Published: · by Renée B. · This post may contain affiliate links.
Transform leftover turkey into easy, creative, budget-friendly fare with this lineup of savory recipes! Whether you're in the mood for comforting classics or ready to explore fresh twists on traditional flavors, these recipes are serious inspiration for post-holiday feasting.
When Thanksgiving festivities wind down, we're usually left with a fridge full of leftovers, especially the star of the show – the turkey. So, how can we make the most of the post-holiday abundance?
Leftover turkey is a culinary chameleon, ready to take on the spices and seasonings of diverse cooking styles. Discover some of our favorite main dish recipes for using up leftover turkey. Don't let any part of your Thanksgiving feast go to waste with these creative, delectable ideas!
For detailed instructions on how to roast a whole turkey, visit our step-by-step guide for cooking a moist, tender, flavorful turkey every time.
How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last?
The shelf-life of leftover turkey depends on many factors, including the freshness of the turkey before cooking, how quickly it was refrigerated, how it's packaged, and how it's stored.
- Refrigerator: Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Debone turkey and store in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Cooked turkey freezes very well. Debone and store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Cooked turkey can last in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Turkey Stock or Broth: Homemade turkey stock or broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months or more, depending on packaging.
Hint: You can easily make turkey stock using our instructions for Hearty Homemade Chicken Stock.
Substituting Turkey for Chicken
Turkey and chicken have similar flavor and nutritional profiles, and most recipes that call for cooked chicken can be made successfully using cooked turkey. Our chicken pot pie recipe, for example, is absolutely scrumptious when made with leftover turkey and homemade turkey stock.
Other chicken recipes that we particularly enjoy subbing in turkey include Chicken Pillows, Curried Chicken Salad, White Chicken Chili, and Chicken Mushroom Tart.
Looking for Turkey Soup Recipes?We found so many great ideas that we had to give them a post of their own → Leftover Turkey Soup Recipes
Leftover Turkey Main Dish Recipes
Explore this mouthwatering list of main dish recipes using leftover turkey, including sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and stews.
1
Thanksgiving Leftover Gobbler Pie
Photo Credit:jawnsicooked.com
Creating this delightful and festive Thanksgiving Leftover Gobbler Pie is a breeze, thanks to a foolproof hot water crust. Using just a handful of leftovers from your fridge, this recipe is a simple yet scrumptious way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving in a whole new way.
2
Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwich
Indulge in the scrumptious nostalgia of a classicOpen-faced Hot Turkey Sandwich— a delicious and comforting way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers.
3
Fragrant Moroccan Turkey Stew
Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com
Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with our 20-minute Spiced Turkey Stew—ideal for chilly fall and winter nights. Utilizing leftover turkey, apricots, chickpeas, apple juice, and spices, this comforting stew is a hit with both friends and family.
4
Turkey Cranberry Flatbread
Photo Credit:inspiringsavings.com
Flatbread makes an excellent base for this simple, tasty Cranberry Turkey Pizza, perfect for a light lunch or post-holiday appetizer.
5
Baked Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders
Photo Credit:dishnthekitchen.com
Use those holiday leftovers to make these Baked Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders. Ideal for game day or a satisfying midnight snack, these sliders are sure to please a hungry crowd.
6
Cold Turkey Pasta Salad with Honey-Citrus Dressing
Indulge in a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with this main dish pasta salad. Packed with turkey, grapes, and toasted walnuts and tossed in a refreshing honey-citrus dressing, it's perfect post-holiday grazing and potlucking.
7
Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini
Photo Credit:urbanblisslife.com
Searching for a tasty way to repurpose Thanksgiving turkey leftovers? Try this Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini — a creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared dinner that the entire family will adore!
8
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Photo Credit:iamhomesteader.com
Turkey, tomatoes, homemade cheese sauce, and bacon make up these savory, appetizer-size Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders - as delicious as they are fun to eat.
9
Thanksgiving Leftovers Crunchwrap Supreme
Photo Credit:cookingwithjanica.com
In this holiday crunchwrapremix is stuffed with Thanksgiving leftovers and pan-fry until it’s nice and brown and crispy on the outside. Delish!
