Oh, the glorious mountain of leftover turkey sitting in the fridge after Thanksgiving! I know you're probably thinking sandwiches, and yes, I love a good turkey sandwich, but let's think bigger, bolder, and way more delicious.
I've gathered 33 easy leftover turkey recipes that will make you actually excited about those containers of meat — from cozy casseroles to quick tacos and everything in between. Let's turn those leftovers into something ridiculously good.
1. Leftover Turkey Salad
This turkey salad is much like classic chicken salad, but with a twist. It has pecans for a crunchy texture and cranberries for a tangy flavor.
Everything comes together in minutes and is tossed in mustard-mayo dressing. The salad can be served over fresh greens or included in wraps or sandwiches.
2. Turkey Over Biscuits
Crispy, buttery biscuits smothered in warm, creamy turkey and sauce — comfort food doesn't get better than this. I make the sauce with flour, butter, chicken broth, milk, and a handful of herbs.
For even more texture and flavor, I like to stir in parmesan, sliced mushrooms, or chopped cauliflower. It's a cozy, customizable dream.
3. Leftover Turkey Cobb Salad
When I need something quick and refreshing that still feels substantial, this turkey cobb salad hits the spot. It's loaded with protein, crisp veggies, cheese, plump raisins, and a hit of spices.
The vinaigrette gets a punchy kick from Dijon mustard and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, tying it all together. So light, yet so satisfying.
4. Turkey and Broccoli Quiche
This savory egg custard is packed with meaty turkey and hearty broccoli, all kicked up with cheese and a hint of curry powder. The combination of flavors is just fantastic.
I cook the broccoli with butter and onion for a little extra richness, then sprinkle bacon bits on top before baking. Every slice is a flavor party.
5. Leftover Turkey Chili
This chili is a go-to for me because it requires barely any effort but delivers huge flavor. I toss in a little cocoa powder — stay with me — it sounds wild, but it doesn't make it taste like chocolate at all.
The cocoa just deepens all the savory notes and balances the tang of the tomatoes. It's a total game changer.
6. Leftover Turkey in Gravy
Give that day-old roasted turkey a second life by simmering it in a rich mushroom gravy. The meat turns tender and juicy, and the gravy becomes something you'll want to mop up with soft dinner rolls. My secret is a simple gravy built from chicken broth, flour, and butter — nothing fancy, just pure comfort.
7. Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls filled with mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing — this is one of the most unique leftover turkey recipes in existence! The filling goes into a wonton wrapper and is baked until crispy. Serve the egg rolls with gravy and cranberry sauce for alternating savory and sweet flavors.
8. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Pizza night is always a win with the family, and using Thanksgiving leftovers makes it an adventure. Grab everything — veggies, gravy, stuffing — and pile it all onto a cheesy pizza crust.
It's the ultimate after-Thanksgiving mashup and so much fun to make. Just don't forget the cheese, a pizza without it is just not a pizza.
9. Leftover Turkey Stroganoff
This stroganoff is a lighter spin on the beef classic, but it doesn't skimp on flavor. I use leftover turkey (or chicken) swimming in a thick sour cream gravy.
Dijon mustard, earthy mushrooms, and smoked paprika build layer after layer of indulgent, savory goodness. Serve it over buttery egg noodles and you've got comfort in a bowl.
10. Leftover Turkey Nachos
Joining the ranks of crowd-favorite snacks, such as pizza and quesadillas, are these turkey nachos. The perfectly crisp tortillas are loaded with classic nacho toppings, such as tomatoes, onions, olives, and chiles. Taco seasoning and cheese (lots of it) complete the awesome nacho flavor.
11. Leftover Turkey Melts
This open-faced melt with bubbly, golden cheese is completely irresistible. Underneath all that ooey-gooey goodness, there's a creamy and healthy turkey salad.
I pile it onto lightly toasted gluten-free bread and have the whole thing ready in just 10 minutes. It's tasty, it's wholesome, it's everything.
12. Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Traditional shepherd's pie gets a post-holiday makeover with turkey instead of beef or lamb. It's every bit as delicious, crowned with creamy mashed potatoes and a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
I stir together the turkey with veggies, fresh herbs, broth, and a few spices to build layers of comfort. This is the definition of cozy food.
13. Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla
Everyone’s favorite, next to pizza, is the quesadilla. This version is packed with turkey meat, sage, and three kinds of cheese!
Every lingering bite of Thanksgiving is in this quesadilla. Plus, it’s a cinch to make in the stovetop or microwave. If you’re looking for a quick and easy comfort food recipe, this quesadilla ticks all the boxes.
14. Leftover Turkey Patties
These hearty turkey patties are a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table, from the little ones to the grown-ups. They're a lighter take on traditional beef patties, and you can skip the breadcrumbs entirely.
I love tucking them into pita pockets or stacking them on a sandwich with crisp greens, tangy mustard, and pickles. So simple, so yummy.
15. Leftover Turkey Casserole
This turkey casserole tastes so incredible, you might just forget the holidays are behind you. I skip the usual butter and flour roux and go straight for extra richness with gravy and cheese.
It's also a brilliant excuse to use up any leftover cornbread you have hanging around. Then I toss in peas, carrots, and green beans for a dish that's hearty, colorful, and totally cozy.
16. Leftover Turkey Crepes
No fancy crepe maker required for these savory beauties. This recipe walks you through making thin, delicate pancakes with ease.
The filling is a crave-worthy mix of turkey, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Spread it over the crepes, fold them into triangles, and add a dollop of sour cream on top.
