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This collection of leftover turkey recipes is designed to help you use up cooked turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas. You'll love the comfort and flavor of each dish. The recipes focus on easy, practical meals that bring leftover turkey back to life.
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Easy Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
If you’re staring at leftover turkey and not quite sure what to do with it next, you’re in the right place. Maybe you made my roast turkey breast recipe or air fryer turkey breast over the holiday, and now it’s getting a little dry in the refrigerator because that's just what turkey does. Or maybe you slightly overcooked a turkey and want to revive it by serving it again in a way your family will enjoy.
The recipes below focus on simple, comforting meals that work especially well with cooked turkey, including soups, casseroles, and skillet-style dishes that help bring leftover turkey back to life.
The recipes above are written specifically for leftover turkey. The recipes below are written for chicken, but leftover turkey is an easy swap in each one. These meals also work well when you’re using cooked or slightly dry turkey breast and want something simple, cozy, and comforting.
How to Store Leftover Turkey
Here are simple, reliable ways to store leftover cooked turkey in the refrigerator or freezer:
- Airtight containers: refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze up to 3 months
- Silicone storage bags or zip-top freezer bags: refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze up to 1 month
- Plastic deli containers: refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze up to 1 month
- Vacuum-sealed bags: freeze up to 3 months
Airtight containers and vacuum sealing are the most effective at keeping turkey fresh and preventing freezer burn. While glass containers and vacuum sealers cost more upfront, they tend to last longer and help reduce food waste over time.
Tips for Using Leftover Turkey in Recipes
Leftover turkey works best when it’s used sooner rather than later, especially turkey breast. The longer it sits, the drier it becomes.
- Freeze what you won’t use: If you know you won’t cook with leftover turkey right away, freeze it as soon as possible to preserve texture and flavor.
- Use it quickly: If you’re not freezing leftover turkey, plan to use it within 1–2 days. Once it’s added to a soup, casserole, or sauce, try to eat that dish within another couple of days.
- Choose moisture-rich recipes: soups, stews, casseroles, and saucy skillet meals like those in this post are the easiest ways to bring leftover turkey back to life.
Let me know in the comments below your favorite way to use leftover turkey after the holiday! Enjoy!
Jane says
What a wonderful collection of recipes Traci, everyone would love every one of them!! Thanks for including mine!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Jane! So happy to include yours! It sounds delish 🙂
Dedra says
Thanks for the helpful tips, and for including me in the list! All of these recipes look amazing!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Dedra...you're so welcome! Thanks for contributing 😉
Patti says
What a great list. There’s something here for everyone. Thanks.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Patti...exactly my thoughts too 🙂
Caroline says
What a delicious looking collection of ideas - it makes you almost want more leftovers! Thanks for including mine 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome, Caroline 🙂 Cheers!
CAMILLA HAWKINS says
What a delicious mix of turkey recipes, have to try some of these! Thanks for including mine 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome, Camilla 🙂 Cheers!
Nora says
Such great ideas! And thank you for including mine!
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome...looks delish! Thanks for contributing your recipe 🙂
Annissa says
What a wonderful selection of recipes for leftover turkey! Great ideas to transform that bird into entirely different meals! Pinning for later!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Annissa. Glad to have you contribute your recipe too 🙂
Judy says
Love all the helpful tips you include! What a great line up of recipes!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Judy! Yours looks delish! 🙂
Dawn says
I love turkey leftovers just as much (or more) than the original meal so I'm totally swooning over all these delicious recipes, Traci!! So many different options and I want to try 'em all! Thanks a million for including mine 🙂 Much appreciated!
Traci Antonovich says
You're SO welcome, Dawn...that pasta bake is gorgeous! 🙂
Terri says
So many great ideas here!!! Thanks for sharing mine!
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome...I WANT that sandwich!
Kathy says
This is a great collection of recipes! I always make a huge turkey and then try to find ways to use it up. My family won't get tired of turkey leftovers this year! 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Kathy! Haha yep, no shortage of great ideas here 🙂 Thanks for contributing!
Lynn says
Great tips and great ideas! Thanks for including mine!
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome! I want every one of these dishes LOL 🙂
Michelle says
This is a goooood list! Yummm!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Michelle! 🙂
Jenn says
What a great looking collection of recipes! Now I want to roast some turkey just to have leftovers to make some of these!
Traci Antonovich says
Oh I am right there with you, Jenn! Cravvvvvving turkey 🙂