7 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your Leftover Turkey
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and you’re probably wondering how to get the most out of your turkey. You came to the right place! Here are seven ways to enjoy your leftover turkey before it goes bad.
Leftover Turkey Sandwich
A turkey sandwich is one of the most classic ways to use up your leftover turkey. And it’s easy to see why – a few slices of bread, some mayo, and voila! You’ve got a delicious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack.
But there are plenty of ways to jazz up your leftover turkey sandwich and make it even more delicious. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
- Add some cranberry sauce to your sandwich for a sweet and tart twist.
- Make a Thanksgiving-themed sandwich by adding stuffing and gravy between the slices of bread.
- Give your sandwich an Italian flair by adding sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella cheese.
- Make a spicy sandwich by adding Sriracha or other hot sauce to taste.
- For a lighter option, try using avocado instead of mayo as your spread.
Turkey Soup
Soup is always a great way to use up leftover turkey. You can make a big batch and freeze it in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on. Just add some vegetables, some broth, and your leftover turkey, and you’ve got a delicious soup that will warm you up on a cold day.
When it comes to making the most out of your leftover turkey, one of the best ways is to make soup. Turkey soup is not only a great way to use up your leftover turkey, but it’s also a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
To make turkey soup, you’ll need:
-Leftover turkey meat
-1 onion, chopped
-2 carrots, chopped
-2 celery stalks, chopped
-1 bay leaf
-8 cups chicken stock
-Salt and pepper to taste
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about an hour, or until the vegetables are tender. Then, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side.
Leftover Turkey Pasta
This is a great way to use up leftover turkey. You can use any kind of pasta, but we prefer something like penne or rigatoni. Just cook the pasta according to package directions and then add in your cooked turkey. You can also add in some vegetables if you like. We usually add some frozen peas or broccoli. Then just top with your favorite pasta sauce and grated cheese.
There are so many delicious ways to use up your leftover turkey, and this Leftover Turkey Pasta is one of our favorites! This easy to make dish is packed with flavor and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch!
To make this Leftover Turkey Pasta, you will need:
-1 pound of pasta (we like to use shells or rotini)
-2 tablespoons of olive oil
-1/2 a onion, diced
-3 cloves of garlic, minced
-1 cup of chicken broth
-1/2 a cup of white wine
-1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
-1 teaspoon of dried oregano
-1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
-Salt and black pepper to taste
-3 cups of shredded cooked turkey breast
-1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Left over turkey salad
Leftover turkey salad is a great way to use up your leftover turkey. You can add whatever vegetables you have on hand, but we suggest using celery, carrots, and onions for a crunchy texture. For the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad is best served chilled.
Ingredients:
-1 lb. cooked turkey, diced
-1/2 cup diced celery
-1/4 cup diced red onion
-1/4 cup mayonnaise
-1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-1 tablespoon white vinegar
-salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. Enjoy!
Caramelized Turkey
Stovetop Method
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your leftover turkey, try caramelizing it! This technique is simple, and it can really make a difference in the taste of your dish. To caramelize your turkey, start by heating a pan on the stove over medium heat. Then, add some oil to the pan and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add your turkey slices to the pan. Cook the turkey for a few minutes on each side, or until it’s browned and caramelized. Once you’re done, remove the turkey from the pan and enjoy!
Oven Method
Caramelized turkey is a great way to use up your leftover turkey. Simply coat the turkey in a mixture of brown sugar and spices, then roast it in the oven until it is caramelized and delicious. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ground Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
-1/2 cup chopped onion
-1/4 cup chopped green pepper
-1 garlic clove, minced
-1 egg, beaten
-1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
-1/4 cup ketchup
-1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, onion, green pepper, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Pack mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes.
Roasted Turkey Breast
If you have a turkey breast that you need to use up, roasting it is a great option. You can either roast it whole or slice it into thin strips. To roast the turkey breast, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and cook for about 30 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Once the turkey is roasted, you can slice it and serve it with some vegetables and mashed potatoes.
- Roasted turkey breast is the perfect way to use up your leftover turkey. The best part about this dish is that it is so simple to make. All you need to do is roast the turkey breast in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. Then, simply slice and serve.
- This dish is also great because it can be easily adapted to your liking. For example, if you want to add some extra flavor, try basting the turkey breast with a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices before roasting.
- Another great tip is to stuff the turkey breast with your favorite stuffing recipe before roasting. This will give the dish an extra boost of flavor and make it even more satisfying.
- Finally, don’t forget to drizzle the roasted turkey breast with some delicious gravy before serving. This will take your dish from good to great!
