Ideas for Leftover Holiday Turkey: Creative and Tasty Meals

The holidays are over and you are left with a fridge full of leftover turkey. You can only eat so many turkey sandwiches before you start to get bored. That's why we've compiled a list of creative and tasty meals that you can make with your leftover holiday turkey.

Turkey Pot Pie

A classic comfort food, turkey pot pie is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. Start by making a roux with butter and flour. Add chicken broth and milk to create a creamy sauce. Then, add in your leftover turkey, vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, and seasonings like thyme and sage. Pour everything into a pie crust and bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is a pasta dish made with leftover turkey, mushrooms, onions, and cream. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the directions on the package. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms and onions in butter until tender. Add in leftover turkey and season with salt and pepper. Combine the pasta and turkey mixture in a casserole dish and top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.

Turkey Shepherd's Pie

A twist on the classic dish, turkey shepherd's pie is made with leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. Start by mixing leftover turkey with vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas and seasoning with thyme and sage. Pour into a casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven until the top is golden brown and the inside is hot and bubbly.

Turkey Enchiladas

If you're looking for a way to spice up your leftover turkey, try making turkey enchiladas. Start by mixing leftover turkey with shredded cheese, green chilies, and a can of enchilada sauce. Roll the mixture into tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Pour more enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Turkey Curry

If you're in the mood for something exotic, try making turkey curry. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Add in your leftover turkey and season with curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Add in diced tomatoes and coconut milk and simmer until everything is hot and bubbly. Serve over rice or with naan bread.

Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is a great way to use up leftover turkey and warm up on a cold day. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Add in leftover turkey, diced tomatoes, and a can of black beans. Season with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let everything simmer for a while until the flavors meld together. Serve with cornbread or chips.

Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

A classic Thanksgiving dish, turkey and stuffing casserole is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing. Start by mixing leftover turkey with leftover stuffing and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and bake in the oven until heated through and bubbly.

Turkey Quesadillas

Turkey quesadillas are a quick and easy way to use up leftover turkey. Simply place leftover turkey and shredded cheese between two tortillas and cook on a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Turkey Salad

If you're looking for a lighter meal, try making turkey salad. Start by shredding leftover turkey and mixing it with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings like celery salt and paprika. Add in chopped celery, apples, and walnuts for crunch.

Turkey Croquettes

Turkey croquettes are a fun and delicious way to use up leftover turkey. Start by mixing leftover turkey with mashed potatoes, chopped onions, and seasonings like thyme and sage. Shape the mixture into small balls and coat in breadcrumbs. Fry the croquettes in oil until they are golden brown and crispy.

These are just a few ideas for what to do with your leftover holiday turkey. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your own delicious creations.