Don’t let all that delicious Thanksgiving turkey go to waste! Here are some delicious and creative leftover turkey recipes for you to indulge in!
Do you have a fridge full of turkey now that the holidays are over? Using that leftover turkey to create a meal plan throughout the week is a great way to use up any leftovers hanging around in your fridge.
Transforming Thanksgiving Leftovers Into Culinary Delights
Thanksgiving—a holiday that leaves us not just with fond memories but also a fridge packed with leftovers. While turkey sandwiches and reheated stuffing are Thanksgiving aftermath staples, why not venture out of the norm? The turkey may be the centerpiece of the feast, but the subsequent days provide a culinary playground to get creative with those leftovers.
Reinventing the Classic Turkey Sandwich
The day-after turkey sandwich is a Thanksgiving classic, but it can easily become a gourmet dish. Swap out white bread for a crusty ciabatta or sourdough, spread a layer of cranberry aioli instead of plain mayonnaise, and introduce some peppery arugula or baby spinach for crunch and flavor.
Provolone or Swiss cheese can provide a layer of creaminess that ties all the flavors together. Grill the sandwich to meld the flavors and achieve a crispy texture. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience that breathes new life into turkey leftovers.
Turkey Tacos with a Twist
If you’re a fan of fusion cuisine, turn your leftover turkey into delicious tacos. Shred the turkey meat and sauté it with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Infuse some Latin flair by adding cumin, coriander, and a splash of lime juice. Instead of traditional tortillas, use lettuce wraps for a lighter take, or go all out with corn or flour tortillas.
Top with homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. If you have leftover cranberry sauce, mix it with a bit of chipotle for a tangy and spicy cranberry-chipotle salsa that pairs perfectly with your turkey tacos.
Creating Turkey Pot Pie from Scratch
A turkey pot pie is the epitome of comfort food and an excellent way to use up various Thanksgiving leftovers. Not just the turkey, but also vegetables like green beans, carrots, and peas can make their way into this dish. Start with a buttery homemade crust, then prepare a filling that’s rich with a creamy sauce made from turkey stock and a touch of heavy cream.
Don’t forget herbs like thyme and rosemary to add an aromatic touch. Once assembled, bake until the crust is golden brown. Each bite will take you back to the Thanksgiving table, albeit in a new and delightful form.
Crafting Turkey Curry for an Exotic Touch
If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, transforming your turkey leftovers into a curry is an exciting option. Start with sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger as your aromatic base. Add spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper for complexity and heat. Coconut milk will give the curry a creamy consistency, balancing the bold spices. Simmer the turkey pieces in this aromatic concoction until they soak up all the flavors. Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread to complete this exotic meal.
From Leftovers to Breakfast Treats: Turkey Frittata
Who says turkey is only for lunch and dinner? For a hearty morning-after breakfast, consider making a turkey frittata. In a skillet, sauté leftover turkey with vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Whisk together eggs, milk, and cheese, then pour over the turkey mixture. Bake until the frittata sets, and you’ve got a nutritious breakfast that uses up more of your leftovers in an unexpected way.
The possibilities for Thanksgiving leftover transformations are endless. It’s all about applying creativity, borrowing from different cuisines, and daring to think beyond the reheating pan. With these ideas as a starting point, you can turn your turkey leftovers into a series of meals that keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive, long after the last slice of pumpkin pie has been devoured.
Leftover turkey after the holidays can be so good if you do it the right way! Here are 15 creative and delicious recipes that will have you looking forward to the days after Thanksgiving! These amazing turkey cranberry and brie sandwiches are so great for leftover turkey or lunch! These air fryer turkey egg rolls are so delicious and a great way to use up all of those thanksgiving leftovers! These awesome thanksgiving leftover pies brings together your favorite leftovers in one yummy cup! Leftover turkey has never tasted so good! Perfect for a post thanksgiving lunch, check out this amazing turkey sliders recipe! This one-pot Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole is creamy, hearty, and full of all kinds of deliciousness! With veggies, pasta, turkey (or chicken) and cheddar, this yummy meal is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Filled with turkey, vegetables and cheese, this turkey An easy recipe that’s also versatile, this delicious Mixed with vegetables, turkey, and a brown gravy sauce, this Another hearty and filling meal, this turkey pot pie is Quick and easy to make, these buffalo turkey meatballs will Creamy and cheesy, this turkey tetrazzini is filled with This rice soup uses your leftover turkey skin, bones, and Perfect for snacking or a quick meal, these wraps combine The ultimate comfort food recipe, this leftover turkey jook Hearty and delicious, this filling chowder combines the Another delicious version of turkey pot pie, this tasty Sliders are the perfect go to recipe when you are looking to If you’re wondering how to use a variety of different15 Creative Leftover Turkey Recipes That You Will Enjoy
Amazing Air Fryer Turkey Cranberry and Brie Sandwiches
Easy Leftover Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
Amazing Thanksgiving Leftover Pies
Amazing Leftover Turkey Sliders
Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole
Easy Turkey Casserole
casserole is a delicious way to use up any leftover turkey you have.
Leftover Turkey Chili
leftover turkey chili is a hearty meal that will warm you up during those chilly days.
Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie
cheesy mash potato shepherd’s pie is a delicious way to use leftover turkey.
Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
perfect for those cooler days when you crave a filling meal to warm you up.
Leftover Buffalo Turkey Meatballs {Oven Baked or Air Fryer Meatballs}
make a delicious meal or snack for the entire family.
Turkey Tetrazzini
chunks of turkey, onion, mushrooms, and pasta.
Thanksgiving Leftover Soup: Turkey Rice Soup With Everyday Chicken Alternative
flavorful meat to create a delicious soup that can be enjoyed with or without a bread bowl.
Tortilla wraps with turkey and beans – Turkey recipe
leftover turkey and beans for a flavorful fall meal.
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Jook (Congee)
is made in the instant pot for a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
Turkey Bacon and Corn Chowder
flavor of turkey and bacon for a tasty soup that is sure to become a favorite.
Turkey Pot Pie
recipe uses a flakey buttery crust that brings the flavors to a whole new level.
Easy Leftover Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
feed a crowd or have a hearty snack. These sliders use leftover turkey and Hawaiian rolls for a delicious treat.
Genius Potato, Turkey and Stuffing Layered Leftovers: Better than Thanksgiving Day's Dinner!
leftovers, this casserole uses nothing but leftovers and makes it into a tasty casserole.
If you loved these leftover turkey recipes be sure to check out these 15 Must Have Cooking Tools For Thanksgiving Dinner!
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