Turkey Sandwiches
Turkey sandwiches are the ultimate leftover classic, and they don’t have to be basic or boring! Layer that leftover turkey with cheese, lettuce, and some cranberry sauce for the ultimate tasty lunch. This next-day hack doesn’t even require reheating the turkey.
BBQ Pulled Turkey
BBQ pulled pork is a fan favorite dish for a reason, but did you know it’s just as juicy and flavorful with turkey? This hack reinvents a popular dish with few adjustments, so all you need to do is shred the turkey and toss it in gorgeous barbecue sauce.
Turkey Pot Pie
Nothing tastes quite as hearty as a creamy mixture of leftover turkey, hot gravy, and vegetables nestled inside a well-baked pastry crust. This cozy dish transforms the turkey into something entirely new, feeding the whole family without any expensive ingredients.
Stuffed Turkey Waffles
Savory, meet sweet! Turkey and waffles are an unexpected yet warming combination, and you barely have to do any work. Simply combine the batter with the turkey filling in a waffle iron and let the machine do all the work for you. Add a drizzle of syrup or gravy.
Turkey Curry
Chicken, beef, and lamb may be the go-to curry meats, but don’t judge turkey curry before you try it. To prevent the turkey from drying out, mix it into a curry sauce of your choice and serve it over rice. For extra flavor, leave it to absorb the spices overnight.
Turkey Enchiladas
If you want to turn leftover turkey into something completely new, try turkey enchiladas. Since the meat is already cooked, all you have to do is shred it and roll it up in tortillas with plenty of cheese and salsa! The result is smoky, spicy, and divine.
Turkey Salad
Sometimes, what you really want the day after a big Thanksgiving dinner is a salad, and why not reuse some turkey? Combine it with celery, lettuce, and tomatoes, and dress with mayo for a healthy, varied lunch salad. The turkey bulks it out with some much-needed protein.
Turkey Dumplings
Dumplings aren’t a beginner dish, but any experienced cook or challenge-chaser can give this leftover turkey hack a try. Chop up the turkey, wrap it in dumpling dough, and steam until golden. This clever fusion dish allows holiday leftovers to cross cultures in the tastiest way.
Turkey Congee
Savory porridge? That’s right! Congee is another delicious Asian dish, and you can use practically any meat. Turkey works well with the creamy rice porridge and additional seasonings like ginger and sesame oil. This dish is comforting, soothing, and extremely filling.
Turkey Fried Rice
Day-old rice and leftover turkey are a match made in Heaven in this stir-fried dish. Mix the two up in a wok with some eggs, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce to make a fast and filling meal. The turkey will crisp up beautifully and gain extra flavor.
Turkey Tamales
Tamales are always a warming, hearty homemade meal, but have you tried them with turkey? For the ultimate flavor, shred the meat, mix it with a sauce that matches your spice palate, then steam it in masa dough. Enjoy these tasty bites for as long as possible.
Turkey Noodle Casserole
Forget tuna noodle casserole —this Thanksgiving, it’s all about turkey noodle casserole. Egg noodles, cream sauce, and a cheese bake pair perfectly with leftover turkey, offering several simple yet complementary flavors you won’t be able to get enough of. You’ll go back for seconds, and thirds!
Turkey Hash
Turkey hash is specifically designed to use leftover turkey, making it the perfect post-holiday treat to whip up. In just one pan, combine turkey, potatoes, and onions, then crisp them up until they’re ready to serve. To really jazz things up, pop a fried egg on top.
Turkey Chili
Chili is one of the best homemade family meals, and you can easily use leftover turkey as a substitute for minced beef. Bulk out the pot with beans, tomatoes, spices, and chili powder, then serve it over steaming rice to really fill yourself up the next day.
Turkey English Muffins
You can put anything on an English muffin if you’re brave enough! Think of this hack like an open sandwich, using similar ingredients, with plenty of cranberry sauce to really make the turkey slices pop. This dish turns plain leftovers into a satisfying next-day breakfast option.
Turkey Egg Rolls
If you haven’t had enough of turkey and veggies after Thanksgiving, whip up some turkey egg rolls the next day. Not only will you use up all of your leftover turkey, but you’ll also prevent any cabbage and carrots from going to waste. Don’t forget to dip them in chili sauce!
Turkey Broth
Broth is hot, full of nutrients, amazing for gut health, and super easy to make. Even the scantest turkey leftovers provide amazing flavor when combined with vegetables and herbs. This flavorful dish is the gift that keeps on giving and ensures there’s zero waste.
