25 Delicious Leftover Turkey Ideas
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Today, it’s all about 25 delicious leftover turkey ideas. If you’ve ever looked at the mountain of leftover turkey in your fridge the day after Thanksgiving and wondered, “What else can I make besides sandwiches?”, you’re not alone. Thanksgiving dinner is terrific, but by day two, we’re all craving something fresh, fast, and a little creative.
The good news? Leftover turkey is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. It’s already cooked, full of flavor, and easy to repurpose into soups, casseroles, sliders, wraps, and cozy comfort meals that make the holiday weekend and beyond feel effortless.
Below are 25 easy and delicious leftover turkey recipes you can make with items you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding the family, meal prepping, or looking to stretch your budget, these ideas will help you reinvent every last bite.
Let me know what you serve on Thanksgiving. I have heard people smoke a turkey, deep-fry a turkey, some purchase a spiral-cut ham, and some serve steaks. I’m thinking filet mignon, oh yeah, that’s a bit pricey, but it sure sounds yummy!
25 Easy and Delicious Leftover Turkey Ideas
1. Turkey Noodle Soup
A classic, comforting way to use leftover turkey. Add celery, carrots, onions, garlic, broth, and egg noodles for a cozy bowl that tastes like home. Linda’s Easy-To-Make Turkey Soup
2. Turkey Pot Pie
Creamy gravy, tender turkey, and mixed veggies baked under a flaky crust. Use pie dough, puff pastry, or even biscuits as a topping. Linda’s Turkey Pot Pie. Pie Pan.
3. Turkey Tacos
Shred leftover turkey, season it with taco seasoning, and load it into tortillas with lettuce, salsa, and cheese.
4. Turkey Enchiladas
Mix shredded turkey with cheese, roll in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly.
5. Turkey Fried Rice
A quick stovetop recipe using rice, peas, carrots, green onions, and soy sauce. Fantastic for busy nights.
6. Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
Layer stuffing, turkey, and gravy in a baking dish. Add veggies for a full one-pan meal. Linda’s Stuffing/Dressing Recipe.
7. Turkey Quesadillas
Turkey plus cheese and a little salsa or cranberry sauce equals a fast and flavorful lunch.
8. Turkey Chili
Swap chicken or beef for turkey in your favorite chili recipe. Beans, tomatoes, and spices make this a hearty and filling dish.
9. Turkey Alfredo Pasta
Creamy Alfredo sauce mixed with leftover turkey and fettuccine makes a restaurant-style dinner at home.
10. Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Dinner rolls, sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, cranberry sauce, and a buttery topping baked to perfection.
11. Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Diced turkey, celery, grapes, mayo, salt, and pepper. Serve on croissants or whole-grain bread.
12. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer turkey with gravy and veggies, then top with mashed potatoes for a delicious next-day comfort dish.
13. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Combine cooked turkey with rice, veggies, and seasonings, then bake inside bell peppers.
14. Turkey Curry
Simmer turkey with coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables for a flavorful twist on leftovers.
15. Turkey Tetrazzini
A creamy pasta bake with mushrooms, peas, and cheese. Rich, cozy, and perfect for crowds.
16. Turkey Breakfast Hash
Turkey, potatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs cooked together in one pan—a hearty breakfast or brunch idea.
17. Turkey Wraps
Use turkey in place of deli meat. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite dressing for a fresh, quick meal. Linda’s How To Make Turkey Cranberry Roll-Ups.
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 14-ounce can of whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 6 10-inch flour tortillas (large)
- 12 slices of thinly sliced turkey
- 12 slices of Havarti cheese (it rolls up the very best)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
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Gather all of your ingredients. Combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and whole-berry cranberry sauce. I used a hand mixer to make it extra smooth.
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Scoop the mixture evenly onto the six large flour tortillas. You need to spread it to the outer edges because it will make the roll-ups stay together after rolling them up. It "seals" the roll-ups.
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Place 2 slices of turkey in the middle of each tortilla. Next, place the cheese on top of the turkey slices. Now, place spinach leaves on top of the cheese.
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Start rolling the tortillas towards the middle of the turkey, cheese, and spinach. Roll the tortillas as tight as possible.
