Hey there, turkey lovers! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and hopefully, you had a fantastic holiday with your loved ones. But now that the festivities are over, you may find yourself wondering what to do with all of that leftover turkey sitting in your fridge. Well, don’t let it go to waste! With a little creativity, you can turn those scraps into some delicious meals that’ll make you forget all about the main event.
We’ve rounded up some turkey leftover recipes that are easy to make and sure to please your taste buds. From classic sandwiches to soups and casseroles, there’s something for everyone. So put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Turkey Leftover Recipes: Giving Leftovers a Second Life
After all the feasting and cooking during Thanksgiving, there is no need to let those delicious turkey leftovers go to waste. With a little creativity and imagination, your leftover turkey can be transformed into scrumptious dishes that are not only budget-friendly but also mouthwatering. Here are some easy-to-make turkey leftover recipes that will give your leftovers a second life.
Easy-to-Make Turkey Salad Recipes
Turkey salads are a classic way to repurpose leftover turkey. Take your pick from a variety of turkey salad recipes to suit your taste buds. For a southwestern twist, mix together your leftover turkey, canned black beans, corn, and avocado, tossed in a dressing of cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. Another tasty option is cranberry turkey salad, which blends diced turkey breast with celery, red onion, and dried cranberries in a dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, and honey.
Whatever your salad preferences may be, dressing up your turkey leftovers with a mix of fresh ingredients will give it a zesty and scrumptious twist.
Asian-Inspired Turkey Stir Fry
If you’re in the mood for some Asian-inspired cuisine, try out this turkey stir fry recipe. Simply stir-fry a combination of vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, and carrots, and then add in your chopped turkey. Season the dish with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and you’ll have a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. You can add in some rice or noodles to complete the dish.
Stir fry is a versatile dish that allows you to play around with different combinations of spices and vegetables, giving you endless opportunities to experiment with your leftover turkey.
Comfort Foods Makeovers with Your Turkey Leftovers
If you’re craving some classic comfort foods, using leftover turkey can be a great way to add a twist to old favorites. Turkey potpie and shepherd’s pie are two excellent ways to use your Thanksgiving turkey.
For turkey potpie, combine leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, then top it off with crispy pastry. The result is a comforting meal that will remind you of home-cooked family dinners.
On the other hand, shepherd’s pie is a savory dish that combines your leftover turkey with mashed potatoes and vegetables. This dish is a complete meal that will warm you up on chilly days.
These comfort foods makeovers are perfect for those who want to relive the flavors of Thanksgiving in exciting ways.
Wrap Up
There you have it! These easy-to-make turkey leftover recipes are sure to give your Thanksgiving leftovers a second life. Whether you’re in the mood for refreshing salads, asian-inspired stir fry, or comforting pies, these recipes have got you covered. Save money and enjoy your leftovers with these delicious and innovative options!
Quick Turkey-Centric Dinners
After indulging in a delightful Thanksgiving feast, chances are that you have plenty of turkey leftovers. Don’t know what to do with them? Well, you can create a brand new meal using those juicy scraps! Here are some innovative and quick turkey leftover recipes that you can try out:
Thanksgiving Casserole
If you want to create a dish that’s a yummy blend of your Thanksgiving feast, then Thanksgiving Casserole should be at the top of your list. This recipe doesn’t require much prep and is perfect for a busy day. You’ll need a few cups of shredded turkey, stuffing, green beans, a can of mushroom soup, and some gravy. Start by mixing the mushroom soup, gravy, turkey, and stuffing together in a bowl. Add the green beans and mix everything together until it’s combined evenly. Transfer the turkey mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake for around 30 minutes. Once the casserole is ready, sprinkle it with some French fried onions for added flavor. This dish will warm your heart and tummy!
Turkey Alfredo
If you’re looking for an easy to make and divine pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, then Turkey Alfredo is an excellent choice. The recipe requires only a few ingredients: pasta, leftover turkey, cream, garlic, parmesan cheese, and butter. Start by cooking the pasta as per the instructions on the package. In a pan, sauté garlic in butter until it turns golden brown. Pour in the cream and let it simmer until it thickens. Add shredded turkey to the pan and heat until the turkey is cooked thoroughly. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the pan along with grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything together gently. Serve hot with some garlic bread or a salad on the side.
Turkey Enchiladas
This zesty dish is perfect for those who love Mexican flavors. The recipe for turkey enchiladas requires tortillas, leftover turkey, green chilies, salsa, sour cream, and some shredded cheese. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine shredded turkey, green chilies, and half a cup of salsa. Scoop some of the turkey mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up. Place the rolled-up tortillas in a greased baking dish. Pour salsa over the tortillas and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for around 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.
Don’t let your turkey leftovers go to waste. Try out these simple recipes and enjoy a second-round of delicious meals! These quick turkey-centric dinners will not only save your time and effort but will also satisfy your taste buds.
Time to Get Creative with Your Leftover Turkey!
Thanks for reading our article on how to turn your delicious turkey leftovers into new and exciting meals. We hope these recipes have inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and make the most out of your Thanksgiving feast.
Don’t forget to save this article for later reference and visit our website again for more useful tips and tricks. From all of us, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season filled with lots of scrumptious food and fun memories!
FAQ
1. Can I freeze leftover turkey?
Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey for up to six months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
2. What can I make with leftover mashed potatoes and turkey?
Try making some turkey shepherd’s pie! Layer mashed potatoes, leftover turkey, mixed veggies, and gravy in a baking dish and bake in the oven until golden brown.
3. Can I substitute leftover turkey in a chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out chicken with turkey in recipes such as casseroles, salads, and sandwiches for a new flavor twist.
4. What can I do with leftover cranberry sauce?
Use it as a spread on sandwiches, mix it into yogurt for a tangy breakfast, or swirl it into oatmeal for a sweet and tart touch.
5. How can I spice up leftover turkey soup?
Add some noodles, leftover veggies, and spices such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a flavorful twist.
6. Can I make a turkey quiche with leftover turkey and eggs?
Definitely! Mix leftover turkey and eggs with veggies, cheese, and seasonings and bake in a pre-made pie crust for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
7. What can I make with leftover turkey and stuffing?
Make some turkey-stuffed mushrooms! Scoop out the inside of the mushrooms, fill with stuffing and leftover turkey, and bake in the oven for a savory appetizer.
8. How long can I keep leftover turkey in the fridge?
Leftover turkey should be consumed or frozen within 3-4 days of the Thanksgiving meal.
9. Can I make a turkey pot pie with leftover turkey?
Absolutely! Combine leftover turkey, veggies, and turkey gravy in a baking dish, top with a pre-made pie crust, and bake in the oven until golden brown.
10. Can I make a turkey stir-fry with leftover turkey and veggies?
Yes! Stir-fry leftover turkey and mixed veggies with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for a quick and easy meal. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling dinner.
