Leftover turkey recipes are the best part of Thanksgiving week. A big bird means plenty of cold turkey in the fridge, and there are only so many sandwiches you want to eat.
Here are 12 easy ideas that make leftovers taste brand new, plus simple storage rules so everything stays safe.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Safely
- Chill it fast. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
- Use it in time. Eat refrigerated turkey within three to four days.
- Freeze extras. Wrap tightly or use freezer bags. Frozen turkey is safe for longer, but tastes best within a few months.
- Reheat well. Heat leftovers until steaming hot, to 74C (165F) in the centre.
12 Leftover Turkey Recipes
1. Turkey Noodle Soup
Simmer the carcass for stock, then add carrots, celery, onion and noodles with shredded turkey at the end. Warm, easy and perfect for cold evenings.
2. Turkey Pot Pie
Mix turkey, peas, carrots and a creamy sauce, then top with pastry and bake until golden. Leftover gravy makes a great base.
3. Turkey Fried Rice
Fry cold rice with garlic, spring onion, peas, soy sauce and egg. Stir through diced turkey at the end.
4. Turkey Enchiladas
Roll shredded turkey and cheese in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbling.
5. Turkey Tetrazzini
Toss turkey with pasta, mushrooms and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Bake with breadcrumbs on top. For more pasta ideas try our high protein pasta recipes.
6. Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
Layer turkey, cranberry sauce and cheese between tortillas and crisp them in a pan. Sweet, salty and ready in ten minutes.
7. Turkey Hash
Fry diced potatoes and onion until crisp, then add turkey and top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
8. Turkey Tacos
Warm shredded turkey with taco seasoning and a splash of stock. Serve in tortillas with salsa, lime and avocado.
9. Turkey Salad
Mix chopped turkey with celery, a little mayonnaise or yoghurt, mustard and herbs. Add grapes or dried cranberries for sweetness.
10. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer turkey and leftover vegetables in gravy, top with leftover mash and bake. It is a great way to use everything at once.
11. Turkey Ramen
Add shredded turkey, a soft egg and greens to a bowl of noodles in rich turkey stock. Finish with chilli oil.
12. Stuffing Waffles with Turkey
Press leftover stuffing in a hot waffle iron until crisp, then top with turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce. If you have not made stuffing yet, see our Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.
Tips for Using Leftover Turkey
- Keep white and dark meat separate, because they suit different dishes.
- Add turkey at the end of cooking so it does not dry out.
- Use a splash of stock or gravy to keep it moist when reheating.
- Cook once, eat twice: double the recipe and freeze half.
Want lighter or easier dinners after the feast? Try our guides to one pot meals for busy weeknights and how to make comfort food healthier.
Further reading: FoodSafety.gov | BBC Good Food
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with leftover turkey?
Soup, pot pie, fried rice, enchiladas, tetrazzini, quesadillas, hash, tacos, salad, shepherd’s pie, ramen or stuffing waffles.
How long does leftover turkey last in the fridge?
Three to four days, as long as it was refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
Can you freeze leftover turkey?
Yes. Wrap it well or use freezer bags. It stays safe frozen, but quality is best within a few months.
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Add a splash of stock or gravy, cover it and heat gently until steaming hot, to 74C (165F).
What is the easiest leftover turkey recipe?
Turkey and cranberry quesadillas or fried rice. Both take about ten minutes.