Holiday feasts often leave us with one of the season’s best gifts: heaps of tender, juicy leftover turkey waiting to be transformed into something magical.

Rather than reheating the same plate of stuffing and gravy, this is the moment when creativity meets comfort. With the right recipes, yesterday’s roast becomes today’s cozy soup, tomorrow’s bubbling casserole, or a vibrant dish infused with festive flavors.

These recipes bring warmth, nostalgia, and just the right touch of winter sparkle—ideal for quiet evenings, lively gatherings, or those blissful days when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

Whether your fridge is packed with dark meat, breast slices, or shredded bits, you’ll find a collection of dishes that feel both familiar and new. From creamy pastas to spiced bowls and golden bakes, these festive leftover turkey creations promise to bring joy long after the holiday lights dim.

1. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

A cozy bowl perfect for chilly evenings, this soup blends tender leftover turkey with earthy wild rice and winter herbs. The creamy broth offers a comforting richness without feeling heavy. It’s a wonderful way to stretch leftover roast into a meal that feels special and soothing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup wild rice, cooked
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in cooked rice and turkey; simmer 10 minutes.
5. Add cream, season, and warm through before serving.

2. Holiday Turkey Pot Pie

This pot pie delivers flaky crust and a creamy filling that turns leftovers into something spectacular. It’s hearty, traditional, and ideal for using up vegetables from the holiday table as well.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pie crust (top and bottom)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and peas in butter until softened.
3. Add flour; cook 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Stir in broth and milk until thickened.
5. Add turkey, seasonings, and pour into crust.
6. Top with second crust, seal edges, cut slits, and bake 30–35 minutes.

3. Turkey Cranberry Sliders

A festive favorite that combines sweet, savory, and melty goodness. These sliders are perfect for parties or a casual next-day feast with minimal prep.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover turkey, sliced
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer turkey and cheese on the bottom buns.
3. Spread cranberry sauce on top buns and place on sandwiches.
4. Mix butter, mustard, and poppy seeds; brush over buns.
5. Bake 15 minutes until cheese melts.

4. Festive Turkey Enchiladas

These enchiladas bring a holiday twist to a comforting family favorite. The tender turkey absorbs vibrant spices, while the melted cheese makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup sautéed onions and peppers
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix turkey with onions, peppers, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Spoon into tortillas, roll, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
3. Pour enchilada sauce over top.
4. Sprinkle cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro.

5. Turkey Alfredo Pasta Bake

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that puts leftover turkey to delicious use. It’s rich, satisfying, and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella
• 1 cup Parmesan
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
2. Toss pasta with Alfredo sauce, spinach, turkey, and half the cheeses.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

6. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

A festive twist on a classic, using turkey instead of beef. The creamy mashed potato topping perfectly complements the savory vegetable filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups broth
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt, pepper, thyme

Instructions:

1. Cook onion in butter until soft.
2. Add flour to create a roux; pour in broth and thicken.
3. Stir in turkey and vegetables.
4. Spread in a dish and top with mashed potatoes.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

7. Turkey and Stuffing Waffles

A playful, festive brunch idea combining savory stuffing and tender turkey into crisp, golden waffles.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups stuffing
• 1 cup chopped turkey
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup broth
• Gravy for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Mix stuffing, turkey, eggs, and broth to form a thick batter.
3. Press into waffle iron and cook until crisp.
4. Serve with warm gravy.

8. Turkey Curry with Coconut Milk

A fragrant curry that turns leftover turkey into a vibrant, comforting dish with warm spices and creamy coconut milk.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups turkey, shredded
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetables (peas or carrots)
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in oil until soft.
2. Stir in curry paste and cook 1 minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk and vegetables; simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add turkey and warm through.

9. Turkey & Swiss Stuffed Crescents

Soft, buttery crescents wrapped around tender turkey make for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 can crescent roll dough
• 1 ½ cups sliced turkey
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay out crescents, add turkey and cheese, and roll tightly.
3. Brush with butter.
4. Bake 12–14 minutes until golden.

10. Turkey Fried Rice

A quick, flavorful dish that uses leftover turkey in a fun, unexpected way.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup peas and carrots
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Scramble eggs in a wok and set aside.
2. Add oil and sauté vegetables.
3. Add rice, soy sauce, and turkey.
4. Stir in eggs and green onions.

11. Turkey Noodle Casserole

A nostalgic casserole that’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for cold winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped turkey
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles and drain.
2. Mix with turkey, soup, sour cream, peas, and half the cheese.
3. Spread in a dish, top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

12. Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa

Crispy quesadillas paired with sweet-tart cranberry salsa make a bright, festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded turkey
• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix cranberry sauce, onion, and lime.
2. Fill tortillas with turkey and cheese.
3. Cook in a skillet until golden.
4. Serve with cranberry salsa.

13. Turkey Pesto Flatbread

Light, flavorful, and perfect when you want something festive without the heaviness of a full meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 flatbreads
• 1 cup leftover turkey
• ¼ cup pesto
• 1 cup mozzarella
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread pesto on flatbreads.
3. Add turkey, tomatoes, and cheese.
4. Bake 10–12 minutes.

14. Turkey & Sweet Potato Hash

A hearty skillet dish featuring caramelized sweet potatoes and savory turkey—ideal for breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup leftover turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions:

1. Sauté sweet potatoes in oil until soft.
2. Add onion and cook until golden.
3. Stir in turkey and seasonings.
4. Cook until edges crisp.

15. Turkey Mushroom Risotto

A creamy, elegant risotto that brings out the best in leftover turkey with earthy mushrooms and rich Parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups chopped turkey
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups warm broth
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter.
2. Add rice and toast 1 minute.
3. Add broth gradually, stirring until absorbed.
4. Stir in turkey and Parmesan.

FAQs

1. How long can leftover turkey be safely used for these recipes?
Leftover turkey can be refrigerated for up to three to four days. If you won’t use it right away, freeze it for up to three months. Make sure it’s stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

2. Can I substitute chicken for turkey in these recipes?
Absolutely—chicken works perfectly in all these dishes. The flavors and textures are similar enough that the recipes will stay authentic and delicious.

3. What’s the best way to keep leftover turkey moist in recipes?
Using creamy sauces, broths, and slow simmering methods helps revive the tenderness. Avoid high, direct heat, which can make turkey dry and tough.

4. Can I use dark and white meat interchangeably?
Yes, both types of meat work well. Dark meat adds richness, while white meat keeps dishes lighter. Mixing them can create a balanced flavor.

5. How should I store cooked dishes made with leftover turkey?
Most dishes will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze in sealed containers and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Conclusion

Leftover turkey offers endless opportunities to extend the festive joy into cozy meals throughout the week. Whether you’re craving creamy comfort, bright flavors, or something quick and easy, these recipes bring versatility and warmth to your table.

Each one transforms simple leftovers into something worth savoring, reminding us that the best dishes often come from what we already have on hand. As the holidays wind down, these creations keep the spirit alive with every satisfying bite.

Enjoy exploring new favorites and making the most of your holiday feast long after the big day has passed.