7 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

Sharing is caring!

I absolutely love Thanksgiving dinner, but I have to admit that one of my favorite parts of the holiday is all the leftovers! There is just something about opening the refrigerator the next day and seeing all that delicious turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce waiting to be turned into something wonderful.

Of course, I love a good leftover turkey sandwich. A little turkey, some cranberry sauce, and a warm dinner roll can make a pretty amazing lunch. But after a day or two, I’m usually ready to turn those leftovers into something completely different!

That’s why I love having a few easy leftover turkey recipes ready to go.

Instead of eating the exact same Thanksgiving dinner over and over, you can turn that extra turkey into cozy soups, cheesy casseroles, crispy egg rolls, and delicious sandwiches that the whole family will actually look forward to eating.

And after spending so much time cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I am definitely not interested in making anything too complicated the next day!

These 7 delicious ways to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey are perfect for making the most of your holiday leftovers without spending another entire day in the kitchen.

Whether you have just a little turkey left or enough to feed everyone for several more meals, these easy recipes will help you turn those leftovers into something delicious!

1. Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

There is nothing better than a big bowl of homemade soup on a chilly November day, especially after all the excitement of Thanksgiving!

This Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup is such a cozy way to use up leftover turkey. It turns that extra holiday meat into a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect when you’re ready for something a little different from another plate of Thanksgiving dinner.

I especially love that the slow cooker does most of the work. After spending so much time cooking for the holiday, being able to make an easy dinner without standing over the stove is exactly what I need!

Serve it with some leftover dinner rolls or crusty bread for a simple meal everyone can enjoy.

2. Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

If you have a refrigerator full of Thanksgiving leftovers and aren’t quite sure what to do with them, this Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is the answer!

It’s such a delicious way to bring all those wonderful holiday flavors together into one comforting dish.

I love recipes like this because they make the most of food you’ve already spent time preparing. Instead of pulling out five different containers and reheating everything separately, you can turn your leftovers into a cozy family dinner.

And honestly, sometimes Thanksgiving leftovers taste even better the next day!

3. Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

Okay, these Thanksgiving Egg Rolls might be one of the most fun ways to use up leftover turkey!

All those delicious Thanksgiving flavors get tucked into crispy egg roll wrappers for a completely different way to enjoy your holiday leftovers.

I love how these take familiar comfort food and turn it into something that feels like a fun little appetizer or snack.

They’re perfect for the day after Thanksgiving when everyone is hanging around the house, watching movies, or just relaxing after the big holiday.

And don’t forget a little cranberry sauce for dipping!

4. Thanksgiving Stuffed Potato Skins

If you love loaded potato skins, you’re going to love this Thanksgiving-inspired version!

These Thanksgiving Stuffed Potato Skins are such a fun way to turn leftover turkey and other holiday favorites into a delicious little meal or appetizer.

I especially love recipes like this when we have family visiting because they’re easy to serve and feel a little more exciting than another plate of reheated leftovers.

They’re wonderful for a casual dinner the weekend after Thanksgiving, especially when you want something cozy and comforting without making another big meal.

5. Cranberry Club Sliders

You know I love a good slider recipe, and these Cranberry Club Sliders are such a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving turkey!

The combination of savory sandwich fillings and sweet-tart cranberry flavor makes these perfect for the day after Thanksgiving.

They’re especially great when you have family staying over and need an easy lunch that everyone can grab without a lot of fuss.

Serve them with chips, fruit, or any leftover holiday sides for a simple meal that doesn’t feel like you’re eating the exact same Thanksgiving dinner all over again.

6. Cranberry Pepper Jelly Turkey Club

If you’re looking for something a little different from a traditional leftover turkey sandwich, this Cranberry Pepper Jelly Turkey Club is such a fun idea!

The combination of savory turkey and sweet, slightly spicy cranberry pepper jelly makes every bite delicious.

I love using Thanksgiving leftovers in sandwiches because they’re quick, easy, and perfect when nobody feels like cooking another big meal.

This is a wonderful way to turn a few slices of leftover turkey into a lunch that feels a little more special than your usual sandwich.

7. Turkey & Stuffing Burger with Cranberry Mustard Mayo

This Turkey & Stuffing Burger with Cranberry Mustard Mayo is such a creative way to enjoy all those Thanksgiving flavors in a completely different form!

Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry are already a classic holiday combination, so bringing them together in a burger is such a fun twist.

The cranberry mustard mayo adds that delicious sweet and tangy flavor that goes so well with turkey.

This is a great recipe for the weekend after Thanksgiving when you’re ready for something casual and family-friendly but still want to use those delicious holiday flavors.

Tips for Using Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is having enough leftovers for a few easy meals afterward. But there are a few things I always keep in mind to make sure everything stays fresh and delicious.

Store Your Turkey Properly

After Thanksgiving dinner, refrigerate leftover turkey within two hours.

I like to remove the meat from the bones and store it in smaller airtight containers. This makes it so much easier to grab what I need when I’m ready to make another recipe.

Cooked turkey should generally be used within three to four days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Freeze Extra Turkey for Later

If you have more turkey than your family can eat in a few days, freezing it is a great option!

Portion the turkey into freezer-safe bags or containers so you can pull out just what you need for soups, casseroles, or sandwiches.

For best quality, use frozen cooked turkey within a few months.

Don’t Forget the Other Leftovers

Turkey isn’t the only Thanksgiving leftover you can turn into something delicious!

Stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy can all be useful in recipes like casseroles, sandwiches, and holiday-inspired appetizers.

I love finding ways to use up several leftovers in one dish instead of letting little containers pile up in the refrigerator.

Keep Things Simple

After cooking a huge Thanksgiving dinner, the last thing I want is another complicated recipe!

That’s why I love easy soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and appetizers that use ingredients I already have on hand.

A little leftover turkey can go a long way when you turn it into something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make with leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

There are so many delicious options! You can use leftover turkey in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, sliders, egg rolls, and stuffed potato skins. These are all great ways to turn holiday leftovers into completely different meals.

How long is leftover Thanksgiving turkey good in the refrigerator?

Cooked turkey generally keeps for three to four days in the refrigerator when stored properly at 40°F or below. Be sure to refrigerate it within two hours of serving.

Can I freeze leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

Absolutely! Remove the meat from the bones, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze it promptly. For best quality, use it within a few months.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken in recipes?

Yes! Cooked turkey can often be substituted for cooked chicken in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and other recipes. Just remember that leftover turkey is already cooked, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to keep it from drying out.

How do I keep leftover turkey from drying out?

Adding a little broth, gravy, or sauce when reheating can help keep turkey moist. Cover it while reheating and heat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F.

What is the easiest way to use up a lot of leftover turkey?

A big casserole or a pot of soup is one of the easiest ways to use a larger amount of leftover turkey. Both are great for feeding the family and can turn several cups of turkey into another full meal.

Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving dinner is always wonderful, but I think there’s something pretty great about knowing you have a refrigerator full of delicious food waiting for you the next day!

Instead of serving the exact same leftovers over and over, I love turning them into something new that the whole family can get excited about.

Whether you make a cozy bowl of Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup, a comforting Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, or something fun like Thanksgiving Egg Rolls, these 7 delicious ways to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey are perfect for getting a few more meals out of your holiday dinner.

And after spending all that time cooking on Thanksgiving, having a few easy meals ready to go is always a good thing!

I hope these recipes help you make the most of every last bit of turkey this year.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy those leftovers!

More Easy Fall & Holiday Recipe Ideas

Thanksgiving leftovers are wonderful, but after spending all that time in the kitchen, the last thing I want to do is cook another big meal! LOL! If you’re looking for more easy ways to keep your family fed during the busy holiday season, I’ve got you covered! From cozy slow cooker dinners to delicious holiday favorites, these recipe collections are full of yummy ideas that make mealtime a little easier!

• 20 Cozy Fall Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes – A delicious collection of easy, comforting chicken dinners that are perfect for chilly nights. You might even find a few ideas for using up that leftover turkey!
• 25 Dump-and-Go Fall Slow Cooker Dinners – Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work! Perfect for those busy days after Thanksgiving.
• 25 Cozy Fall Family Dinners Everyone Will Love – Hearty, comforting meals that are perfect for feeding your family throughout the fall season.
• 12 Easy Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes – Easy holiday favorites that help you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your family.
• The BEST Holiday Recipes – A collection of delicious, festive recipes to keep you inspired all the way from Thanksgiving through Christmas!