After the holiday feast, your fridge is likely stuffed with leftover turkey, and the inevitable sighs from your family when you suggest turkey again.
But what if those leftovers could transform into exciting, crave-worthy meals that have everyone asking for seconds? From comforting casseroles to bold international flavors, these 25 creative leftover turkey recipes are here to banish post-holiday boredom.
25 Leftover Turkey Recipes Your Family Won’t Complain About
1. Turkey Pot Pie
Golden puff pastry crowns this hearty dish. Shredded leftover turkey is combined with carrots, peas, and a creamy gravy beneath a flaky top. Fresh thyme sprigs add an aromatic touch that promises comfort in every bite.
Baked until bubbly, the filling spills slightly over the edges of the white dish. Serve this warm classic on chilly evenings. Your family will scoop up seconds without a single complaint.
For recipe: [Turkey Pot Pie](Insert Recipe Link Here).
2. Turkey Noodle Soup
Steaming broth cradles tender shreds of leftover turkey. Wide egg noodles swirl among bright carrots and celery chunks. Fresh parsley sprinkles color and flavor across the top.
Warm bowls bring comfort on chilly evenings. Kids slurp every last noodle without fuss. This classic uses up turkey in the best way.
For recipe: Turkey Noodle Soup
3. Turkey Breast with Lentils and Butternut Squash
Juicy turkey breast roasts to golden brown with herb strings tied around it. Tender lentils mix with sweet butternut squash cubes and tart pomegranate seeds. Bay leaves add a subtle aroma to the hearty bed below.
Bright colors make this dish stand out on any table. Everyone enjoys the mix of textures in each bite. Leftover turkey shines in this wholesome meal.
For recipe: Turkey Breast with Lentils and Butternut Squash
4. Turkey Tetrazzini
Creamy sauce coats tender pasta and chunks of leftover turkey. Sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach add earthy depth throughout. Melted cheese bubbles to golden brown on top.
Baked in one dish, this meal feeds a crowd with ease. Comfort fills every forkful on busy nights. Families ask for seconds without hesitation.
For recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini
5. Turkey Wellington
Flaky puff pastry encases juicy leftover turkey slices beautifully. Sautéed mushrooms layer rich flavor beneath the golden crust. Fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes garnish each elegant portion.
Impress guests with this upscale twist on holiday remnants. Sliced thick, it reveals tender meat in every bite. Families savor the crisp exterior and moist filling.
For recipe: Turkey Wellington
6. Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs with Potatoes
Crispy skin crowns juicy turkey thighs seasoned with mixed herbs. Pink peppercorns scatter pops of mild heat across the golden meat. Sliced potatoes nestle below, soaking up savory drippings.
Simple preparation yields a complete meal in one pan. Dark meat stays moist during roasting. Everyone enjoys the bold flavors without extra work.
For recipe: Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs with Potatoes
7. Sheet Pan Turkey with Root Vegetables
Fresh herbs blanket a whole leftover turkey nestled on a bed of sliced carrots and onions. Bright orange carrots contrast crisp white onion rings around the bird. Hands present the simple tray ready for the oven.
Roasting together creates tender meat and caramelized vegetables in one pan. Minimal cleanup follows this effortless dinner. Families love the juicy results every time.
For recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey with Root Vegetables
8. Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey
Golden skin crisps over moist meat infused with fresh citrus notes. Orange wedges and lemon halves stuff the cavity for bright flavor bursts. Scattered cherry tomatoes add sweet pops around the edges.
Herbs like rosemary enhance each tender slice. Roasting locks in the juices from holiday leftovers. Plates empty quickly during family gatherings.
For recipe: Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey
9. Orange Herb Roasted Turkey
Crisp skin glistens on the whole bird, plated with vibrant orange slices. Bay leaves tucked among cherry tomatoes for added aroma—juices pool beneath, blending citrus and herb notes.
