10 Best Recipes for Leftover Holiday Turkey You'll Love

The holiday season always leaves me with an abundance of leftover turkey. Instead of letting it go to waste, I love getting creative in the kitchen and trying out new recipes. Whether I’m whipping up a cozy soup, a hearty sandwich, or something a bit more adventurous, I’ve found that leftover turkey can be incredibly versatile and delicious.

In this article, I’ll be sharing my favorite ways to transform that extra poultry into something spectacular. So, if you’re looking for some culinary inspiration, dive into these 10 Best Recipes for Leftover Holiday Turkey You'll Love and make the most out of your holiday feast remnants.

1. Turkey and Cranberry Brie Panini

There's something magical about the combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and melty brie cheese. This panini is a quick and scrumptious way to give your leftover turkey a gourmet twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• 1/2 cup leftover turkey, shredded
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 2-3 slices of brie cheese
• Butter for grilling

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
2. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie cheese.
3. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
4. Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Slice and enjoy!

2. Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

This comforting casserole combines leftover turkey with sweet potatoes and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, delivering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
6. Serve hot.

3. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and comforting. The combination of turkey and wild rice delivers a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 3 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in the cooked wild rice, turkey, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

4. Turkey Tacos with Avocado Crema

These turkey tacos are a fun and fresh way to use up leftovers. The avocado crema adds a creamy and tangy twist that you won’t forget.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, reheat the shredded turkey with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder over medium heat.
2. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
3. Mash the avocado in a bowl and mix in the sour cream, lime juice, and salt to create the avocado crema.
4. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of turkey on each tortilla and drizzling with avocado crema.
5. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

5. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Turn your leftover turkey into a classic comfort food with this easy shepherd’s pie. It’s packed with veggies and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup turkey gravy
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, then add the peas and carrots.
3. Stir in the shredded turkey and turkey gravy, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the turkey mixture into a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
5. Dot the top with butter.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

6. Turkey and Stuffing Muffins

These turkey and stuffing muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. They are portable, delicious, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 cup leftover turkey, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the stuffing, turkey, and beaten eggs.
3. Scoop the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
4. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are set and slightly golden.
6. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.

7. Turkey Pot Pie

This turkey pot pie is a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with chunks of tender turkey and vegetables encased in a flaky pie crust.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 pie crust
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion until soft.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened.
5. Add the diced turkey and mixed vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Pour the filling into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust, crimping the edges.
7. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

8. Turkey Enchiladas

These turkey enchiladas are bursting with flavor and are a great way to switch things up after the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Sour cream and cilantro for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add the shredded turkey and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce, mixing well.
4. Place a portion of the turkey mixture into each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve garnished with sour cream and cilantro.

9. Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

This light and refreshing turkey salad is perfect for a quick lunch. The cranberries and pecans add a lovely texture and sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mixed greens for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced turkey, cranberries, and chopped pecans.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve over a bed of mixed greens.

10. Turkey and Spinach Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey. The spinach adds a nice touch of greenery and healthiness to the meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas
• 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
3. Add the shredded turkey and spinach on top of the cheese.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and top with the second tortilla.
5. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese is melting, then carefully flip and cook the other side.
6. Remove from pan, cut into wedges, and serve.

Conclusion

These 10 Best Recipes for Leftover Holiday Turkey You'll Love! These recipes are sure to keep your leftovers exciting and delicious, making them the star of multiple memorable meals. Enjoy!