17 Creative Leftover Turkey Recipes to Try This Year

Left with a fridge full of turkey after the big feast? Let’s mix things up! With some easy recipes and simple ingredients, you can turn those leftovers into meals that feel fresh and fun. From cozy soups to tasty muffins, these ideas will give your holiday turkey a delicious new twist.

Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas

Elevate your leftover turkey with these flavorful quesadillas. Combine 1 cup of shredded turkey, ½ cup of cranberry sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Spread the mixture evenly between two tortillas and grill until crispy. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce complements the savory turkey and melted cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added richness.

Turkey Pot Pie

Transform your leftovers into a comforting classic with this pot pie. Mix 2 cups of diced turkey with 1 cup of mixed vegetables and 1 cup of gravy. Pour the mixture into a pie crust, cover with another crust, and bake until golden brown. The rich, savory filling contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust, making each bite satisfying. This dish can be prepared ahead and baked when ready to serve, making it convenient for busy days.

Turkey and Stuffing Muffins

Enjoy Thanksgiving flavors in a portable form with these savory muffins. Combine 2 cups of chopped turkey with 2 cups of leftover stuffing and 2 beaten eggs. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake until set. Each muffin offers a handheld version of the classic Thanksgiving flavors, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. They’re easy to make and can be customized with additional ingredients like cheese or vegetables.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash

Start your day with a hearty and nutritious hash. Sauté 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes with 1 cup of diced onions and bell peppers until tender. Add 2 cups of diced turkey and cook until heated through. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the savory turkey, creating a balanced dish. Top with a fried egg for added richness and serve for breakfast or brunch.

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of soup that utilizes your leftovers. Simmer 1 cup of wild rice with 2 cups of diced turkey, 1 cup each of diced carrots, celery, and onions in 4 cups of chicken broth until the rice is tender. The nutty flavor of wild rice complements the tender turkey, while the vegetables add depth and nutrition. This soup is perfect for a light dinner or lunch, especially on a cold day. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying experience.

Turkey Enchiladas

Give your leftover turkey a spicy, Mexican-inspired makeover with these enchiladas. Fill 8 tortillas with a mixture of 2 cups of shredded turkey, 1 cup of black beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Roll them up, place in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a family favorite. Top with sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for added freshness.

Turkey and Cranberry Salad

Enjoy a light and refreshing meal with this flavorful salad. Toss 2 cups of mixed greens with 1 cup of shredded turkey, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ¼ cup of pecans, and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving. The sweet and tangy cranberries pair well with the savory turkey and creamy feta. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

Turkey and Mashed Potato Croquettes

Turn your leftovers into crispy, savory croquettes. Combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 cup of chopped turkey. Form into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown. The crispy exterior encases a creamy, savory filling, making them irresistible. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Create a quick and healthy meal with this vibrant stir-fry. Stir-fry 2 cups of mixed vegetables with 1 cup of sliced turkey in a savory sauce until heated through. The vibrant colors and crisp textures make this dish appealing and nutritious. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while using up leftover turkey.

Turkey and Brie Grilled Cheese

Elevate your grilled cheese with the addition of turkey and Brie. Layer 1 cup of sliced turkey and ½ cup of sliced Brie cheese between two slices of artisan bread. Grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. The rich, buttery Brie complements the savory turkey, creating a luxurious flavor combination. Add a layer of cranberry sauce for a hint of sweetness.

Turkey and Black Bean Chili

Warm up with a hearty bowl of chili that repurposes your turkey leftovers. Simmer 2 cups of shredded turkey with 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, ½ cup of diced onions, and spices in 2 cups of broth until flavors meld together. The combination of beans and turkey provides a protein-packed meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Turkey and Avocado Wraps

Enjoy a light, satisfying lunch with these simple turkey avocado wraps. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or mustard on a large tortilla, then layer 1 cup of sliced turkey, ½ sliced avocado, and a handful of mixed greens. Roll the tortilla tightly and slice in half. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the savory turkey, while the greens add a refreshing crunch. This quick recipe brings together wholesome ingredients with minimal effort.

Turkey Alfredo Pasta

Turn leftover turkey into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. In a pan, combine 2 cups of cooked pasta, 1 cup of shredded turkey, and 1 cup of Alfredo sauce, stirring until warmed through. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor. The rich sauce clings to the pasta, creating a cozy, indulgent meal that’s perfect for dinner. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired experience.

Turkey and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a colorful and nutritious way to enjoy turkey leftovers. Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of 1 cup of shredded turkey, ½ cup of cooked rice, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. The juicy peppers provide a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling. Serve with a drizzle of sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting casserole ideal for cozy dinners. Combine 2 cups of shredded turkey with 1 cup of cooked spaghetti, 1 cup of cream sauce, and ½ cup of peas, then bake until bubbly. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crust. Each bite is rich and flavorful, with a blend of textures that feels indulgent yet homely. This dish makes for great leftovers that can be reheated throughout the week.

Turkey Caesar Wraps

Transform Caesar salad into a wrap with the addition of turkey. Layer 1 cup of shredded romaine lettuce, ½ cup of shredded turkey, ¼ cup of Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on a large tortilla. Wrap it up tightly and slice in half. This fresh, tangy wrap is perfect for lunch or a quick snack. It’s an easy way to enjoy classic flavors in a convenient form.

BBQ Turkey Sliders

These turkey sliders are a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Mix 2 cups of shredded turkey with ½ cup of BBQ sauce, then pile onto slider buns. Top with coleslaw for crunch and serve warm. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the turkey, creating a rich, flavorful bite. These sliders make for great party snacks or a quick lunch option.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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