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Cut the ends off to make the tortillas even, if desired. This is optional, but it makes the rolls look better when you slice them.
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After rolling them up individually, place the rolls in plastic wrap, twist the ends of the plastic wrap, so they will not dry out.
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Place the roll-ups in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap and slice them about 1-1/2 inches thick. I highly recommend serving these with my “The Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe.”
18. Turkey Pizza
Top naan flatbread or pizza dough with Alfredo, BBQ sauce, pesto, or marinara. Add turkey and cheese. Bake until golden.
19. Turkey Minestrone Soup
Load your pot with beans, veggies, broth, pasta, and turkey for a nutrient-packed meal.
20. Turkey Cobb Salad
Turkey, avocado, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, cheese, and dressing. A light but satisfying option.
21. Turkey Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Mix turkey with sour cream, chives, cheese, or gravy and pile it into a warm baked potato.
22. Turkey BBQ Sandwiches
Stir the shredded turkey into the BBQ sauce and heat. Serve on buns with coleslaw.
23. Turkey & Rice Casserole
Creamy, comforting, and budget-friendly. Add veggies, broth, and rice for a complete meal.
24. Turkey Ramen Bowls
Add turkey to ramen noodles with broth, greens, and a soft-boiled egg for a simple, upgraded lunch.
25. Turkey Stir-Fry
A fast way to use leftover veggies and leftovers. Add teriyaki or soy sauce to bring it all together.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Safely (So It Stays Fresh & Delicious)
After a big holiday meal, most of us end up with plenty of leftover turkey—and storing it properly is the key to keeping it safe, flavorful, and ready to use in your favorite next-day recipes. Improperly stored turkey can spoil quickly or grow harmful bacteria, but with a few simple steps, you can extend its life and avoid waste.
Here’s your complete guide to storing leftover turkey safely in the refrigerator, freezer, or even for long-term meal prep. Refrigerator Containers.
1. Cool the Turkey Quickly
Bacteria grow faster in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F, so cooling matters.
Tips:
- Don’t leave cooked turkey out longer than 2 hours.
- Remove the meat from the carcass to speed cooling.
- Spread large portions into shallow containers.
This helps the turkey reach a safe temperature quickly and evenly.
2. Store Leftover Turkey in Airtight Containers
Once cooled, place the turkey into:
- Airtight containers
- Resealable freezer bags
- Glass meal-prep containers
- Vacuum-sealed bags (best for long-term storage)
Removing as much air as possible keeps it fresher and helps prevent freezer burn.
3. Refrigerate Within 2 Hours
After carving and cooling, leftovers must be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage Time:
3–4 days at 40°F or below.
If you know you won’t eat the turkey within that time, freeze it right away.
4. Freeze Leftover Turkey for Long-Term Use
Turkey freezes beautifully and keeps its flavor when appropriately packed.
Freezer Storage Time:
- Up to 3 months for best quality
- Up to 6 months if vacuum-sealed
How to freeze turkey:
- Portion it into usable amounts (1-3 cups per bag).
- Label with the date.
- Squeeze out excess air, then freeze flat.
You can also freeze turkey in gravy, which helps it stay moist.
5. Reheat Turkey to a Safe Temperature
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them to (165°F) = (73°C) internally.
Easy reheating ideas:
- In a covered pan with a splash of broth to prevent dryness
- In the oven, wrapped in foil
- In the microwave with a damp paper towel
Avoid reheating the same leftovers more than once—only warm what you’ll eat.
6. Know When to Throw It Out
If your turkey has:
- A sour smell
- Slimy texture
- Gray or dull coloring
- Been in the fridge longer than 4 days
…it’s safer to discard it.
Food safety always comes first.
Final Word
Storing leftover turkey safely is simple once you know the basics: cool it quickly, store it in airtight containers, refrigerate within 2 hours, and freeze what you can’t use within a few days. These steps keep your holiday leftovers fresh, delicious, and ready for soups, casseroles, sliders, and all the cozy meals you love.
Leftover turkey doesn’t have to feel repetitive. With just a few pantry staples and a little creativity, you can turn your holiday leftovers into delicious meals everyone will love. From cozy soups to easy casseroles and fresh wraps, these recipes make it simple to reinvent Thanksgiving turkey all week long. May God bless this world, Linda
