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50+ Tasty Ways to Use Up Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

October 30, 2013
Photo: Randy Mayor
It's the annual holiday struggle—just what do you do with all that leftover turkey once the celebration is over? Well, why not try some of these tasty and unique ideas? Generic turkey sandwiches and soup can grow boring quickly, but these adventurous recipes are anything but bland. Try adding your favorite holiday bird to delicious recipes like Roast Turkey Pho, Cauliflower Turkey Tetrazzini, or Turkey and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, just to name a few. 
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Instant Pot Turkey and Sage Dumpling Soup

Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey and Sage Dumpling Soup

It's the day after the holidays, and your fridge is full of leftover turkey. What's a cook to do? These sandwiches, soups, and other clever dishes let you have some tasty fun with your remaining poultry.

Substitute your leftover Thanksgiving turkey for turkey cutlets in this comforting soup recipe. Serve with a crunchy salad and citrus vinaigrette.

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Turkey Chili With Black Beans and Kale

Liz Mervosh
View Recipe: Turkey Chili With Black Beans and Kale

Rev up your chili game with this hearty and healthy twist on the classic. Subbing ground turkey for the beef trims down the saturated fat, while black beans deliver gut-friendly fiber; kale comes in clutch with a healthy dose of vitamin C. If you can’t find ancho chili powder, feel free to substitute regular chili powder. Serve this chili with cornbread, on nachos, or use as a topping for baked sweet potatoes.

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Quick Roasted Turkey Posole

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Quick Roasted Turkey Posole

After everyone is done with the white meat for the sandwiches, what’s a cook to do with all the leftover bits? Soup is always the answer, and this Southwestern-inspired Turkey Posole is one to keep even after the holidays have passed. Hominy might be new to some, but the chewy texture of this thick corn kernel gives this soup more texture to hold up to the tangy broth. Feel free to mix and match your toppings, the ingredients indicated are only limited to your own posole dreams.

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Thai Turkey Lettuce Cups

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Thai Turkey Lettuce Cups

A little sugar balances the vinegar tang in the turkey mixture and helps develop wonderful crispy bits in the pan. Delicate butter lettuce leaves have a nice cup shape for filling; you could also use romaine.

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Turkey Carne Molida

Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Turkey Carne Molida

This recipe serves four, with 2 cups of carne molida left over for a second meal. It's a simple dish with great flavor thanks to cumin, garlic, and achiote. Achiote is an earthy spice that can be found in well-stocked supermarkets. It's also sometimes labeled as annatto. Frozen peas and carrots make this dish come together quickly. Although we suggest serving the carne molida in tacos, it's also delicious over brown rice, roasted potatoes, or even with tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime dress it up a little more.

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Instant Pot Turkey-Stuffed Peppers

Scott Rounds
View Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey-Stuffed Peppers

Don’t have an Instant Pot? No worries! Make this recipe in your Dutch oven instead. Preheat the oven to 350°F, make the peppers as instructed, then place in your Dutch oven with 1/2 to 1 cup water (depending on size of Dutch oven). Cover and bake until cooked through, about 45 to 50 minutes.

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Turkey and Vegetable Stew with Whole-Grain Biscuits

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Turkey and Vegetable Stew with Whole-Grain Biscuits

This hearty spin on chicken and dumplings satisfies with just over 300 calories. Double the recipe to freeze, so you have an easy, comforting dinner when you need it.

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Turkey Tetrazzini

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Enjoy one baked pasta dish tonight, and freeze one for a comforting supper later. This turkey-and veggie-loaded pasta bake is a one-dish meal worth sharing and is an easy solution for "nothing in the fridge" nights.

To Freeze: Cover baking dish with heavy-duty foil or an airtight lid. Freeze up to two months.
To Thaw: Remove foil; place dish in microwave. Microwave at 30% power for 30 minutes or until thawed.
To Reheat: Preheat oven to 400° for 20 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in center registers 160°.

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Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards
View Recipe: Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Here's a low-carb twist on a taco: shredded white-meat turkey dressed with sweet-tart cranberry sauce spiced with adobo and chipotle. Tuck it all into tender lettuce leaves. 

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Roast Turkey Pho

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Roast Turkey Pho

You can substitute unsalted chicken stock for the homemade. If you do, simmer with the water, stock, peppercorns, sugar, star anise, and ginger, and proceed with recipe from there.

