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Author: Imma
These fuss-free LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPES will transform your usual post-thanksgiving turkey sandwiches into hearty meals. I can assure you that the delicious turkey you have won’t definitely go to waste. Now you have full meals to last for even weeks to come!
This year’s Thanksgiving may not look like it used to, but there are still some of us who intentionally want a whole turkey just so we can have meals to last for weeks.
I’m not saying that it’s me, but well yeah, it could be me, too.😅 And so I’ve compiled a list of ways to enjoy all those turkey leftovers.
Caution though, these leftover recipes are just as good as the turkey itself. So buckle up!
Contents…
How to Store Leftover Turkey?
How Long is Leftover Turkey Good For?
What To Do with Leftover Turkey?
1. Chicken Lasagna
2. Chicken Enchiladas
3. Fiesta Chicken Casserole
4. Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
5. Brunswick Stew
6. Quiche Lorraine
7. Hoppin John
8. Ham and Bean Soup
9. Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
10. Red Beans and Rice
11. Southern Mustard Greens
12. Stuffed Green Bell Peppers
How to Store Leftover Turkey?
Before you think of freezing your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, make sure to decide how you intend to use it.
- If you want to make your very own stock, remove the meat first, then save the bone. Then store them properly.
- If you intend to use it on sandwiches or stews, either slice or shred them before placing them in an airtight container and into the fridge or freezer.
- And if you’re all set to making them into soups or as salads add-ons, then cube them in portions before storing.
PRO TIP: Make sure to remove any stuffing in the turkey and store them separately. For the meat turkey, you can slice and portion them and wrap them in aluminum foil. Then place them in plastic freezer bags or in an airtight container.
How Long is Leftover Turkey Good For?
When stored properly, leftover turkey could last in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. And when reheating, just take out a portion of your turkey and use it as intended. Don’t reheat a bigger portion and put them back in the freezer.
What To Do with Leftover Turkey?
Did you make this Smoked Turkey or Roast Turkey Breast? Well, the best thing after Thanksgiving is that you can make a week(s) worth of meals out of your leftover turkey. Here are just some of my favorite ways to use it.
1. Chicken Lasagna
There are just so many ways to enjoy leftover turkey. And one of my favorites (actually, my son’s favorite) is swapping chicken with leftover turkey for this rich, saucy, cheesy Chicken Lasagna. Layered lasagna noodles filled with mushrooms, spinach, and a rich three-cheese sauce, this white lasagna will never disappoint.
Chicken Lasagna
Chicken Lasagna is an easy makeover of chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The rich Alfredo sauce layered with lasagna noodles, mushrooms, spinach, and a three-cheese sauce is easy enough for an everyday meal but elegant enough for that special date night.
Check out this recipe
2. Chicken Enchiladas
Another rich and cheesy way to enjoy leftover Thanksgiving turkey. The blast of color and flavor from this Chicken Enchiladas casserole will have you giving thanks for leftovers. This comes with a Homemade Enchilada Sauce, too!
Chicken Enchiladas
Rich, cheesy, and super saucy chicken enchiladas to adorn your dinner table with its ultimate blast of colors and flavors. This quick and easy-to-make recipe is made more amazing with my best-tasting Homemade Enchilada Sauce! Perfect comfort food to share with your family and friends.
Check out this recipe
3. Fiesta Chicken Casserole
In less than 10minutes, you can have this easy and loaded Fiesta Chicken Casserole in the oven. A turkey version of this casserole dish brimming with Southwestern flavors, corn, beans, cheese, and pasta, is sure to please the entire family and keep them digging for more.
Fiesta Chicken Casserole
This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is an excellent casserole dish brimming with Southwestern flavors, corn, beans, cheese, pasta, and leftover chicken. With just less than 10-minutes of prep time, you can make this cheesy hearty dish for busy weeknights!
Check out this recipe
4. Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Creamy turkey pasta salad (using leftover turkey) has a healthy ring to it. It’s so satisfying, oh-so-easy, and packed with great flavors. It may be past summer already, but you can always serve this fantastic dish as a side or a complete meal on its own!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad – filling and oh-so-easy pasta salad packed with great flavors, textures and colors. A fantastic summer dish that can be served as a side or a complete meal on its own!