Turkey Tacos
Leftover turkey is the ideal easy filling for soft or crunchy taco shells, and you can enjoy them as plain or as zesty as you like. For optimal taste, add some salsa, lime, and avocado to breathe life into those otherwise uninspired leftovers.
Turkey Croquettes
The traditional ham croquettes are good, but this season is all about the turkey. It doesn’t matter how tattered the leftover meat is, because for this hack, you need to mash it with potatoes and fry it. The result is bite after bite of hot, hearty perfection.
Turkey Gumbo
Nothing screams “nostalgia” quite like gumbo, which is why it’s a great meal to make with leftover turkey. The entire family will love this dish, especially if you add some rich Cajun spices. Transport your Thanksgiving turkey from cold November to a Southern summer.
Turkey Risotto
Risotto is another popular family dish you can make with leftovers, including rice, veggies, and, of course, turkey. It takes some time, but if you know how to cook a stunning risotto, it’ll be worth the wait. Those turkey pieces are the special something that it would have been missing.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Tetrazzini doesn’t traditionally include turkey, but why let that stop you? This handy hack uses ingredients that you likely already have in your cupboard (pasta, cream, mushrooms, and cheese), and they all bake together in a dish with the turkey. You’ll easily make multiple potions.
Turkey Ramen
After a hearty turkey dinner, you might not be ready for the warm, cozy meals to be over. In that case, whip up some turkey ramen, which consists of just two ingredients: eggs and soy sauce. It’s a quick dish with restaurant-worthy flavors.
Turkey Empanadas
We can’t get enough of turkey in pastry, so let’s add empanadas to the list. Roll your leftover turkey with onions and spices, then bake until golden. The resulting portable pockets will be chock-full of spice and flavor.
Turkey Pizza
You can put almost everything on pizza, so why not try turkey? This is a clever hack because the entire family can get involved with rolling the dough and adding the sauce and toppings. Then, you just need to bake and serve it for an easy dinner.
Turkey Chowder
This rich, creamy soup will have you going back for seconds, especially if you add leftover turkey! It uses the most basic ingredients —corn and potatoes —to create a thick, cozy broth that’s perfect for chilly post-holiday evenings.
Turkey Ragu
Spice up your usual ragu with a leftover turkey twist this Thanksgiving. Instead of starting from scratch, just toss the shredded remains into a simmering tomato and red wine sauce, then serve over pasta. Another good hack is to pair it with a glass of red wine.
Turkey Stroganoff
You might be skeptical, but trust us with this dish. Swap out beef for leftover turkey pieces and simmer them in a creamy mushroom sauce to create your homemade stroganoff. Add some buttery egg noodles and you’ve created the perfect comfort meal in a few steps.
Turkey Carbonara
Speaking of creamy sauces, carbonara is another classic dish that you can sneak leftover turkey into. Admittedly, turkey and bacon taste quite different, but they both work, and using turkey will actually make it taste less rich, especially when you add eggs and parmesan.
Turkey Stir Fry
Stir fry is all about taking scraps and easy ingredients and turning them into a new dish with a few wok tosses. Choose whatever veggies are still hanging out in your fridge, add some noodles, and splash some soy sauce on top. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy!
Turkey Grain Bowls
Some people like to start their post-Thanksgiving diets a day later, and that’s what grain bowls are for. Pile that leftover turkey on top of a bed of quinoa or rice, then add veggies, avocado, and a tasty dressing to finish. The result is balanced, colorful, and nutritious.
Turkey Gnocchi
It’s unusual, but it can be done! Leftover turkey is perfect for making your own gnocchi with a rich, sage-infused sauce and either pre-made or homemade gnocchi. You can create a perfectly indulgent dish with ingredients already in your kitchen and minimal effort.
Turkey Quesadillas
Crispy, cheesy, and downright moreish, turkey quesadillas are the ultimate lazy-day hack for using up leftovers the day after a big meal. Shred the meat, pop it into tortillas with cheese, then griddle them to perfection and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Turkey Larb
If you want to really expand your culinary horizons, put your leftover turkey to good use in this Thai-inspired dish. Toss the turkey in lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and herbs, then serve it in lettuce cups over rice. It takes some work, but this meal is truly delicious.
Turkey Poutine
Sometimes, what you really need is comfort food on top of more comfort food. Bake some crispy fries, top them with cheese and gravy, and sprinkle on some chopped turkey for a simple but effective twist. The result? Ultra-indulgent bliss.