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Turkey Sandwiches With Kimchi Slaw and Miso Sauce

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Turkey Sandwiches With Kimchi Slaw and Miso Sauce

Give your day-after-Thanksgiving sandwich a modern update with global ingredients. The robust flavors of nutty sesame oil, tangy-garlicky- pungent kimchi, and salty-sweet white miso give your palate a wel- come change of pace. The sandwich also feeds your gut healthy probiotics (kimchi, yogurt, and miso) plus pre- biotics (whole-grain bread) to keep the good bacteria well fed.

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Cranberry-Hoisin Turkey Buns

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards
View Recipe: Cranberry-Hoisin Turkey Buns

Repurpose leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into a tasty snack with these Asian-inspired buns. With its zippy, tangy flavor, cranberry sauce makes a natural partner for sweetly spiced hoisin sauce. Add quick-pickled cukes and pillowy Chinese buns, and the bird takes a delicious detour East. 

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Cauliflower Turkey Tetrazzini

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Cauliflower Turkey Tetrazzini

The genius trick to this unique turkey tetrazzini is using flavor-packed Cauliflower Salad in the sauce. Pureed, it becomes creamy and luscious. Any leftover turkey, or even rotisserie chicken, will work here.

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Smoked Turkey and Swiss Crepes

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Smoked Turkey and Swiss Crepes

Separate the turkey into eight piles on a plate, and top evenly with cheese so you can quickly top each crepe as it cooks in the pan. Black Forest turkey has a subtle smoked flavor. You can also use oven-roasted turkey.

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Turkey Pitas with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Turkey Pitas with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

Time: 35 Minutes

Flavor Hit: Tahini adds a rich, roasted sesame flavor to the yogurt sauce.

Serve with Chopped Romaine Salad: Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, ¼ teaspoon grated lemon rind, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, and ¼ cup vertically sliced red onion; toss gently to coat. SERVES 4 (serving size: 1 cup) CALORIES 49; FAT 3.6g (sat 0.5g); SODIUM 126mg

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Turkey Tetrazzini

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Enjoy one baked pasta dish tonight, and freeze one for a comforting supper later. This turkey-and veggie-loaded pasta bake is a one-dish meal worth sharing and is an easy solution for "nothing in the fridge" nights.

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Turkey and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Turkey and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Use up leftover holiday turkey in a Cajun stew for your crew tonight, or freeze some for later.
To Freeze: Cool gumbo completely; freeze flat in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Freeze rice in a zip-top-plastic freezer bag.
To Thaw: Microwave gumbo in bag at MEDIUM (50% power) for 4 minutes or until pliable.
To Reheat: Pour gumbo into a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook 20 minutes or until heated. Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute at a time, stirring after each minute, until heated.

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Sautéed Greens, Smoked Turkey, and Provolone Panini

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Sautéed Greens, Smoked Turkey, and Provolone Panini

The crusty grilled exterior gives way to a cheesy, savory interior loaded with earthy kale. Even finicky eaters will find this a delicious way to get their greens.

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Turkey Posole Casserole with Cornmeal Biscuit Topping

Photo: Jennifer Davick
View Recipe: Turkey Posole Casserole with Cornmeal Biscuit Topping

This casserole is a cross between tamale pie, posole, and—somehow—chicken and dumplings. It's a great use for leftover holiday turkey, taking the flavors south of the border for a welcome break from the Thanksgiving palate. You can also use rotisserie chicken in place of turkey.

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Curried Turkey, Spinach, and Cashew Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Curried Turkey, Spinach, and Cashew Salad

After a day of eating probably just a bit too much, this simple salad makes for a nice, lighter change (and uses up your leftovers, too).

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Peking Turkey Wraps

Jason Varney
View Recipe: Peking Turkey Wraps

Salty-sweet and full of fresh crunch, these wraps are a tasty way to pack in a serving of vegetables that the kids are sure to love.

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Turkey and Swiss Wrap With Carrot Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Turkey and Swiss Wrap With Carrot Salad

This is the perfect lunch to make ahead of time and pack for a long trip. Serve these turkey and Swiss wraps with a carrot salad for a healthy and kid-friendly lunch. The wholesome, balanced lunch will keep you fueled and ready for the day.

