Leftover Turkey – Recipes that Your Family Will Want to Eat – Episode #50

After the big Thanksgiving feast, we’re often left with more turkey than we can handle. While turkey sandwiches are always a classic go-to for leftovers, why not get a little creative and turn your turkey into something new and exciting? In this blog post, I’m sharing three delicious and inventive recipes that will take your leftover turkey to the next level. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also hearty, comforting, and perfect for any day after the holiday meal.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into how to transform your turkey leftovers into Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings, a savory Cheesy Turkey Strudel, and a creamy, cheesy Turkey Potato Bake. These recipes are perfect for using up your leftover turkey in fun and flavorful ways that will make your meals even more special!

1. Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings: A Cozy, Hearty Meal

There’s nothing like a bowl of soup to warm you up on a chilly day, especially when it’s made with the rich, savory flavors of leftover turkey. Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for those days when you want something cozy and filling. The best part? It’s an easy dish to make using turkey stock or broth as the base, and the cracker dumplings add a delightful twist.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings

• Easy to Make: You don’t need much to make a delicious turkey soup. By using leftover turkey and a few pantry staples, you can create a soup that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The cracker dumplings add a unique texture and are a fun, easy addition to traditional dumplings or noodles.

• Customizable: This soup is incredibly versatile, so you can easily add in other vegetables you have lying around in the fridge or pantry. Carrots, celery, onions, and even peas work wonderfully and help balance the richness of the turkey.

• Perfect for Cold Days: There’s something about soup that makes it the perfect comfort food, especially when paired with the warmth of the dumplings. This recipe gives you that cozy, home-cooked feeling without a lot of effort.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top can also give it a delicious finishing touch.

• Freeze for Later: One of the best things about turkey soup is that it freezes beautifully! If you have a lot of leftover turkey, double or triple the recipe and store extra servings in the freezer for later.

Tip: Use turkey carcass to make a rich, homemade stock by simmering it with onions, carrots, and celery for a few hours. This stock will add depth to your soup and is a great way to use every part of the bird.

2. Cheesy Turkey Strudel: A Savory Twist on Leftovers

When you think of strudel, you probably picture sweet fillings like apples or berries, but Cheesy Turkey Strudel is a savory twist on this classic pastry. This dish combines the delicious flavors of leftover turkey, cheese, and vegetables, all wrapped up in flaky crescent dough for a crispy, golden finish. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Turkey Strudel

• Flaky and Savory: The crescent dough creates a perfectly crispy texture, while the turkey and cheese filling offers a savory contrast. It’s a fun way to enjoy your turkey leftovers while adding a sophisticated twist to a familiar dish.

• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the filling based on your preferences. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese add richness, while spinach, carrots, or onions can be added to give the strudel more depth.

• Great for Leftovers: The turkey provides the perfect base for this savory pastry, and it’s a fantastic way to use up those last bits of turkey after the holiday feast. The strudel’s versatility makes it a great addition to any meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a Main or Side Dish: You can serve Cheesy Turkey Strudel as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or salad, or cut it into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer.

• Dipping Sauce: Pair it with a tangy yogurt dip or cranberry sauce to complement the richness of the turkey and cheese.

Tip: If you don’t have crescent dough, you can also use puff pastry as a substitute. It will give the strudel a slightly puffier texture but will still be delicious!

3. Turkey Potato Bake: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food

Potatoes and turkey make a perfect pair, and the Turkey Potato Bake takes that combination to the next level. This creamy casserole is filled with tender potatoes, leftover turkey, and a cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy dinner after the holidays.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Potato Bake

• Cheesy and Creamy: The potatoes are smothered in a creamy cheese sauce that’s both rich and comforting. The combination of turkey and potatoes makes this casserole hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.

• Perfect for Leftovers: This is the perfect dish for using up your leftover turkey while adding a satisfying texture from the potatoes and cheese.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to your family or guests, this casserole is always a hit. It’s filling, comforting, and easy to make in large batches.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Vegetables: Green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh salad make excellent sides to balance out the richness of the Turkey Potato Bake.

• Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prep! Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well, so you can save it for a future meal.

Tip: If you want a bit of a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top of the casserole before baking.

Turn Leftover Turkey into Something Delicious

Don’t let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste—transform them into Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings, a savory Cheesy Turkey Strudel, or a creamy, comforting Turkey Potato Bake! These recipes are the perfect way to use up your leftover turkey while bringing new flavors and excitement to your meals. Whether you’re looking for something cozy, creative, or just downright delicious, these dishes will help you enjoy your turkey leftovers in a whole new way.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to use leftovers or want to explore more fun and easy recipes, be sure to check out my YouTube video for step-by-step guides on these dishes. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more recipes to make the most out of your leftovers!

Happy cooking, and enjoy these tasty twists on your holiday turkey!