recipes
So, Thanksgiving (or Christmas, or whenever you had that glorious bird) is over. You feasted, you napped, and now you’re staring at a mountain of leftover turkey. Fear not, fellow food lover! Leftover turkey is a culinary treasure trove, not a culinary catastrophe. With a little creativity, you can transform those leftovers into a week’s worth of delicious meals.
This article will guide you through a variety of easy and flavorful leftover turkey recipes that will keep your taste buds happy and your wallet full.
Turkey Sandwiches: The Classic
Let’s start with the obvious: turkey sandwiches. But let’s elevate them beyond the basic!
Spice things up: Add some heat with a dollop of spicy mayo, a slice of jalapeño, or a sprinkle of chili powder.
Turkey Soup: Warm and Comforting
Nothing warms the soul like a bowl of comforting soup.
Turkey Noodle Soup
This classic is a must-try. Simply toss leftover turkey into your favorite chicken noodle soup recipe. You can also add some chopped carrots, celery, and onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
For a richer option, try a creamy wild rice soup. Sauté some onions and garlic, then add leftover turkey, wild rice, and vegetable broth. Simmer until the rice is tender, then blend in some heavy cream or coconut milk for a luxurious texture.
Turkey Tortilla Soup
This Mexican-inspired soup is packed with flavor. Combine leftover turkey with diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a smoky chipotle pepper. Garnish with avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
Turkey Pot Pie: A Hearty and Cozy Dish
Who can resist a warm and comforting pot pie?
Classic Turkey Pot Pie
This classic dish is perfect for a chilly evening. Layer leftover turkey, vegetables, and gravy in a pie crust, then bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Individual Turkey Pot Pies
For a smaller batch or individual servings, use muffin tins to create individual pot pies. This is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Turkey Stir-Fry: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Stir-fries are a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey.
Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This simple stir-fry is a breeze to prepare. Stir-fry leftover turkey with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles.
Thai Turkey Stir-Fry
For a more flavorful option, try a Thai-inspired stir-fry. Stir-fry leftover turkey with red bell peppers, onions, and peanuts. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and red curry paste.
Turkey Enchiladas: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
Spice things up with some delicious turkey enchiladas.
Classic Turkey Enchiladas
This classic Mexican dish is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Fill tortillas with leftover turkey, shredded cheese, and your favorite enchilada sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Green Chile Turkey Enchiladas
For a Southwestern twist, try green chile turkey enchiladas. Add some chopped green chiles to the filling for a spicy kick.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: A Hearty and Comforting Dish
This classic British dish is a perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Classic Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer leftover turkey, vegetables, and gravy in a baking dish. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown.
Sweet Potato Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
For a healthier twist, use sweet potato instead of regular mashed potatoes.
Turkey Salad: A Versatile and Refreshing Option
Turkey salad is a versatile option that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Classic Turkey Salad
Combine leftover turkey with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and herbs. Serve on bread, wraps, or lettuce leaves.
Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad
Add some dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to your classic turkey salad for a festive twist.
Turkey and Stuffing Balls: A Fun and Festive Appetizer
These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or a quick snack.
Classic Turkey and Stuffing Balls
Combine leftover turkey and stuffing with a little bit of egg and breadcrumbs. Form into small balls and bake until golden brown.
Cranberry Glaze Turkey and Stuffing Balls
For a sweet and savory treat, glaze the balls with a cranberry sauce.
Turkey Quesadillas: A Quick and Easy Snack
Quesadillas are a quick and easy way to enjoy leftover turkey.
Classic Turkey Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with leftover turkey, cheese, and your favorite toppings, such as onions, peppers, and salsa. Grill or pan-fry until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
Spicy Turkey Quesadillas
Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
Leftover Turkey Fried Rice: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
This Asian-inspired dish is a great way to use up leftover rice.
Classic Turkey Fried Rice
Combine leftover turkey, rice, eggs, and your favorite vegetables. Stir-fry until heated through and the eggs are scrambled.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Add some chopped pineapple to your fried rice for a sweet and savory twist.
Turkey Tetrazzini: A Creamy and Delicious Pasta Dish
This classic Italian dish is a creamy and decadent option.
Classic Turkey Tetrazzini
Combine leftover turkey, pasta, and a creamy sauce made with mushrooms, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Turkey Chili: A Hearty and Spicy Meal
This hearty chili is perfect for a cold winter night.
Classic Turkey Chili
Combine leftover turkey with beans, tomatoes, onions, and your favorite chili spices. Simmer until the flavors have melded together.
White Chicken Chili
For a lighter option, try a white chicken chili. Use white beans and a creamy broth instead of traditional chili spices.
Turkey and Dumplings: A Comforting and Hearty Stew
This classic American dish is perfect for a cold winter night.
Classic Turkey and Dumplings
Simmer leftover turkey in a flavorful broth. Drop in biscuit dough and cook until the dumplings are cooked through.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using leftover turkey. So don’t let that delicious bird go to waste! Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy a week of delicious and satisfying meals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional culinary advice. Always follow safe food handling practices and adjust recipes to your own preferences and dietary needs.
I hope this article helps you avoid food waste and enjoy your leftover turkey in delicious and creative ways!