Festive garnishes elevate simple leftover turkey into a showpiece. Families relish each moist bite without leftovers lingering. Preparation stays straightforward for busy cooks.
For recipe: Orange Herb Roasted Turkey
10. Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Green pesto spreads thick across toasted bread slices. Melted mozzarella oozes over tender turkey layers and ripe tomato rounds. Crispy edges hold the flavorful stack together.
Quick grilling transforms leftovers into a satisfying lunch. Kids devour every bite with smiles. Fresh basil notes brighten each mouthful.
For recipe: Turkey Pesto Sandwich
11. Turkey Pilaf
Fluffy grains blend with tender turkey shreds and bright carrot strips. Sweet raisins dot the savory mix throughout. Fresh cilantro scatters green freshness on top.
Spices infuse warmth into each quick bite. Families savor this easy stove-top dish often. Leftovers transform without much effort.
For recipe: Turkey Pilaf
12. Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry Sauce
Flaky crust encloses shredded turkey mixed with savory fillings. Golden edges crimp neatly around each portable pocket. Tart cranberry sauce pairs well in a small bowl nearby.
Baked fresh, these treats use up holiday remnants handily. Kids grab them for quick snacks anytime. Fresh parsley adds a green touch to every plate.
For recipe: Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry Sauce
13. Curried Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Creamy dressing binds shredded turkey with vibrant mango chunks. Fresh lettuce cups hold the spiced mixture securely. Toasted almonds add a nutty texture throughout.
Bright flavors refresh palates after heavy meals. Everyone grabs seconds at gatherings. Quick mixing fits busy schedules easily.
For recipe: Curried Turkey Lettuce Wraps
14. Turkey Chili
Thick sauce envelops shredded turkey chunks and plump kidney beans. Grated cheddar melts into a gooey layer on top. Sliced green onions add a sharp contrast to the hearty mix.
Spices build deep flavor in one simple pot. Cooks appreciate the fast preparation time. Bowls empty quickly during family meals.
For recipe: Turkey Chili
15. Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Nutty wild rice mingles with tender turkey shreds in rich broth. Bright carrot coins float among the hearty grains. Steam rises from the comforting bowl on cool days.
Creamy texture develops from slow simmering. Families gather around for seconds gladly. Leftovers find new life in this satisfying classic.
For recipe: Turkey Wild Rice Soup
16. Thai Coconut Turkey Soup
Creamy broth simmers with tender chunks of turkey and crisp green beans. Sliced mushrooms blend earthy notes into the mix. Bright carrots add color and subtle sweetness throughout.
Fresh herbs garnish each steaming bowl invitingly. Spices awaken taste buds with gentle heat. Families enjoy this exotic twist on familiar leftovers.
For recipe: Thai Coconut Turkey Soup
17. Turkey Tetrazzini
Creamy sauce binds thin spaghetti strands with chunks of tender turkey. Green peas scatter bright pops throughout the dish. Sliced mushrooms add earthy depth under melted cheese.
Baked golden, this casserole warms tables on weeknights. Families scoop generous portions eagerly. Leftovers disappear before anyone notices.
For recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini
18. Turkey Pot Pie
Golden crust bakes crisp over a hearty filling of tender turkey chunks. Steam vents reveal creamy gravy studded with mixed vegetables. Flaky edges crimp neatly around the deep dish.
Comfort arrives in each warm slice served to hungry tables. Families gather close for this classic remake of holiday traditions. Simple steps consistently yield satisfying results.
For recipe: Turkey Pot Pie
17. Pulled Turkey Sandwiches
Shredded turkey soaks up tangy barbecue sauce between toasted brioche buns. Creamy coleslaw adds a cool crunch to every savory mouthful. Tangy pickles rest on top to provide a sharp finish.
Messy hands signal a successful family lunch. Smoked paprika enhances the meat’s natural richness effortlessly. Everyone enjoys this casual spin on holiday leftovers.
