You spent hours pulling off Thanksgiving dinner, from basting the turkey to arranging every last side dish on the table. After all that work, you’re not about to let a single bite go to waste! Thankfully, the days that follow are all about enjoying the fruits of your labor—some might even argue that the leftovers are the best part of the whole weekend. Instead of just reheating plain slices of turkey, why not turn them into something new? With a few simple tweaks, that holiday bird can become a cozy soup, a hearty casserole, or a sandwich that rivals the original feast.
While it's always a good idea to find out exactly how much turkey you'll need in advance, if you want to enjoy leftovers for days to come, be sure to factor in some extra. Turkey can last in the refrigerator for up to four days which means there's plenty of time to try a handful of these comfort food dishes. Transform your leftover turkey into casseroles like turkey tetrazzini, jazzed up turkey sandwiches, and one of Ree Drummond’s all-time favorites, turkey pot pie. "The wonderfulness of this leftover recipe is made even greater if you have a leftover pie crust laying around!" she says. Remember that you can also swap turkey for chicken in tons of recipes, like enchiladas and stuffing casserole. Your crew won't even notice the difference!
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Turkey Salad
Antonis Achilleos
Creamy, crunchy, and a little sweet. Toss leftover turkey with apples, celery, red onion, and dried cranberries, then fold in just enough dressing to bring it together. Spoon it onto greens or pile it onto soft rolls for an easy lunch.
The day-after classic in all its glory. Stack leftover turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a swipe of gravy on sturdy bread, then press or toast until warm. Every bite tastes like the holiday all over again!
Leftover turkey turns this creamy skillet into comfort in a hurry. Stir in peas and mushrooms, then spoon the rich sauce over warm biscuits or tuck it into flaky puff pastry shells for a cozy dinner.
This weeknight bake checks every box. Tender noodles, juicy turkey, a silky sauce, and a crunchy potato chip topping that makes everyone go back for seconds. It reheats like a dream, too!
All the pot pie flavors without the effort. Swap in shredded leftover turkey for the chicken, simmer with veggies, then finish with cheesy pie crust dippers if you have scraps on hand. It is pure comfort by the bowl.
A creamy turkey and veggie filling sits under a blanket of golden mashed potatoes. Use what you have from the big meal and bake until the top is crisp and the edges bubble.
Layer thick slices of turkey with bacon, tomato, and lettuce, then add a quick cranberry mayo for a little tart zip. It is a not-so-basic sandwich that feels special but comes together fast!
Set it and forget it chili with a gentle kick. The original uses ground turkey, but leftover shredded turkey works too. Stir it in near the end so it stays tender, then top with avocado, cheese, and corn chips.
A cozy tomato-based soup loaded with veggies and pasta. It is written for ground turkey, but leftover chopped or shredded turkey slips right in. Warm the meat in the broth at the end so it stays juicy.
Buttery rolls, melty mozzarella, and bright pesto make these sliders party-ready. And leftover shredded turkey makes them even easier! Brush the tops, bake until the cheese pulls, and serve hot.
A fresh way to use what is left from the feast. Toss diced turkey with roasted veggies, apples, and wild rice, then add something creamy like goat cheese and a handful of toasted nuts. Finish with balsamic vinaigrette for a hearty bowl.
Whatever you do, don't toss that leftover turkey carcass! It's perfect for making this homemade turkey stock. It makes a big batch so you can stash it in the freezer for whenever you need it!
This classic French sandwich is typically made with slices of ham, but you can tuck a few slices of leftover turkey into the mix, too. It's basically the cheesiest, most decadent sandwich you'll ever have!
Instead of using chicken, this pot pie is just as delicious with leftover turkey. It has a unique twist thanks to the addition of cheesy sharp cheddar in the crust.
These bite-sized roll-ups are layered with turkey, lettuce, ham, and slices of muenster cheese. But it's the chipotle mayonnaise that really makes them sing!
This pasta night recipe is pure comfort thanks to creamy white sauce, savory mushrooms, and hearty turkey. To give it some added texture, top the dish with toasted bread crumbs.
This fall-inspired recipe is loaded with holiday flavor. Not only is the flatbread topped with leftover turkey and goat cheese, but it also has shredded Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans.
Didn't get enough turkey and dressing at this year's family feast? Use extra turkey to make this easy, comforting stuffing casserole. Just swap in an equal amount of turkey for the chicken listed in the recipe.