35 Genius Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey doesn’t have to be boring, and these 35 recipes prove just how creative you can get with your holiday leftovers. Whether you’re making hearty soups, creamy casseroles, spicy tacos, or flavorful sandwiches, each dish reinvents turkey into something exciting.

These recipes ensure nothing goes to waste while keeping meals fresh and fun. From tacos to casseroles, leftover turkey shines as the star ingredient in a variety of flavorful dishes.

Perfect for weeknight meals or for putting a twist on holiday flavors, these ideas will keep your turkey tasting fresh long after the holidays are over.

Leftover Turkey Nachos

Leftover turkey nachos make a brilliant appetizer or snack after Thanksgiving. Layered with crispy tortilla chips, shredded turkey, and melted cheese, these nachos are a delightful way to use up leftovers while enjoying bold, satisfying flavors.

Topped with your favorite Mexican seasonings, salsa, and sour cream, this dish combines the richness of turkey with the zest of nachos. Every bite offers a balance of crunch, creaminess, and smokiness.

This quick recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. The simple ingredients blend seamlessly into a dish that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover turkey pot pie brings comfort and warmth to your meal rotation. The flaky, buttery crust embraces a creamy filling made with tender turkey, vegetables, and savory seasonings.

This dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, making it the perfect way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers. With its hearty base and golden crust, this pot pie becomes a family favorite that can be enjoyed throughout the week.

The best part? It’s easy to make, and the comforting result will have everyone coming back for more.

This simple recipe transforms leftovers into a rich and satisfying meal.

Leftover Turkey Tikka Masala

Leftover turkey tikka masala is an exciting twist on the traditional Indian dish. Tender turkey pieces are enveloped in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, making for an exotic and flavorful meal that can be prepared with ease.

The curry spices bring depth and warmth, while the creamy sauce balances the bold flavors. This dish is not only a great way to use leftover turkey, but it also introduces a whole new set of flavors to your cooking repertoire.

It’s the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making it a meal to remember.

White Bean Turkey Chili

White bean turkey chili is a hearty and warming dish that’s perfect for colder months. Combining tender turkey with white beans, vegetables, and a blend of spices, this chili is rich in flavor and easy to prepare.

The creamy base and subtle heat from the spices create a cozy meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you serve it with cornbread or over rice, this dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey.

The comforting flavors of this chili will make it a regular in your meal plan.

Cajun Turkey Gnocchi

Cajun turkey gnocchi brings a touch of spice and a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving leftovers. This creamy dish is easy to whip up in just 20 minutes, featuring soft potato gnocchi paired with turkey, Cajun seasonings, and a rich sauce.

The Cajun spices add a fiery kick, balancing perfectly with the comforting texture of the gnocchi and turkey. This one-skillet meal is both flavorful and filling, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

With minimal effort, you’ll be indulging in a deliciously satisfying dish.

Herbed Turkey Stroganoff

Herbed turkey stroganoff is a comforting and flavorful dish that takes your leftovers to new heights. Tender turkey, seasoned with fresh herbs, is served in a creamy sour cream sauce, making for a rich and satisfying meal.

The sauce is perfectly complemented by egg noodles, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels like a special occasion.

The combination of flavors in this dish creates a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Leftover Turkey Jambalaya

Leftover turkey jambalaya brings the bold flavors of Louisiana to your turkey leftovers. This dish features seasoned rice, turkey, sausage, and vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

The mix of spices and ingredients gives the jambalaya a vibrant, rich taste that everyone will love. It’s a fantastic way to turn your leftovers into a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting.

This recipe is an easy yet impressive way to reimagine your holiday leftovers.

Leftover Turkey Pesto Panini

Leftover turkey pesto panini is a perfect way to enjoy a quick and delicious meal with your leftovers. The turkey is paired with fresh mozzarella, pesto, and tomatoes, all tucked between slices of crusty bread and grilled to perfection.

The flavors of the pesto and turkey combine beautifully, while the crispy, golden bread adds the perfect texture. This panini is easy to make, satisfying, and makes for a great lunch or dinner.

Leftover turkey gets a flavorful upgrade in this simple yet delicious meal.

Turkey Noodle Casserole

Turkey noodle casserole is a comforting and delicious way to use up leftover turkey. This casserole combines turkey, noodles, and a creamy sauce, all topped with cheese and baked to golden perfection.

The creamy sauce brings together the tender turkey and noodles, creating a dish that is both filling and comforting. It’s the perfect meal to feed a crowd or to enjoy as a leftover the next day.

This casserole transforms your leftovers into a rich, satisfying dish that will become a family favorite.

Thai Turkey Soup

Thai turkey soup is a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional turkey soups. This soup is made with coconut milk, fresh herbs, and a blend of Thai spices that create a light, yet hearty, broth.

The turkey adds protein and richness, while the bold spices and creamy coconut milk elevate the flavor to something extraordinary. This soup is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and exotic flavors.

It’s an exciting new way to enjoy leftovers, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Leftover Turkey Sliders

Leftover turkey sliders are a fun and easy way to turn your holiday turkey into a party-ready meal. These sliders are made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese, all baked together for a gooey, flavorful treat.

The combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce is irresistible, and the mini size makes them perfect for appetizers or light meals. They are quick to make yet impressive, making them perfect for any gathering.

These sliders are sure to become a hit at your next event.

Creamy Turkey and Dumplings Soup

Creamy turkey and dumplings soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. The turkey is simmered with vegetables and a rich broth, while fluffy dumplings are cooked right in, adding an extra layer of comfort.

This soup is hearty, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, turning it into a cozy meal that everyone will love.

The dumplings elevate this dish, making it a warm and satisfying option for any evening.

Turkey Enchiladas

Turkey enchiladas take your leftovers to new heights with a blend of flavorful ingredients. Rolled tortillas filled with turkey, cheese, and a zesty enchilada sauce create a warm, satisfying meal.

The layers of flavor from the sauce and turkey are perfectly complemented by the gooey melted cheese. This dish is not only a great way to use up leftovers but also a crowd-pleaser that brings a fun twist to your dinner table.

The bold flavors in every bite create a memorable meal for everyone.

Leftover Turkey Hash

Leftover turkey hash is a hearty and satisfying dish that turns your turkey leftovers into something special. The combination of crispy potatoes, seasoned turkey, and vegetables makes for a filling and flavorful meal.

This dish is simple yet rich, offering a great balance of textures and tastes. It’s a great way to use up turkey and add a touch of comfort to your weeknight meals.

The result is a meal that’s both delicious and comforting, turning your leftovers into something special.

Hawaiian BBQ Turkey Flatbread

Hawaiian BBQ turkey flatbread brings a sweet and savory combination to your Thanksgiving leftovers. The soft flatbread is topped with tender turkey, pineapple, red onions, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, creating a delicious fusion of flavors.

The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the BBQ sauce, making this dish both tropical and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal that everyone will enjoy.

The simple combination of ingredients creates a bold, vibrant dish that highlights your leftovers.

Leftover Turkey Spanish Rice

Leftover turkey Spanish rice combines tender turkey with seasoned rice, offering a flavorful twist on a classic dish. The turkey adds a rich depth of flavor while the rice absorbs the spices and seasonings.

Colorful vegetables and spices bring out the bold flavors, making this dish a great option for a family meal. This one-pan meal is quick and easy, ensuring you get a delicious dinner on the table without much fuss.

The vibrant flavors in every bite will keep everyone coming back for more.

Leftover Turkey Club

Leftover turkey club is a classic sandwich made even better with Thanksgiving leftovers. This sandwich combines layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, all sandwiched between toasted bread.

The turkey provides a hearty base, while the crispy bacon and fresh vegetables add crunch and flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile lunch or dinner option.

This sandwich is a delicious way to repurpose leftovers into something extraordinary.

Leftover Turkey Salad

Leftover turkey salad is a fresh and healthy option to use up your Thanksgiving turkey. With crunchy vegetables, leafy greens, and the savory turkey, this salad is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

The creamy dressing ties everything together, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. This dish works wonderfully as a light lunch or as a filling for a sandwich.

With just a few ingredients, it’s a quick and flavorful way to enjoy your leftovers.

Turkey Melts

Turkey melts are the ultimate open-faced sandwich for turning leftovers into something comforting and delicious. Turkey, cheese, and a tangy cranberry sauce are melted on top of a slice of bread, creating a warm and satisfying meal.

The combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberry makes for an irresistible treat. This sandwich is simple to make and can be enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner.

The balance of flavors and textures will make this a go-to recipe.

Leftover Turkey Frittata

Leftover turkey frittata is the perfect way to repurpose your holiday leftovers for breakfast or brunch. The turkey is combined with eggs, vegetables, and cheese, creating a savory and satisfying meal.

This dish is easy to make, and its versatility allows you to use any vegetables or seasonings you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or lunch, this frittata is a fantastic way to give new life to your turkey leftovers.

It’s an ideal option for any meal of the day, offering flavor and comfort.

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for repurposing your Thanksgiving leftovers. Layered with mashed potatoes, turkey, and vegetables, this pie is both filling and satisfying.

The savory turkey filling complements the creamy mashed potatoes, while the top layer of golden, fluffy potatoes adds a delicious texture. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a cozy family dinner.

Transforming leftovers into a comforting, flavorful meal is a breeze with this recipe.

Leftover Turkey Harvest Cobb Salad

Leftover turkey harvest cobb salad is a colorful and festive way to enjoy your turkey leftovers. Packed with fall-inspired ingredients like roasted squash, cranberries, and nuts, this salad combines the savory turkey with a touch of sweetness and crunch.

The maple Dijon vinaigrette brings everything together with its perfect balance of flavors. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying, healthy meal.

It’s a perfect choice for lunch or dinner, adding a seasonal twist to your leftover turkey.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup

Leftover turkey noodle soup is the perfect meal for those colder days when you need something warm and hearty. The turkey is simmered in a savory broth with noodles and vegetables, creating a rich, satisfying soup that’s easy to make.

