After Thanksgiving, many of us have a lot of leftover turkey. While sandwiches are one way to use up leftovers, there are many other creative ways to reinvent your turkey and turn it into new, delicious meals. Here are 30 ideas to get you started:.
1. Turkey Pot Pie
Mix diced leftover turkey with frozen vegetables, gravy, and herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Pour into a pie crust and bake until golden brown.
2. Turkey Quesadilla
Sprinkle leftover turkey with shredded cheese and place between two tortillas. Heat in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.
3. Turkey Noodle Soup
Combine diced turkey with chicken broth, noodles, and vegetables such as carrots and celery. Simmer until the noodles are cooked through.
4. Turkey Fried Rice
Sauté leftover turkey with cooked rice, vegetables such as peas and carrots, and eggs. Add soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.
5. Turkey Chili
Simmer leftover turkey with beans, tomatoes, and spices such as chili powder and cumin. Serve with cornbread.
6. Turkey and Cranberry Panini
Layer leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese between slices of bread. Grill until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
7. Turkey Enchiladas
Wrap leftover turkey in tortillas and top with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake in the oven for a gooey, flavorful meal.
8. Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Layer leftover turkey and stuffing in a baking dish. Pour gravy over the top and bake until heated through.
9. Turkey Potstickers
Mix leftover turkey with finely minced carrots and cabbage. Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of a dumpling wrapper and fold into a potsticker shape. Steam or pan-fry until cooked.
10. Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Layer leftover turkey with mashed sweet potatoes and top with breadcrumbs. Bake until heated through and the top is crispy.
11. Turkey Club Salad
Toss leftover turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes with a homemade dressing such as ranch or blue cheese.
12. Turkey Lasagna
Layer leftover turkey with lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese. Bake in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Turkey Tacos
Wrap leftover turkey in taco shells and top with your favorite toppings such as avocado, lettuce, and salsa.
14. Turkey Stew
Sauté leftover turkey with onions, carrots, and potatoes. Add chicken broth and herbs such as thyme and sage. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
15. Turkey Frittata
Sauté leftover turkey with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add beaten eggs and cheese and bake in the oven until set.
16. Turkey Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with leftover turkey, gravy, and cheese for a hearty meal.
17. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté leftover turkey with vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Add soy sauce and serve over rice.
18. Turkey Gumbo
Sauté onions, celery, and bell peppers in butter. Add leftover turkey, chicken broth, and okra. Simmer until the flavors meld together.
19. Turkey and Brie Sandwich
Layer leftover turkey and slices of brie between two slices of bread. Toast until the cheese melts and the bread is warm and crispy.
20. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer leftover turkey with mashed potatoes and top with breadcrumbs. Bake until heated through and the top is crispy.
21. Turkey Curry
Sauté onions and bell peppers in oil. Add leftover turkey, curry powder, and coconut milk. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
22. Turkey and Cheese Croissant
Layer leftover turkey and cheese inside a croissant. Warm in the oven until the croissant is crispy and the cheese is melted.
23. Turkey Bruschetta
Sauté leftover turkey with garlic and tomatoes. Spoon over toasted baguette slices and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as basil.
24. Turkey and Spinach Salad
Toss leftover turkey, spinach, and cranberries with a homemade dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette.
25. Turkey Empanadas
Mix diced leftover turkey with chopped onions and bell peppers. Spoon into empanada dough and bake in the oven until golden brown.
26. Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo
Toss leftover turkey and steamed broccoli with Alfredo sauce and pasta. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
27. Turkey and Apple Panini
Layer leftover turkey, sliced apples, and cheese between slices of bread. Grill until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
28. Turkey Bolognese Sauce
Sauté onions and garlic in oil. Add leftover turkey, canned tomatoes, and spices such as oregano and basil. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
29. Turkey and Mushroom Risotto
Sauté leftover turkey and mushrooms in butter. Add Arborio rice and chicken broth. Simmer until the rice is creamy and tender.
30. Turkey and Cranberry Salad
Toss leftover turkey, cranberries, spinach, and nuts such as walnuts or almonds with a homemade dressing such as honey mustard.