The holidays have passed, and your fridge is still bursting with leftover turkey. Don’t worry! These leftover turkey recipes will transform that abundant bird into dishes that will make you wish it was Thanksgiving every month.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
When it comes to holiday feasts, turkey is the undeniable star of the show — but it often creates a bit of a “What now?” situation. If your fridge is bursting with extra turkey, don’t panic. These creative ideas will breathe new life into your post-holiday turkey dinner.
From cozy casseroles to vibrant soups and everything in between, these leftover turkey recipes prove that the encore also deserves a standing ovation. So, grab your apron, and let’s turn that extra turkey into mouthwatering dishes you’ll love.
In This Article
How to Make Turkey Stock
Turkey is more than a grand holiday centerpiece or the succulent slices of breast meat that grace our plates. There’s a hidden treasure in those leftovers — the bones, turkey carcass, neck, and giblets — waiting to be transformed into a nourishing turkey stock.
Making your own stock is not only a sustainable practice, using every part of the bird, but it’s also a healthful choice. Homemade turkey stock is rich in minerals and alpha-gal friendly collagen, known for supporting gut health and boosting the immune system. It’s a flavorful, rich broth base for soups, stews, and sauces, far surpassing any store-bought version in both taste and nutritional value. For a detailed guide on crafting this liquid gold, check out this recipe.
Sage Advice: Once you make your own turkey stock, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. So, if you’re on a broth-making roll, don’t miss my recipes for homemade chicken stock and homemade vegetable broth.
How to Store Leftover Turkey
Properly storing leftover turkey is crucial to maintaining its freshness and ensuring that it’s safe to use in one of these tasty leftover turkey recipes. First, don’t let the turkey sit out at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking. Slice or shred the meat off the bones to expedite cooling and make storage easier. Place the turkey in airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to help it retain its moisture and prevent the meat from drying out. Leftover turkey can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Can you Freeze Leftover Turkey?
If you don’t plan to use the leftover turkey meat within three to four days, freezing it is a great option. Frozen turkey can last for two to six months. Remember to label the containers with the date, so you know how long it’s been stored. When you’re ready to use the frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator — not at room temperature — to keep it safe from bacterial growth.
NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.
20 Tasty Recipes for Leftover Turkey
These scrumptious leftover turkey recipes will help you transform your post-holiday ingredients into something extraordinary. Which recipe are you anxious to try first?
1
Turkey Mole
2
Turkey Leftovers Stuffed Butternut Squash
3
Savory Turkey Muffins
4
Leftover Turkey Nachos
5
Turkey Noodle Casserole
6
Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls
7
Leftover Turkey Casserole
8
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
9
Turkey and Cheddar Biscuits
10
Instant Pot Turkey Congee
11
Leftover Turkey Fried Rice
12
Turkey Enchiladas
13
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Egg Rolls
14
Thanksgiving Quiche
15
Healthy Turkey & Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
16
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
17
Curried Turkey Meatballs
18
Turkey and Dumplings
19
Lentil and Turkey Soup Recipe
20
Leftover Turkey Sandwich
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Want even more alpha-gal friendly ways to enjoy your leftover turkey? I’m here for you! Check out these comforting turkey soup recipes and these scrumptious turkey sandwiches recipes. Your turkey leftovers will be gone in no time!
What’s Your Favorite Way to Use Leftover Turkey?
I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to jazz up leftover turkey, but now I want to hear from you. Do you have a secret ingredient that takes your turkey leftovers from “meh” to “wow”? Maybe you have a favorite family recipe? Or perhaps you’ve invented a quirky but delicious turkey dish that your friends can’t stop talking about? Share your tips and other recommendations in the comments section below.
Awesome guide! As a newbie and aspiring cook, I really learned a lot. I’ll definitely apply this guide for the turkey that I’m gonna be making this Christmas 🙂