For recipe: Pulled Turkey Sandwiches
18. Fried Turkey Nuggets
Golden crumbs create a crunchy shell around every tender bite. These bite-sized pieces offer a playful way to serve remaining poultry meat. Savory seasonings enhance the breading for a rich finish.
Kids love dipping these warm treats into honey mustard or ranch. Platter presentation makes them excellent for a casual game day snack. Quick frying ensures the center stays juicy while the outside remains crisp.
For recipe: Fried Turkey Nuggets
19. Kentucky Hot Browns
Creamy Mornay sauce smothers thick slices of roasted turkey on toasted bread. Crispy bacon strips cross over juicy tomato rounds to finish this open-faced classic. Bubbling cheese provides a rich, savory base for every decadent bite.
Serve this regional favorite for a sophisticated weekend brunch. Hungry guests will love how the salty bacon balances the velvety sauce. Broiling the assembly quickly creates those signature charred spots on top.
For recipe: Kentucky Hot Browns
20. Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole
Cubed turkey mingles with toasted bread pieces in a rich, creamy sauce. Crispy bacon bits scatter over the top alongside bright diced tomatoes. Fresh parsley adds a splash of green to this bubbling white dish.
Feeding a large group becomes simple with this baked version of the famous sandwich. Savory aromas fill the kitchen as the cheese turns golden. Each scoop delivers a hearty blend of salt and cream.
For recipe: Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole
21. Classic Turkey Salad
Creamy dressing binds tender chunks of roasted turkey and crisp celery bits together. Cracked black pepper and fresh green onions add a subtle kick to the mild base. Vibrant mixed greens provide a fresh bed for this chilled midday meal.
Quick mixing makes this a smart choice for busy post-holiday afternoons. Families enjoy piling this savory mixture onto flaky croissants or toasted rye. Chilling the salad for an hour allows every herb flavor to develop fully.
For recipe: Classic Turkey Salad
22. Leftover Turkey Banh Mi
Spicy red chilies and fresh cilantro leaves top these vibrant baguette sandwiches. Pickled carrots and crisp cucumber ribbons provide a bright crunch against the savory meat. Creamy mayo spreads smoothly across the light, airy bread base.
Bold Vietnamese flavors offer an exciting departure from traditional holiday meals. Every bite delivers a refreshing balance of heat and sweet vinegar notes. Family members will appreciate this colorful change of pace for lunch.
For recipe: Leftover Turkey Banh Mi
23. Leftover Turkey Curry
Creamy orange sauce coats large chunks of tender turkey and sautéed bell peppers. Fluffy white rice rests alongside the hearty mixture to soak up every drop of liquid. Toasted almond slivers and fresh cilantro leaves provide a beautiful finish to the bowl.
Spicy aromas fill your kitchen during the quick simmering process. Everyone loves how this bold dish transforms plain poultry into something exotic. Squeezing fresh lime over the top adds a bright zing right before serving.
For recipe: Leftover Turkey Curry
24. Turkey and Asparagus Risotto
Creamy arborio rice grains slowly absorb savory broth alongside tender turkey shreds. Vibrant green asparagus spears add a fresh snap to the velvety texture of this dish. Salty parmesan cheese sprinkles over the top for a rich, umami finish.
Stirring frequently creates the signature starchiness that families love in a warm bowl. Bright lemon zest could lift the earthy flavors right before serving. Everyone enjoys how this elegant meal transforms simple holiday remnants into something special.
For recipe: Turkey and Asparagus Risotto
25. Turkey and Cabbage Salad
Crisp purple cabbage provides a stunning color against tender white turkey slices. Shredded carrots and fresh parsley add a refreshing garden crunch to every bite. Creamy mustard dressing coats the ingredients with a bold, tangy kick.
Lighter options like this refresh the palate after several days of heavy cooking. Toasted peanuts scattered on top offer a hidden nutty surprise for your guests. Everyone will appreciate how this vibrant bowl makes leftovers feel brand new.
For recipe: Turkey and Cabbage Salad
