These easy recipes for leftover turkey are perfect to have on hand for after the holidays. If you make a big turkey but then get sick of eating regular turkey, these recipes will help!
There’s nothing worse than going to all the trouble of making a nice meal and then having it go to waste. Plain turkey is one of those things that we get sick of after a meal or two. These recipes for leftover turkey are perfect for breaking up the monotony of turkey sandwiches!
This post contains links for items to purchase. I make a commission on any sales.
Why do I need recipes for leftover turkey?
If you make a whole turkey for a meal for friends and family, there’s usually still some left when you are done eating. Using up leftover turkey can be a chore since no one likes to eat the same leftovers more than a time or two.
These recipes for leftover turkey are great to have on hand because they take the turkey and turn it into something else! There’s recipes for casseroles, pasta, and more so that you can try out new recipes without having to cook more meat.
Another reason I love these recipes is to spice up my meal plans. If I can cook a whole turkey, pull the meat, freeze it and have it ready for recipes like these, meal time goes so much more quickly!
How to store leftover turkey:
You can store leftover turkey in the refrigerator if you will be using it within a few days. If you want to store the turkey for longer you can move it to the freezer.
Store cooked turkey in vacuum seal bags if possible to help keep it fresh and safe in the freezer. You can also use glass or plastic storage containers that are designed for the freezer!
If you need to keep turkey in the refrigerator be sure to use it in some of these recipes for leftover turkey fairly quickly. I like to use mine up within 4-5 days after cooking or move it to the freezer to avoid spoiling!
Do I have to cook the turkey in these recipes?
Most of these recipes use turkey that is already cooked. If the recipe calls for cooking the turkey you can skip that portion because you are using already cooked turkey.
For recipes like casseroles and pasta where you need to combine the turkey with sauce or other ingredients, don’t worry, it will be fine if you wait to add the turkey until closer to the end of the cooking time. You can make small changes like that to use pre-cooked meats in your recipes!
Having pre-cooked turkey on hand in the freezer or refrigerator is nice because it really cuts down on cooking times for meals. Great to have on hand for busy weeknights!
What kitchen essentials will I need to make these delish recipes?
Here are some of the best tools that you will want to have on hand when making these tasty recipes. You can never have too many kitchen gadgets and if you have someone in your life who likes to spend time in the kitchen these items will make great gifts too!
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
- Farberware Nonstick Jumbo Saute Pan
- Stainless Steel Metal Measuring Spoons
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
- Ouddy 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisks
- Knife Set Essential 19 Pieces
- Bamboo Cutting Board Set
Easy Recipes For Leftover Turkey
These easy recipes for leftover turkey are perfect to have on hand for after the holidays. If you make a big turkey but then get sick of eating regular turkey, these recipes will help!
Everyone loves pizza! This is a graet recipe for using leftover turkey in a way that everyone will love.
Using crescent dough to braid up a quick recipe for lunch, dinner, or even brunch is quick and simple with this recipe.
If you have leftover turkey you probably have leftover stuffing as well! Try out this great recipe for thanksgiving leftovers.
Turkey tetrazzini is an indulgent and delicious way to use up leftover turkey.
Turkey soup can be made with leftover turkey and it's a wonderfully wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
Put that air fryer to good use and make up a batch of these crispy and delicious turkey croquettes.
A simple way to make a turkey casserole that's just like a pot pie. Super tasty and easy.
Put some of that leftover turkey to use in this tasty anytime turkey chili recipe!
Who doesn't love a calzone!?! This turkey version can be made using several turkey dinner leftovers!
Try your hand at an easy risotto! This turkey thyme risotto is comfort food at its best!
Another tasty way to put leftover turkey to use in pizza form! Turkey alfredo pizza is the white pizza of your dreams!
This turkey and sweet potato soup can be made anytime but is a wonderful way to use up leftovers from the holidays!
Don't waste time with casseroles and complicated recipes, throw those leftovers into a burrito and blow everyone away!
Quiche is great for breakfast, lunches, and brunches. Even breakfast for dinner! Try out this roasted veggie and turkey version!
Turn Thanksgiving Leftovers Into Egg Rolls With Sweet-and-Sour Sauce
If you've never made egg rolls with leftovers from turkey dinner, you are missing out! Give it a shot with this easy reicpe.
Making pot pie with leftover turkey is easy and delicious. This is a wholesome dinner everyone will devour.
Need a recipe that can feed a crowd?! These party buns are so simple but so delicious and they're portable so everyone can grab them and go!
You probably think of beef or chicken when you think of enchiladas. Try out this version that is made with leftover turkey to discover a new favorite.
Making turkey cranberry melts has never been easier. This is a great way to use up leftovers from your turkey dinner.
Turkey Sliders (or chicken) with Chipotle Cranberry Barbecue Sauce!
Turkey sliders are easy to make with leftover turkey! Everyone will love these easy chipotle cranberry bbq sliders.
Chicken avocado flatbreads are a great way to make an easy lunch witih leftover turkey instead of chicken!
Making gumbo has never been easier thanks to the already cooked thanksgiving turkey dinner items!
What is better than nachos?! These turkey nachos use thanksgiving leftovers like a boss!
This while rice soup with turkey is delicious, easy to make, and perfectly indulgent.
A pizza made from thanksgiving or turkey dinner leftovers?! Yes please!
Turkey Thai Curry is a fun and spicy way to use up leftover turkey.
Quesadillas are an easy way to use up leftover meat in general. Use turkey with cranberry sauce or any kind of meat you have on hand to use up with your favorite fillings!
Trying to eat lighter after a big holiday meal? Use this recipe for leftover turkey taco salads!
Looking for an indulgent soup that's loaded with flavor and great for cooler days?! This turkey and dumplings soup is the answer.
A fun twist on the monte cristo sandwich! Use up that leftover turkey in style, out with the old boring turkey sandwiches of the past, in with the new!
Looking for more delicious recipe posts to check out?
If you are looking for even more awesome recipes and collections you won’t want to miss out on these other popular posts. Give them a look! You can use these recipe collections to fill out your meal plans for the coming weeks. It’s so nice to have many to choose from so that you never feel like you’ve fallen into a rut in the kitchen!
Don’t miss out on Amazing Recipes For Leftover Ham, Tofu Recipes: Ideal Recipes Sure to Wow Your Guests, Easy Quesadilla Recipes: How to Make Pizza Quesadillas, Instant Pot Corn Chowder: Corn Chowder Recipes, and How to Make Caprese Skewers!
