Creative Leftover Turkey Ideas

I love turkey. And having leftover turkey in the house is one of my favorite parts of the holiday. We have a Thanksgiving tradition (at my mom's), to pack up leftover turkey sandwiches and hunt for Christmas trees on Friday. There's few things I like better than yummy turkey salad on fresh white bread with a little bit of cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard.

Although we didn't host Thanksgiving this year, I have a turkey in my freezer just waiting for that moment when I NEED that aroma in my house again. Still if you're looking for a little inspiration, I've compiled a list of leftover ideas to get you through the next couple of days. You're sure to find something here to please any family's appetite.

Turkey Enchiladas
3 garlic cloves
1 onion, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained and rinsed
leftover cooked turkey
1 can enchilada sauce
cheese of your choice
tortillas of your choice

1. Dice and saute onion. Add minced garlic to your taste and saute. Be careful not to cook too long as it will burn and ruin the flavor of the dish.
2. Add turkey, and drained and rinsed beans and corn. Heat through.
3. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Start with a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the pan. Next layer TORN tortillas, a layer of sauce, layer of turkey and veggies, layer of grated cheese, repeat using all the meat and veggies in second layer.
4. Finish with a layer of tortillas and cheese.
5. Bake covered @ 350 degrees for 1 hr. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 min or until golden.
6. Serve with green salad and Spanish rice.

Turkey Noodle Soup
2 cans of chicken or vegetable broth
leftover roasted veggies from turkey OR:
chopped onion, celery, and carrots
5 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your taste)
1 can corn, rinsed and drained
leftover turkey
pasta (I like the fun stars or alphabet pasta)

1. Add minced garlic, chopped veggies (unless using leftovers), broth, turkey, and corn to crock pot. If using leftover roasted veggies, add them later as they will be over cooked.
2. Set crock pot on low for 4-5 hrs. This is a quick cooking recipe as everything is cooked. You're just heating through.
3. Cook pasta separately and add to crock pot. Add roasted veggies (if using).
4. Season to your liking.

You could also keep your pasta separate and serve soup over the top. This will prevent your pasta from becoming too soggy if you have leftovers.


Turkey and Rice Casserole
1 box rice a roni mix (cooked to directions on box)
1 c. cheddar cheese
1 can green chilies
1 onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. leftover turkey

1. Cook rice a roni to package directions.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a 9x 13 pan.
3. Top with a little more cheese and cover with foil
4. Bake at 350 degrees until heated through (35-40 min).

This dish is yummy served with some french bread and a green salad. Great evening comfort food.

If you're looking for more inspiration, here's a variety of recipes, sure to please your pickiest eaters:

Turkey Quesadillas with Chutney and Brie

Asian Turkey Noodle Soup

Cranberry Pancakes

Turkey Poblano Tostadas

Turkey Sandwich with Herbed Farmer Cheese, Sprouts, and Tomatoes