What to make with leftover turkey
Leftover turkey makes an easy pot pie, turkey noodle soup, enchiladas, fried rice, quesadillas, a creamy turkey pasta or club sandwiches. Pull the meat off the bones within two hours of dinner, refrigerate it, and use it within 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for later.
leftover turkey
10 easy ideas with leftover turkey
Family-tested favorites. Tap one to get the full recipe, scaled for your table.
Turkey Pot Pie with a Biscuit Top
50 minTurkey, peas and carrots in a creamy sauce under fluffy drop biscuits.
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Turkey Noodle Soup
35 minA light, brothy soup with egg noodles. Even better with stock from the carcass.
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Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas
40 minRolled in tortillas with cheese and red sauce, then baked until bubbling.
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Turkey Fried Rice
20 minDay-old rice, turkey, peas and egg in one hot skillet.
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Turkey, Cranberry and Brie Quesadillas
15 minThe best sandwich of the weekend, crisped in a skillet.
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Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
45 minTurkey, vegetables and gravy topped with leftover mashed potatoes and baked.
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Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Pasta
25 minA weeknight pasta with a light cream sauce, thyme and parmesan.
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Turkey Tortilla Soup
30 minTomato and chile broth with turkey, beans and crunchy tortilla strips.
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Turkey Club Sandwiches
10 minSliced turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on toast. Lunch for everyone.
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Turkey Salad with Grapes
10 minChopped turkey, celery and grapes in a yogurt dressing, for wraps or crackers.
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Kitchen notes on leftover turkey
Two hours, then the fridge
Refrigerate turkey within 2 hours of serving. Carve the meat off the bones first so it chills quickly, and use it within 3 to 4 days.
Freeze it in recipe-sized bags
Freeze chopped turkey in 2-cup bags with a spoonful of broth to keep it moist. It tastes best within 2 to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheat to 165°F
Reheat leftovers until steaming, 165°F in the thickest part. Cover the dish and add a splash of broth so the meat doesn’t dry out.
Questions about leftover turkey
How long is leftover turkey good for?
Cooked turkey keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if it went in within 2 hours of cooking. After that, freeze it or throw it out.
Can you freeze leftover turkey?
Yes. Take it off the bone, pack it in airtight bags with a little broth, and freeze it for 2 to 6 months for the best quality. Frozen turkey is perfect for soups, pot pies and enchiladas.
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Put it in a covered baking dish with a few spoonfuls of broth and warm it at 325°F until it reaches 165°F. In the microwave, cover it and stir halfway.
