If you’re like many of us, you end up with more turkey than you can eat after Thanksgiving. What do you do with the leftovers? To help, here is a carefully curated collection of more than 50 delicious leftover turkey ideas—everything from salads and sandwiches to casseroles, soups, breakfasts, and creative appetizers—so none of that turkey goes to waste.
No need to rely solely on plain turkey sandwiches (though those are great). The sandwich ideas here are elevated with flavorful toppings like cranberry, brie, or melted cheese. There are also fast casseroles, comforting soups made from homemade turkey broth, breakfasts that transform leftovers into morning favorites, and several international-inspired dishes like curries and Moroccan stew.
What to Do with Leftover Turkey
Most families roast a turkey that’s bigger than what they need for one meal, which leaves plenty of meat to repurpose. The key is balancing simplicity and flavor so you don’t get stuck with boring leftovers or overly complex recipes.
Sandwiches are an easy and satisfying choice. Add cranberry sauce, nuts, cheese, or other toppings to turn simple turkey into a standout sandwich.
Casseroles are ideal for feeding a crowd or freezing for later. Combine turkey with noodles, rice, vegetables, cheese, or potatoes for comforting, one-dish meals.
Soups made with homemade turkey broth are nourishing and quick to assemble. Add wild rice, vegetables, or pasta for a hearty bowl that warms up the whole family.
Also look for breakfast casseroles, salads, appetizers, and international options later in this roundup to keep your meal planning varied and exciting.
Over 50 Leftover Turkey Recipes
Below are easy, flavorful recipes suitable for both novice cooks and food lovers who appreciate vibrant combinations.
Turkey Ala King is a quick and hearty way to use leftover turkey. Serve it over noodles, biscuits, toast, or enjoy on its own for a comforting meal.
Leftover Turkey Appetizers
Turn Thanksgiving flavors into bite-sized starters like Turkey Cranberry Crostini—an easy, creative snack that repurposes leftovers into a delicious appetizer. Turkey Collard Wraps are a healthier wrap option, great as an appetizer or light meal. Leftover Turkey Mushroom Meatballs pair turkey with mushrooms for a tasty, shareable appetizer, often served with a cranberry dipping sauce.
Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipes
Casseroles make leftovers effortless. A Thanksgiving Casserole combines all those holiday flavors into a freezer-friendly dish you can enjoy later. A Leftover Strata Casserole layers bread, turkey, and savory ingredients for a flavorful bake. Other options include creamy Turkey Casserole with noodles, a porcini and pea casserole, and a low-carb casserole packed with bacon, broccoli, and blue cheese. A Sweet Potato Apple Turkey Bake offers a sweet-savory alternative that doesn’t taste like leftovers at all.
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipes
Make a rich, nutrient-dense turkey broth from the carcass, then build soups like Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup with mushrooms and vegetables, a fragrant Moroccan-style turkey stew with apricots and chickpeas, Lemon Orzo Greek Soup for a bright, lemony comfort, or a Creole Turkey Chili with South Louisiana heat. Other cozy choices include Instant Pot Turkey Corn Chowder and a pot pie–style soup that mirrors classic comfort food.
Turkey and Dumplings
Turkey and dumplings is a timeless, comforting option. Traditional Turkey and Dumplings yield a creamy, satisfying stew, while recipes that incorporate leftover stuffing turn the dumplings into a unique, flavorful twist.
Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Ideas
Leftovers can shine at breakfast. Try a Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Casserole that combines turkey, vegetables, and rolls, or Fried Turkey Waffles with Bacon and Maple for a playful take on chicken and waffles using turkey.
Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipes
From hearty breakfast sandwiches to gourmet grilled cheeses, leftover turkey makes excellent sandwiches. Try a simple Leftover Turkey Sandwich for a quick bite, Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Grilled Cheese for an indulgent option, Waffled Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Sandwiches for a sweet-savory breakfast, or a Turkey, Brie, and Cranberry Mustard Panini for a warm, melty meal. The Gooey Gobbler grilled cheese stacks roast turkey with smoked gouda and cranberry sauce for a fall-inspired grilled cheese you’ll crave.
Turkey Salad Recipes
Turkey salad is versatile—great in sandwiches, on greens, or as a side. Classic mixes combine turkey with cranberries and pecans, while options like One Bowl Shaved Turkey Salad pack in fresh vegetables. Chinese-style Turkey Lettuce Wraps offer a lighter, Asian-inspired way to enjoy your leftovers.
Leftover Turkey Curry Recipes
Curries are excellent for transforming turkey into bold, spiced dishes. Try a British Indian–style Leftover Turkey Curry or a simple Turkey Thai Curry for fragrant, warming meals that breathe new life into leftover meat.
Turkey Stuffed Potatoes
Baked potatoes become a complete meal when topped with Coronation-style turkey or piled high with turkey and all the fixings. Turkey Fixings Stuffed Taters recreate Thanksgiving flavors on a hearty baked potato.
Turkey and Rice Recipes
Use turkey in risottos, pilafs, and rice bakes. A mushroom and pancetta risotto with turkey turns leftovers into an elegant, creamy dish, while a one-pot pilaf with pine nuts offers a quick, healthy option.
Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a natural pairing. Try a one-skillet bacon Alfredo with penne, a sweet-potato orzo with turkey, an Instant Pot turkey pasta, or a classic Turkey Tetrazzini baked in a creamy mushroom sauce. Turkey, bacon, and Brussels sprouts macaroni & cheese is another comforting, crowd-pleasing choice.
Leftover Turkey Pie Recipes
Transform turkey into pot pies and shepherd’s pies. A gluten-free turkey pot pie or a leftover turkey pot pie with a potato topping freezes well and cooks quickly. Turkey shepherd’s pie layered with vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes makes a hearty, family-friendly casserole.
Leftover Turkey Tacos
Spiced turkey tacos are a fast, flavorful option. Fill warm tortillas with seasoned turkey and top with your favorite garnishes. Some recipes use cranberry sauce and cream cheese for an inventive sweet-and-savory taco twist.
Leftover Stuffing Recipes
Leftover stuffing is a treasure: turn it into croquettes, layer it in a casserole with mashed potatoes and turkey, or roll it with sausage and cranberry for appetizer-style bites. These ideas ensure your stuffing gets used up in delicious ways.
I hope this roundup gives you plenty of inspiration to make the most of your leftover turkey. With options ranging from quick sandwiches to elegant risottos, cozy soups, and inventive tacos, you’ll be enjoying fresh, flavorful meals long after Thanksgiving. Please feel free to comment and share your favorite leftover turkey creations.