10
Turkey & Dumplings Casserole
Photo Credit:familyfavoriteholidayrecipes.com
Made from leftover turkey, vegetables, and homemade dumplings and layered with a rich, flavorful gravy, this comforting Oven-Baked Turkey & Dumplings Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy nights.
11
Thanksgiving Casserole
Photo Credit:makeaheadmealmom.com
This easy, freezer-friendly casserole can be made well ahead of time, allowing you to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving anytime you want!
12
Turkey Tikka Masala
Photo Credit:gypsyplate.com
Put a unique spin on your holiday leftovers this season! Indulge in the delightful flavors of Turkey Tikka Masala, featuring a mild, delicious sauce that might have you wishing you'd gone for the larger bird!
Turkey Tamale Pie
Photo Credit:chiselandfork.com
Packed with turkey, gravy, and a homemade cornbread crust, this turkey tamale pie is a fantastic way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers!
14
Leftover Turkey Fricassee
Photo Credit:knifeandsoul.com
Elevate your leftover turkey with this luscious, velvety fricassee sauce. This recipe guides you through the process, ensuring a perfect balance of richness, umami, and acidity.
15
Leftover Turkey Hand Pies
Photo Credit:www.shugarysweets.com
Transform your leftover turkey into a delicious and creative treat with this Turkey Hand Pies recipe! Puff pastry makes the process a breeze; perfect for enjoying over the holiday weekend.
16
Leftover Turkey Bake
Photo Credit:quichemygrits.com
Leftover Turkey Bake is a delectable one-dish skillet meal that takes just 5 minutes to assemble and 30 minutes to cook - as simple as taking leftovers from your fridge and tossing them into a pan.
17
Turkey Salad
Photo Credit:missinthekitchen.com
Elevate your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers with the ultimate Turkey Salad! This simple sandwich spread requires just five ingredients, and it's sure to make you look forward to those post-holiday meals!
18
Turkey Salad with Pecans
Photo Credit:kitskitchen.com
This pecan-studded turkey salad is great for using up your leftover turkey from the holidays, and it's so easy to make!
19
Cranberry-Turkey Enchiladas
Photo Credit:bellyfull.net
Maximize your Thanksgiving leftovers with these Cranberry-Turkey Enchiladas—a fantastic fusion of flavors with a delightful Mexican twist!
20
Turkey Thai Curry
Photo Credit:www.simplystacie.net
For a quick and delicious weeknight meal, try this Turkey Thai Curry — an excellent way to make use of leftover turkey. This savory dinner dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare, and makes an easy, satisfying meal for the whole family.
21
Turkey & Cranberry Roll-Ups
Photo Credit:homemadeheather.com
Prepare to dazzle your guests with these delectable turkey roll-up appetizers! Loaded with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese, they make for the perfect party snack!
22
Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
Photo Credit:adorefoods.com
These golden egg rolls are packed with all your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers! Easy to prepare, they put a new spin on traditional holiday post-holiday snacking!
23
Tater Tot Turkey Casserole
Photo Credit:thefeatherednester.com
Turkey Tater Tot Casserole is a tasty one-pan meal the whole family will enjoy; perfect for using up leftover turkey!
24
Turkey Turnovers with Cranberry Sauce
Photo Credit:twokidsandacoupon.com
Got turkey leftovers? Try these easy and delicious Turkey Turnovers with Cranberry Sauce this weekend!
25
Southwestern Turkey, Butternut Squash & Black Bean Stew
Photo Credit:www.fromachefskitchen.com
Hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, this Southwestern Turkey, Butternut Squash and Black Bean Stew as as easy to make as it is delicious!
Join the conversation and share your favorite ways to reinvent leftover turkey. Whether it's a cherished family recipe or a personal twist you've discovered, comment below and inspire others with your ideas!
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About Renée B.
Renée is self-taught home chef with a penchant for creating healthy(ish) comfort food recipes, and adapting vintage recipes for the 21st century cook. In her spare time, she writes unfinished novels and songs about cowboys.
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