12 Ways To Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey All Week

After the feast, you have a tonne of leftover turkey in your refrigerator. Why not turn that extra bird into exciting, new meals all week long rather than reheating the same plate every night? Leftover turkey can be used for a variety of purposes, including light, spicy, cosy, and even international dishes. With the help of these 12 suggestions, you can make the most of your leftovers while maintaining their flavour and interest.

1. Turkey Soup

Simmer leftover turkey with vegetables, herbs, and broth to make a filling soup. To make it bulkier, add beans, rice, or noodles. The shredded meat adds texture and protein, and the bones can be used to make a rich, flavourful stock. It’s a fantastic way to warm up after a chilly holiday weekend and is the epitome of comfort food. You’ll appreciate it long after the holiday is over if you make a large pot and freeze portions.

2. Turkey Sandwiches (With a Twist)

You don’t have to make a simple turkey sandwich with leftovers. For a breakfast version, top it with stuffing, cranberry sauce, or even a fried egg and place it on crusty bread. Try a wrap with hummus and vegetables or a panini with pesto and melted cheese. The secret is to experiment with flavours and textures; imagine a bite that is tangy, savoury, crunchy, and creamy. It’s a simple method of repurposing leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same thing over and over.

3. Turkey Tacos

ou can make a quick and tasty meal by substituting shredded turkey for your typical taco filling. Stuff the turkey into tortillas with avocado, lime, and shredded lettuce after warming it with taco seasoning or a little salsa. It’s a creative way to incorporate leftovers into a dish that tastes brand-new. Additionally, after a heavy holiday meal, the lighter format can be a welcome change.

4. Turkey Fried Rice

This quick and filling dish is made by stir-frying day-old rice with diced turkey, scrambled eggs, and frozen vegetables. For taste, add a little sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that you can modify to use any vegetables you have on hand. When you’re looking for a quick, cosy, and easily customisable recipe, this is the one to use.

5. Turkey Pot Pie

You can make a pot pie if you have leftover turkey, gravy, and veggies. To save time, use store-bought puff pastry or pie crust, then fill it with a creamy mixture of vegetables and turkey. For a traditional, crowd-pleasing dish, bake until golden and bubbly. It’s warm, inviting, and transforms leftovers into a completely different meal. Even individual pies can be frozen for use at a later time of year.

6. Turkey Quesadillas

Small pieces of leftover turkey are ideal for quesadillas. Just put it between tortillas with beans, sautéed onions, or shredded cheese, then toast it until it’s crispy. Serve with salsa or sour cream for dipping. This is a particularly good choice for a quick lunch or dinner, and it can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of flavour profiles, from mild and cheesy to smoky and spicy.

7. Turkey and Veggie Stir-Fry

A well-balanced dinner can be prepared with a quick stir-fry of chopped turkey, fresh or frozen vegetables, and a tasty sauce. Try teriyaki, garlic-chili sauce, or soy-ginger. Turkey works well in strong, saucy recipes because it absorbs flavours well. To finish the meal, serve it with noodles or rice. Stir-fries are a great way to use up leftovers from the refrigerator in addition to your turkey.

8. Turkey Salad

Combine chopped turkey, crisp greens, and a zesty vinaigrette to make a cool turkey salad. Add some cheese, nuts for crunch, and fruits like apples or cranberries. It’s a nutritious, light way to use up leftovers and counterbalance heartier holiday meals. For a quick lunch or dinner, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and combine them right before serving.

9. Turkey Enchiladas

Place shredded turkey, cheese and enchilada sauce on top of corn tortillas, and bake until bubbly. To make it more substantial, add sautéed onions, corn or beans. This is a great make-ahead option because it freezes well and reheats beautifully. It’s also a simple and enjoyable way to add some spiciness and heat to your post-holiday meals.

10. Turkey Curry

In your favourite curry recipe, substitute turkey for the chicken. For a flavourful and comforting dish, simmer it with coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables. For a substantial meal that is very different from your typical holiday fare, serve with rice or naan. This is a great choice when you’re craving something different because the strong spices help to revive the meat’s flavour.

11. Turkey Breakfast Hash

For a flavourful breakfast hash, chop leftover roasted potatoes and add them to a pan with bell peppers and onions. For added richness, place a fried or poached egg on top. After the large meal, it’s a great way to start the morning, especially with some toast and hot coffee. Bonus: it’s equally good for dinner or brunch.

12. Turkey Pasta Bake

Add cooked pasta, turkey, and a creamy sauce. Top with cheese and bake until golden. A crowd will love this filling casserole-style dish, which is simple to make. Depending on your preference, use cheese, tomato-based, or Alfredo sauces. To have a meal ready to eat later in the week, you can also freeze individual portions.