The noodles absorb the flavors of the broth while the tender turkey adds a lovely richness. This dish is perfect for using up leftover turkey and is a great comfort food option.

It’s a simple yet delicious way to create a hearty meal from leftovers.

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Turkey pot pie soup provides a warm, hearty meal that's perfect for transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into something comforting and new. The rich, savory broth envelops tender pieces of turkey, vegetables, and a mix of flavorful seasonings.

Each spoonful brings together the best parts of a pot pie, minus the crust, for a satisfying and cozy dish. This soup is easy to make and offers a great way to stretch leftovers into a meal that feels special.

The dish provides comfort with each spoonful, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

Leftover Turkey Tacos

Leftover turkey tacos bring bold, exciting flavors to your post-holiday meals. Seasoned turkey, along with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a little lime juice, are wrapped in soft tortillas, creating a delicious bite full of texture and taste.

These tacos are a perfect way to use your leftovers while adding a Mexican twist. The combination of turkey with salsa and crunchy toppings makes for a satisfying dish.

A simple, flavorful meal that’s both fun to make and eat.

Leftover Turkey Rice Soup

Leftover turkey rice soup is a simple yet flavorful way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers. The turkey is simmered with rice and vegetables in a savory broth, creating a light yet hearty soup.

This recipe can be easily customized with any vegetables or seasonings you prefer, making it an adaptable dish that suits various tastes. It’s both comforting and nourishing, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling.

The tender turkey adds richness, turning a simple soup into a satisfying meal.

Turkey Mediterranean Casserole

Turkey Mediterranean casserole adds a Mediterranean twist to your leftover turkey. This casserole layers turkey with vegetables, olives, and herbs, creating a meal that’s both hearty and packed with fresh flavors.

The dish is topped with a generous amount of cheese, making every bite a creamy and savory delight. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for a weeknight dinner.

The ingredients blend together to create a balanced, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night.

Turkey Quesadilla

Turkey quesadilla is a quick and tasty way to repurpose leftover turkey into a delicious Mexican-inspired dish. The turkey is paired with creamy cheese and a crispy tortilla, creating a perfect balance of textures.

The addition of spicy cranberry salsa adds a unique twist, making each bite a flavorful experience. These quesadillas are easy to prepare, making them a great option for a busy day.

The combination of savory turkey and sweet salsa creates a fun, fresh meal.

Leftover Turkey Stuffed Shells

Leftover turkey stuffed shells take the classic pasta dish and make it even more comforting. The large pasta shells are filled with turkey, ricotta cheese, and seasonings, then baked in marinara sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

The turkey adds a delicious twist to the traditional stuffing, and the cheese ties everything together beautifully. This dish is both easy to make and incredibly filling, perfect for a family dinner.

It transforms leftovers into an Italian-inspired meal everyone will enjoy.

Turkey Stew

Turkey stew is a perfect comfort food for cooler evenings. The rich, creamy broth is filled with tender turkey, vegetables, and herbs, creating a heartwarming meal.

This stew is a great way to use leftover turkey, making it feel like a brand-new dish. The flavors meld beautifully as it simmers, making for a cozy and satisfying dinner.

The simple ingredients come together to create a hearty, delicious meal.

Leftover Turkey Chili

Leftover turkey chili is a great way to use up your holiday turkey in a new and flavorful way. This chili is full of beans, turkey, and a variety of spices, creating a dish that is both hearty and flavorful.

The perfect combination of heat, smokiness, and savory turkey makes this chili a crowd-pleaser. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like, and it’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Leftovers become a satisfying, warming meal with this easy-to-make chili.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is a rich and creamy casserole that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. The combination of turkey, mushrooms, and pasta in a creamy sauce creates a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Topped with cheese and baked until golden, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. It’s an easy meal that comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

The rich flavors of this dish will make it a favorite for years to come.

Turkey Club Wrap

Turkey club wrap is a classic sandwich made even better with Thanksgiving leftovers. Layers of turkey, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and cheese are wrapped in a soft tortilla, creating a satisfying meal.

This wrap is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a great balance of savory flavors. The combination of textures from the crunchy bacon and tender turkey makes each bite enjoyable.

This wrap transforms leftovers into a filling and tasty meal everyone will love.

Leftover Turkey Stir Fry

Leftover turkey stir fry is a quick and healthy way to repurpose your holiday turkey. This stir fry features turkey, vegetables, and a light, flavorful sauce that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

The dish is simple to make and can be customized with any vegetables or sauces you like. Stir-frying the turkey gives it a crisp, caramelized texture, while the sauce adds depth and flavor.

This dish turns leftovers into a fresh, light, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Croque Madame

Thanksgiving leftovers croque madame is a gourmet sandwich made with turkey, cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce. This French-inspired dish takes your leftover turkey to a whole new level, creating a comforting and decadent meal.

The crispy bread, melted cheese, and creamy sauce create a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Topped with a fried egg, this sandwich is an indulgent treat.

This dish elevates your Thanksgiving leftovers into a gourmet meal that’s as satisfying as it is impressive.