10+ Turkey Leftover Recipes to Make Your Holiday Meals Exciting

After a big turkey meal, you’re left staring at a mountain of leftovers. What now? Finding new ways to use leftover turkey helps you avoid waste and enjoy tasty meals without cooking from scratch every time.

Turkey leftovers don’t have to be boring. You can turn them into dishes that are quick, easy, and—honestly—pretty delicious.

Whether you’re craving something warm and cozy or lighter and fresh, there’s a lot you can do. Think soups, sandwiches, casseroles, or even turkey tacos if you’re feeling bold.

With these ideas, leftover turkey actually feels exciting again. Plus, you’ll save some time in the kitchen.

1) Turkey and Dumplings

Turkey and dumplings is pure comfort food. You start with a broth or gravy base—turkey stock works best—and toss in veggies like carrots, celery, and onions.

The dumplings are made from a simple biscuit or drop dough. They cook right on top of the stew until they’re light and fluffy.

This dish is filling and perfect for sharing. You can do it on the stove or let a slow cooker handle things if you’re feeling lazy.

Check out this Turkey and Dumplings Recipe if you want a solid guide.

Ingredients

• 4 cups turkey broth or thin turkey gravy
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat broth with carrots, celery, and onion until the veggies soften.
2. Add shredded turkey and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in buttermilk and melted butter to make a dough.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the simmering stew. Cover and let it cook for 15 minutes.
5. Serve hot and dig in.

2) Turkey Tortilla Soup

Turkey tortilla soup is a spicy, smoky way to use leftovers. Chipotle peppers bring the heat, and the soup comes together fast.

You’ll use turkey, corn tortillas, and a handful of fresh veggies. It’s comforting, but not heavy, which is nice after a big meal.

You can even use turkey bones for a richer stock if you’re up for it. Crunchy tortilla strips on top make it extra good.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• Corn tortillas, cut into strips
• Chicken or turkey stock
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Diced tomatoes
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Corn kernels
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add diced tomatoes and chipotle peppers, cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in stock and bring to a boil.
4. Add turkey, corn, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Fry tortilla strips until crispy or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
6. Serve soup topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Want more details? Here’s a Turkey Tortilla Soup recipe.

3) Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that uses up leftover turkey. You’ll mix turkey with pasta, mushrooms, and peas, then smother it all in a rich cheese sauce.

Bake it until it’s bubbly and golden on top. It’s cozy and great for feeding a crowd or stashing in the fridge for later.

You can swap in different veggies or cheeses if you’re feeling creative. The creamy sauce brings it all together.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 8 ounces spaghetti or egg noodles, cooked
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups turkey broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook mushrooms in butter until soft.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add turkey broth and cream, stirring until thickened.
5. Add cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with turkey, pasta, and peas.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

4) Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is classic comfort. You get turkey, veggies, and creamy sauce tucked inside a flaky crust.

Carrots, peas, and potatoes are the usual suspects, but feel free to toss in what you’ve got. The sauce, made with broth and cream, keeps things rich.

Bake until the crust turns golden and crisp. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a smart way to use up leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2/3 cup milk or cream
• 1 package pie crust (2 discs)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add broth and milk, stirring until thick.
5. Add turkey and vegetables; mix well.
6. Pour filling into a pie crust in a baking dish.
7. Cover with the second pie crust, seal the edges, and cut a few slits on top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

5) Turkey Enchiladas

Turkey enchiladas are an easy way to remix your leftovers. Fill tortillas with turkey, cheese, and enchilada sauce—homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand.

Add garlic, onion, maybe some beans or green chiles for a twist. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles.

This meal is warm, cheesy, and comes together fast. Perfect for when you’re tired of turkey but still have lots left.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 8 soft tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (jack or cheddar)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: black beans, green chiles

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix turkey, onion, garlic, and half the cheese in a bowl.
3. Spread a little enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
4. Fill each tortilla with turkey mix, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
5. Pour remaining sauce over the tortillas.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6) Slow Cooker Turkey and Couscous Soup

This slow cooker turkey and couscous soup is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. You get tender turkey, fresh herbs, and a light texture from the couscous.

Lemon, thyme, and bay leaves add a punch of flavor. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, which is always a win.

Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad. It’s a complete meal without much fuss.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Add turkey, broth, onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 15 minutes before it’s done, stir in couscous, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Cover and cook for 10-15 more minutes, until couscous is tender.
5. Remove bay leaves and garnish with parsley.

7) Turkey Carnitas Tacos

Give your leftover turkey a taco night twist. Shred the meat and warm it up with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for that smoky kick.

Sizzle the turkey in a bit of oil or fat until you get crispy edges. Pile it onto warm tortillas and top with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

It’s quick, easy, and honestly a fun way to shake up the Thanksgiving leftovers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp oil or duck fat
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add turkey and spices. Stir it up.
3. Cook until turkey is hot and edges get crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Warm tortillas.
5. Assemble tacos with turkey and your favorite toppings.

8) Turkey and Gravy Sandwich

A turkey and gravy sandwich is as simple as it gets, but it really hits the spot. Use sliced or shredded turkey on toasted bread, then pour hot gravy over the top.

Most folks serve it open-faced, so you get that perfect bread-to-turkey ratio. It’s quick and makes a solid lunch or dinner.

All you need is leftover turkey, gravy, and bread. Warm the gravy on the stove or zap it in the microwave, then pour it over the turkey.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
• Bread (white or whole wheat)
• Turkey gravy

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast your bread until it turns golden brown.

2. Warm up the leftover turkey—use the microwave or toss it on the stove, whatever’s easier.

3. Heat the gravy in a separate dish until it’s steaming.

4. Lay the turkey slices on the toasted bread.

5. Pour the hot gravy right over the turkey.

6. Serve right away.

If you’re looking for more tips, check out this open-faced turkey and gravy sandwich recipe.

9) Turkey Barbecue Sliders

Turkey barbecue sliders make leftover turkey way more exciting. Just mix shredded turkey with your favorite barbecue sauce and you’ve got a juicy, flavorful filling.

These sliders come together fast and work for a casual meal or a laid-back gathering with friends.

Toss on some pickles or a scoop of coleslaw for extra crunch.

Pile everything onto small dinner rolls or slider buns—handheld food always feels a little more fun, doesn’t it?

Want to mix it up? Try using cranberry barbecue sauce. It’s sweet, tangy, and pairs surprisingly well with turkey.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked shredded turkey
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (regular or cranberry)
• 8 slider buns or small dinner rolls
• Optional: pickles, coleslaw

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the shredded turkey in a pan over medium heat.

2. Stir in the barbecue sauce and coat the turkey well.

3. Keep heating until everything’s hot, about 5 minutes.

4. Toast your slider buns lightly.

5. Spoon the turkey mixture onto the buns.

6. Top with pickles or coleslaw if you’re feeling it.

7. Serve right away and enjoy those barbecue turkey sliders.

Need the full recipe? Here’s one for Thanksgiving Leftover BBQ Turkey Sliders.

10) Turkey Pho

Turkey Pho takes leftover turkey in a totally new direction. It’s a Vietnamese-style soup with a savory broth, rice noodles, and loads of fresh herbs.

Start by simmering the turkey bones with ginger, onion, and garlic. That’s where the rich flavor comes from.

Once the broth’s ready, add shredded turkey, noodles, and a bunch of toppings—lime, cilantro, basil, whatever you’ve got.

If you already have broth prepped, you can pull this soup together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• Leftover roasted turkey bones and meat
• 4 quarts filtered water
• 2 medium yellow onions, halved
• 3-inch piece fresh ginger
• 8 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• Rice noodles
• Fresh lime, cilantro, basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Crank your oven up to 400°F (200°C) and roast those turkey bones for about 20 minutes.

2. Toss the bones in a big pot with onions, ginger, garlic, and enough water to cover everything. Let it all simmer gently for 2 hours.

3. Strain out the solids, then pour that broth right back into the pot.

4. Splash in some fish sauce, give it a taste, and mess with the seasoning until it feels right to you.

5. Cook up the rice noodles—just follow whatever the package says.

6. Drop your shredded turkey into the hot broth and let it warm up.

7. Pile noodles into bowls, then ladle the broth and turkey over the top.

8. Don’t forget the garnishes—lime wedges, cilantro, and basil make a huge difference.

Curious for more? Check out this Turkey Pho recipe if you want to dig deeper.