Leftover turkey soup recipes are the unsung heroes of post-Thanksgiving life. Make the most of your leftover turkey by turning it into a flavorful, broth-based soup that transforms every last bite.
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.
You’ve tackled Thanksgiving dinner like a champ — roast turkey, fluffy stuffing, and all the fixings devoured. But now what?
Leftover turkey isn’t exactly the sexiest part of Thanksgiving, but hear me out. When I find myself playing an adult version of Tetris as I try to cram enough leftover turkey to feed a small army into my fridge, these leftover turkey soup recipes are my knight in shining armor. Plus, it beats eating turkey sandwiches until New Year’s.
In This Article
How to Make Turkey Soup from Leftovers
If your fridge is overflowing with turkey leftovers (and did you really celebrate Thanksgiving if it’s not), making turkey soup is a great way to create a second act with your extra turkey meat. It’s hearty, comforting, and the perfect way to ensure every last bite of turkey goes to good use. Plus, nothing beats the smell of a soup simmering in your kitchen. My whole kitchen smells like Thanksgiving 2.0 with all the comfort of the holiday minus the stress of entertaining relatives.
Want to turn that extra turkey into soup? Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen:
- At the end of your Thanksgiving feast, remove all the meat from the turkey carcass—both the white meat and dark meat.
- Save the meat for the soup, and don’t you dare throw away that turkey carcass! This humble pile of bones is liquid gold in the making, the secret to flavorful homemade stock. Quick Tip: Leftover turkey should be enjoyed within 3–4 days, so don’t let it linger too long in the fridge before turning it into something magical.
- In a large soup pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, minced garlic, and diced celery stalks until they begin to soften.
- Next, pour in your stock (whether homemade or store-bought) and add the leftover turkey meat. Turkey stock, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth all work well in these leftover turkey soup recipes.
- Now, it’s time to season like a pro. A pinch of kosher salt and a sprinkle of ground black pepper are essential, but this is also your chance to get creative. Toss in sprigs of fresh thyme, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley leaves, a sprinkle of poultry seasoning, or a bay leaf to elevate the flavor.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- For a break from the kitchen after a holiday full of cooking, you can toss all of your soup ingredients into a slow cooker, set it, and forget it.
- For a little extra flair, stir in your choice of add-ins like white rice, brown rice, a wild rice blend, or noodles. These additions soak up the flavorful broth, making the soup even more filling. Just don’t overcook them — they should stay tender, not mushy.
Storing Leftover Soup
If you’ve followed my lead and made enough soup to survive a zombie apocalypse (or just really hate cooking the first week of December), store the extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Want to save it for later? Store your soup in a freezer-safe container for up to six months.
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.
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Turkey Pumpkin Soup with Rice
2
Instant Pot Turkey Soup
3
Leftover Turkey Tortellini Soup
4
Turkey Rice Soup
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Spicy White Bean and Leftover Turkey Soup
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Turkey Quinoa Soup
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Lentil and Turkey Soup
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Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup
9
Turkey and White Bean Soup
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Leftover Turkey Chili
Sage Advice: Love these leftover turkey soup recipes, but don’t cook turkey more than once a year? No worries! Sub in leftover chicken and chicken stock to enjoy these soups anytime. Same cozy vibes, zero holiday-induced kitchen anxiety.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Looking for even more ways to use up your leftover turkey? You’re in luck! There are so many options beyond turkey soup and turkey sandwiches! From turkey enchiladas to turkey pot pie, these alpha-gal friendly leftover turkey recipes will help you make the most of your holiday leftovers.