Check out this recipe
5. Brunswick Stew
My go-to stew right after Thanksgiving! This one-pot Brunswick stew has both meat and vegetables on it in a flavorful BBQ-based sauce that is just very comforting, especially on cold nights! And if you have leftover cornbread, go ahead and serve it with this.
Brunswick Stew
A thick, flavorful, and hearty one-pot meal with meat and vegetables stewed in a well-seasoned chicken broth. It sounds pretty basic, but with barbeque sauce and Creole seasoning, this stew boasts a unique and delightful flavor. It’s a must-have when the weather starts cooling off.
Check out this recipe
6. Quiche Lorraine
I love a good quiche for a weekend breakfast or brunch. And this Quiche Lorraine here is my go-to weekend breakfast recipe using cubed leftover turkey. Simply swap the bacon with turkey (or go for both coz why not!) for that added bite in every slice of this queen of all savory tarts!
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine – the queen of all savory tarts made with a combination of flaky pie crust and an egg custard filling with bacon, cheese and a hint of heat from Creole seasoning. An amazingly easy and delicious breakfast or brunch that comes ready in no time. Serve it hot or cold!
Check out this recipe
7. Hoppin John
Don’t wait for New Year’s Eve (a tradition in the South) to serve this filling dish. I can assure you that this savory, smokey, a bit spicy, wholesome black-eyed pea stew is perfect any time of the year. So skip the carbs and go for this protein-packed easy dinner.
Hoppin John
This savory, smokey, a bit spicy, and hearty black-eyed pea stew will warm your soul any day of the year. Southern classic soul food is super easy and richly flavored with Creole Seasoning and herbs. Pair it with rice, collard greens, and cornbread for a traditional New Year's menu!
Check out this recipe
8. Ham and Bean Soup
This one isn’t just good with your leftover holiday ham, but also with leftover turkey. A rich and very comforting soup that also features beans, carrots, and celery for that warm hug in a bowl meal. And it freezes well, too!
Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and Bean Soup – rich and comforting soup with white beans, carrots, celery, diced ham and ham bone for an extremely delicious bowl of soup. Perfect way to use up those leftover ham from Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
Check out this recipe
9. Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
This is one of our readers’ post-thanksgiving favorite recipes! It’s rich, creamy, thick, and just enticingly good! So instead of using chicken, simply swap it with turkey and you’re in for a wonderful treat. And it doesn’t require any cream to bring out all of its flavors. Pair it with this crusty No Knead Bread for a soul-satisfying meal!
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup – rich, creamy, thick and completely made from scratch soup. This cream of chicken soup starts with a roux and doesn't require cream to bring out all those wonderful flavors. Cozy, comforting, homemade soup that you will make over and over again!
Check out this recipe
10. Red Beans and Rice
Smoky, spicy, and overly comforting beans and rice combo, what’s not to love? This Southern classic with delightfully complex yet satisfying flavors is a must-have on a weekly rotation. It takes soulful food to the next level (using your Thanksgiving turkey)!
Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice Recipe – smoky, spicy, and overly comforting beans and rice combo with smoked sausage and turkey flavored with creole seasoning. Delightfully full of complex flavors that is simple and easy. Truly a must-have on your weekly rotation!
Check out this recipe
11. Southern Mustard Greens
Want some green on your dinner table? Go whip up this slowly-braised Southern Mustard Greens packed not just with turkey, but also with bacon, and chicken. An easy soulful meal that has tons of flavor!
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Mustard Greens – fresh greens slowly braised in a smoked turkey, bacon and chicken broth with a kick of heat from my homemade Creole seasoning and other pantry staple spices. Serve them with homemade biscuits, cornbread, potatoes or hot sauce and you'll have one Southern soulful meal on a cold winter night!
Check out this recipe
12. Stuffed Green Bell Peppers
Instead of ground beef, feel free to swap it with finely diced cooked turkey and you’re all set. Now that’s a guilt-free healthy post-thanksgiving meal you can whip up in no time!
Stuffed Green Bell Peppers
Stuffed Green Bell Peppers – easy to make side or main dish using minimal ingredients and ready in no time. A filling and impressive way to serve peppers on regular weeknights or on special occasions!
Check out this recipe
How do you usually use your leftover turkey? Do you have a favorite one? Feel free to share your recipe in the comments for everyone to see!
