Home » 17 Leftover Turkey Recipes That Make the Day After Taste Just as Good

17 Leftover Turkey Recipes That Make the Day After Taste Just as Good

So the big meal is over, and now the fridge is packed with leftover turkey, just waiting for some attention. These 17 easy recipes will keep plates and appetites happy with fresh ideas for the day after. No need to settle for another basic sandwich when there are plenty of other options to try. Picking a new favorite to help use up those leftovers might be the best part of the holiday.

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey Tortilla Soup

Two bowls of Turkey Tortilla Soup with a plate and spoons beside a wooden table.
Turkey Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s no better way to make leftovers work hard for your next meal than turning them into Turkey Tortilla Soup. This uses turkey, tomatoes, and beans to build a comforting bowl, and crispy tortilla strips add texture. It’s straightforward: cook your vegetables, add turkey and broth, and then let it simmer. Each bite delivers a hearty spoonful that easily gives you another reason to be glad for an extra helping.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tortilla Soup

Broccoli Casserole with Turkey

A casserole dish with broccoli and turkey.
Broccoli Casserole with Turkey. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For anyone searching for a simple way to refresh leftovers, Broccoli Casserole with Turkey is a smart choice. The dish brings together tender turkey, broccoli, and cheese, all baked into one pan for minimal extra prep. Mixing everything ahead and then baking makes this recipe convenient and fulfilling. It’s also a good plan for using vegetables and cheese from your fridge, so nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Turkey

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The Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup

Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup on a bowl with bread slices on a plate.
The Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover turkey makes an easy switch for chicken in The Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup, transforming a classic into something new. Wide noodles, turkey, carrots, and creamy broth come together smoothly with this method. Cooking the noodles right in the soup helps them soak up all the flavors, giving you a richer bowl. With only a short prep time, you’ll be surprised how much comfort comes from such simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: The Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Breakfast or lunch can take a fun turn with a Turkey Chaffwich, making use of cooked turkey and chaffles, cheese, and egg-based waffles. Place your turkey slice between two chaffles, maybe with a slice of cheese or leftover cranberry. It’s quick and works great for those in need of a portable option. Taking just a few minutes, this sandwich is an easy way to enjoy turkey in a different light.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Two bowls of turkey pot pie soup accompanied by two spoons.
Turkey Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

For a familiar favorite served in a new way, try Turkey Pot Pie Soup, combining the creamy comfort of pot pie filling but in soup form. Dice your leftover turkey and simmer it with mixed vegetables, potatoes, and a creamy broth. It’s an easy way to deliver the flavors you love without the work of making a pie crust. Warm bread or biscuits pair perfectly with this hearty new creation.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Turkey Fried Rice

A plate of Turkey fried rice with a fork, set against a green cloth on a textured surface.
Turkey Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turning leftover turkey into Turkey Fried Rice is a reliable solution for quick weekday meals. Start by sautéing rice with veggies before stirring in soy sauce, egg, and shredded turkey. Using cold rice from the night before gives the best results, as it resists clumping. This approach ensures every last bit of turkey gets used while delivering a meal everyone can enjoy in under thirty minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Turkey & Corn Chowder

A bowl of Turkey & Corn Chowder garnished with the reserved crispy bacon.
Turkey & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing together corn and turkey in Turkey & Corn Chowder creates a bowl that’s creamy and filling. Potatoes, onion, and sweet corn complete the mix, while leftover diced turkey rounds everything out. This soup is made with simple steps: saute, simmer, and serve with fresh herbs if you want. It feels just as good as a main dish, especially when you’re feeding a busy crowd.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Corn Chowder

Turkey Salad w/ Cranberries & Walnuts

Turkey Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts on a white bowl.
Turkey Salad w/ Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you’re looking for a change from hot meals, Turkey Salad w/ Cranberries & Walnuts offers a cold, fulfilling option. Shredded turkey is tossed with crisp celery, walnuts, and cranberries for a fresh flavor mix. A quick homemade dressing pulls it together, giving you a salad that’s both easy and protein-rich. Serve in lettuce wraps, on toast, or in a bowl for a quick, refreshing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Salad w/ Cranberries & Walnuts

Homemade Turkey Stock

A bowl of turkey stock.
Homemade Turkey Stock. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Rather than tossing the bones, consider simmering them to create Homemade Turkey Stock. Place the carcass in a large pot with vegetables and simmer to extract every bit of flavor. This method yields a base for soups, stews, or even to freeze for future cooking. Having your own stock on hand means you control the salt and flavors, making meals even more homemade.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Stock

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties in a black dish.
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sandwiching mashed potatoes and turkey together, Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties become a new family favorite. Mix mashed potatoes and chopped turkey, form into small patties, and pan-fry until golden. These patties come together quickly, making it easy to serve with a simple salad or gravy. It’s a way to use both turkey and leftover sides for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Plenty of homeowners find new inspiration for turkey in Turkey à la King, a creamy and flavorful dish that goes well over toast, pasta, or rice. Combine cooked turkey with mushrooms, peas, and a rich sauce for this reliable classic. Since it’s quick to make, you can pull it together in less than thirty minutes. Every bite showcases how leftovers can feel freshly cooked and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

Two bowls of Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup accompanied by two spoons.
Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Lunch or dinner can benefit from Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup, which highlights the nutty flavor of wild rice blended with turkey. Cook wild rice first, then add turkey, veggies, and stock—let everything simmer until rich and thickened. The result is filling enough to serve on its own, especially when paired with bread or crackers. Extra vegetables from your fridge add both nutrition and flavor here.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

Turkey Divan

A serving of Turkey Divan from a baking dish onto a black plate.
Turkey Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Putting a fresh spin on a famous casserole, Turkey Divan layers turkey pieces with broccoli and creamy sauce, all topped with cheese. Pop it in the oven until bubbly and golden for a meal that demands little prep. This recipe is perfect for when you’ve had enough turkey sandwiches and want a change. It works just as well as a main dish or a side to a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Divan

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry on a counter.
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impressive yet straightforward, Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry let you fill individual pies with turkey, mixed veggies, and a tasty sauce. Top with store-bought puff pastry to keep preparation fast and mess-free. Once baked, the flaky crust brings a lovely contrast to the creamy filling inside. This method lets you portion the pies perfectly, which is great for both families and singles.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese displayed on a slate plate.
The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Thoughtful ingredient choice makes The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese a stand-out for lunch or dinner. Tender leftover turkey and crisp apple slices are layered with cheese between bread before grilling to a golden finish. This unusual but delicious pairing gives you a little crunchy sweetness in every bite. Preparing this recipe can be a nice break from typical leftovers while still being quick and low-fuss.
Get the Recipe: The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Turkey Vegetable Soup

Two bowls of turkey and vegetable soup with spoons.
Turkey Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

One of the simplest ways to refresh your leftovers, Turkey Vegetable Soup features hearty turkey with chopped vegetables in a clear broth. Gather whatever vegetables are on hand and let them simmer gently to release their flavors. Add cooked turkey at the end for a protein-filled meal that doesn’t require much work. This easy soup offers warmth and comfort, using up what’s still good in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want to take your sandwich game up a notch, Turkey & Apple Panini is a quick fix packed with flavor. Thin-sliced turkey, apples, and cheese are pressed between bread until the outside is toasted and the inside a warm and melty. A panini press does the work, but a skillet with something heavy on top can stand in. With only a few ingredients and little effort, it’s a creative way to use what’s left.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

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