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Thai Curry Stew With Turkey and Zucchini

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Thai Curry Stew With Turkey and Zucchini

If you're looking for a spicier post-holiday meal, this veggie-packed curry stew certainly fits the bill. The mashing step thickens the broth; you can skip it for a looser stew.

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Hot Turkey Sandwiches

Photo: Beau Gustafson
View Recipe: Hot Turkey Sandwiches

Cranberry-shallot chutney adds a sweet, tangy flavor to this hearty turkey sandwich.

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Warm Turkey and Spinach Salad With Crispy Pancetta and Cranberry Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Warm Turkey and Spinach Salad With Crispy Pancetta and Cranberry Vinaigrette

This main-dish salad combines two likely holiday leftovers: turkey and cranberry sauce. Pancetta is uncured Italian bacon; look for it in the deli section of your grocery store. You can substitute bacon, though, if you prefer.

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White Bean and Turkey Chili

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: White Bean and Turkey Chili

Crowd-pleasing white bean chili calls for canned beans and chicken broth, making prep convenient (plus you already know you have the turkey in your fridge).

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Savory Turkey-Mushroom Bread Pudding

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Turkey-Mushroom Bread Pudding

This savory bread pudding is the answer to holiday dinner leftovers, making use of extra turkey and bread.

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Sweet and Spicy Satsuma Turkey

Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Satsuma Turkey

Fresh mandarin oranges, riesling, and orange marmalade provide the highlights for the sweet profile, while crushed red pepper adds the spicy kick to this Asian-inspired turkey dish. Serve with hot steamed rice as an accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Mexican Turkey Stew

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Mexican Turkey Stew

While usually an ingredient in moles, roasted pumpkinseed kernels add another layer of nutty flavor to this posole-style broth. Look for them in specialty markets and health-food stores. Substitute ancho chile powder if guajillo is unavailable.

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Turkey Vatapa

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Turkey Vatapa

Vatapa is a rustic Brazilian stew, a fiery blend with beer, coconut milk, and ground peanuts as its base. Made with leftover turkey, it's a snap to prepare.

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Roast Turkey and Prosciutto Pizza

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Roast Turkey and Prosciutto Pizza

Leftover turkey provides the meaty backbone for this pizza, while prosciutto adds its salty savoriness and arugula contributes a slight bitterness and crunch. Fontina, though it's not a traditional pizza cheese, has a mild and nutty flavor that's nice here (but you can substitute mozzarella if you want). Prebaked pizza crusts are an effortless way to a quick pizza, but you can make the dough from scratch; stretch into a circle and bake at 500° for 8 minutes before using in this recipe.

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Asian Turkey Salad

Photo: Jim Bathie
View Recipe: Asian Turkey Salad

This fresh, bright salad takes Thanksgiving leftovers on a trip East. And after the big day, you'll welcome its lightness.

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Turkey Jambalaya

Photo: Jim Bathie
View Recipe: Turkey Jambalaya

Andouille sausage adds a kick to the Cajun classic from Louisiana. Rice and shredded turkey absorb a flavorful mixture of tomatoes and spices until they're bursting with flavor.

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Turkey and Wild Mushroom Hash Cakes

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Turkey and Wild Mushroom Hash Cakes

Inject some new flavors into your holiday leftovers with these innovative turkey and mushroom hash cakes.

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Curried Turkey Soup

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Curried Turkey Soup

This creamy turkey soup recipe has distinctly Asian influences. Flavored with curry and sweetened with coconut, it's a tasty way to use leftovers from the holiday bird.

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Toasted Turkey and Brie Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Toasted Turkey and Brie Sandwiches

You may need a knife and fork to eat this sandwich. Serve with a side of cranberry sauce and sweet potato chips. For a twist, try Cambozola cheese (a mixture of soft, rich Camembert and zingy Gorgonzola blue cheese) instead of Brie.

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Turkey and Wild Rice Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Turkey and Wild Rice Salad

This Thanksgiving-themed salad makes a tasty light lunch or supper option.

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Collard Greens with Lima Beans and Smoked Turkey

Photo: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Collard Greens with Lima Beans and Smoked Turkey

This simple one-pot meal of dried lima beans, smoked turkey breast, and chopped collards can easily be made ahead in advance. In fact, it’s probably better the next day, as the flavors intensify over time.

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Turkey Pho