17. Leftover Turkey Monte Cristo
The next-level Thanksgiving leftover sandwich is here: Turkey Monte Cristo. It features leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese all layered between crisp and buttery bread slices.
For the best tasting sandwich, use French bread loaves. Just like making authentic Monte Cristo, the sandwich must be soaked in an egg-milk mixture before frying.
18. Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder
This slow cooker turkey chowder tastes like something from a cozy little bistro. Cornstarch and heavy cream come together to create a luxuriously thick base.
Toss in the turkey, sweet corn, and plenty of veggies for a bowl that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying. You'll be going back for seconds, maybe thirds.
19. Leftover Turkey Soup
This warm, comforting soup is packed with rice, chunks of turkey, and plenty of veggies, all seasoned simply. I love making it a bit healthier by swapping in brown rice.
To get that velvety texture, a mix of milk and cream does the trick. Once you add sautéed carrots, onions, and celery, you've got a bowl that's hearty and so creamy it'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
20. Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Yes, you read that right — turkey pot pie transformed into a creamy, spoonable soup. Shredded turkey, tender potatoes, and veggies float in a beautifully spiced broth.
I always serve it with biscuits or flaky puff pastry on the side for dipping. This one's so good, I've had requests to make it again with chicken.
21. Leftover Turkey Burritos
These turkey burritos are some of the tastiest I've ever made, with tangy salsa, hearty turkey, and classic Tex-Mex spices. I add cheese, fresh cilantro, and cumin for a total flavor bomb. To take them over the
22. Creamed Turkey on Toast
This recipe will level up your leftover turkey sandwich-making. It calls for a creamy sauce flavored with bold spices like garlic powder, nutmeg, curry powder, and so much more! Heavy cream and milk are added for a nice and thick soup, while green peas and onions bring out savory notes.
23. Leftover Turkey Curry
If you’re a fan of curries, you’ll adore this recipe! This turkey curry is brimming with bold flavors from several spices, aromatics, and ghee.
The mix of veggies, meat, and the thick, rich sauce makes this dish downright comforting! Serve this saucy dish over cauliflower rice for a nourishing yet super tasty meal.
24. Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a constant request at my house, and this turkey version never fails. I pack them with all the classic Tex-Mex favorites: plenty of cheese, pinto beans, sour cream, jalapeños, and more.
Those soft corn tortillas get smothered in a rich enchilada sauce that's deeply savory. Every bite is a burst of bold flavor that'll absolutely blow you away.
25. Leftover Turkey Tacos
These turkey tacos are exactly what you need after so much holiday cooking. They’re a breeze to make and versatile, too.
For the toppings, you can use anything you have on-hand. But the classic options are avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Extra flavors emerge when you cook the shredded turkey in a tomato puree and chicken stock infused with honey and lime juice.
26. Turkey Pot Pie
Think classic chicken pot pie, but with your leftover turkey taking center stage. I lean on store-bought pie crust to make this come together in a flash.
You just fill it with a savory sauce, the turkey, and mixed veggies, then let the oven work its magic. That first forkful of flaky crust giving way to the creamy, chunky filling is pure happiness.
27. Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup
When I'm craving bold, fresh Mexican flavors, this turkey tortilla soup answers the call. It's loaded with tomatoes, corn, beans, and chilies, so every spoonful is vibrant and satisfying.
My favorite way to finish it off: a mountain of crumbled tortilla chips and shredded cheese on top. So, so good.
28. Turkey Tetrazzini
Tender turkey, pasta, and mushrooms all swirled together in a creamy sauce — tetrazzini is hands down one of the most exciting ways to use up leftovers. My version is ridiculously easy, and I amp up the richness with a secret hit of garlic flavored cream cheese.
Trust me, you'll want some crusty bread on the side to swipe up every last drop of that luscious sauce. No waste, just pure yum.
29. Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Everyone has a take on a turkey sandwich, but this one? It's the one I reach for when I want something truly amazing.
Picture juicy turkey slices stacked with creamy gouda, a swipe of raspberry jam, and peppery arugula. You get this incredible blend of fruity, cheesy, meaty, and spicy in every single bite. It's hands down my favorite leftover turkey sandwich ever.
30. Turkey Orzo Soup
A one-pot comforting soup that’s ready in 30 minutes — who wouldn’t love this recipe? This dish is also loaded with veggies and fresh herbs, making it both healthy and yummy! Of course, this soup calls for orzo pasta, which adds a beautiful texture and makes the dish extra filling.
31. Leftover Turkey Empanadas
These empanadas are stuffed to the brim with turkey, potatoes, and gravy — the ultimate grab-and-go snack that's hearty and packed with flavor. What I love most is that you can totally customize the filling.
Raid your fridge, mix and match whatever leftovers you have, and let your creativity loose. Every batch is a little different and always delicious.
32. Turkey and Dumplings
Turkey and dumplings is the kind of meal I crave when the temperature drops. It brings together leftover turkey, tender homemade dumplings, and warm spices from the pantry.
The trick to those pillowy dumplings is to handle the dough gently and never over-mix. I use bone broth to add a boost of nourishment and depth.
33. Leftover Turkey Hash
For a breakfast that uses up the best leftovers, this hash needs just turkey, stuffing, and gravy at its heart. Of course, potatoes and onions are non-negotiable for a proper hash.
I like to toss in toasted slivered almonds and sautéed red peppers for a little crunch. And a fried egg on top? Absolutely classic.