Without a doubt, the one thing you’re guaranteed to have left over on Thanksgiving is the turkey. We’re not complaining, though, because it’s easily the most versatile ingredient to work into other meals later in the week. Sure, the obvious choice is a next-level sandwich, but you worked hard on that turkey! It deserves to be highlighted in only the tastiest of recipes. There are tons of Pinterest-worthy Thanksgiving leftover dishes you can try, none of which involve adding cranberry sauce. If you want to make the most out of your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, keep reading for 17 must-have recipes that also happen to go great with dessert.
Our Favorite Leftover Turkey Recipes
Turkey Tortilla Soup
After eating all of that cranberry sauce and stuffing, you’ll probably want something with a little more zest. This soup is perfect for that and will warm you to your core. (via Chef Savvy)
Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo With Roasted Butternut Squash and Turkey
You’ve eaten your weight in pumpkin pie — now’s the time to try it in a savory application. Combine it with your leftover turkey and roasted butternut squash for a comforting and luxurious pasta dish. (via Girl Carnivore)
Turkey Avocado Flatbread
Imagine how great your favorite salad would be piled on a buttery flatbread. This one is loaded with chunks of tender turkey, avocado and bacon with a creamy chipotle ranch dressing for drizzling. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)
Easy Turkey Meatballs
Your day-after Thanksgiving turkey doesn't have to only go in soups and sandwiches. Add it to these tasty meatballs for another dish too! While the recipe calls for ground turkey, you can definitely mashup your turkey breast. (via Salt & Lavender)
Leftover Turkey Frittata
Breakfast on Black Friday is about to be lit. Mix shredded turkey with spinach, mozzarella and eggs to make a healthy frittata that will last you through all of that shopping. (via Diethood)
Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Nachos
If the day after Thanksgiving looks like a lot of football and loungewear for you, these nachos need to be on your menu. They’re cheesy, spicy and even gluten-free! (via Bless Her Heart Y’all)
Turkey Bolognese
Finishing off leftovers doesn’t mean you have to think of new wild recipes. Use your turkey in place of another protein in a dish you make all the time — like spaghetti bolognese. (via Chew Out Loud)
Turkey Chili
If you’re looking for something comforting and cozy that would also feed an army, chili is your go-to. Serve with fresh baked cornbread for sopping up those AH-mazing juices. (via Simply Recipes)
Turkey Meatloaf
This take on meatloaf is delicious *and* it's both Paleo and Whole30, which is just another reason to love it. (via Olive You Whole)
Turkey Thai Curry
Once the house has been cleaned and the guests have (finally) left, you’re going to be due a little solo time. This means a couple glasses of wine and a turkey curry that takes less than 20 minutes to make. (via Simply Stacie)
Turkey Enchiladas
So… you have a ton of turkey that’s sure to last you for a while. Try using it to make freezer meals, like enchiladas, that you can have weeks down the road. (via Creme de la Crumb)
Leftover Turkey in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
You may not want the exact meal that you had on Thanksgiving, but you don’t necessarily have to go nuts either. Make a quick mushroom sauce to infuse your turkey and spoon the whole thing over leftover mashed potatoes. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)
Leftover Turkey Pasta Skillet
Post-Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to clean out your fridge (you have to make room for all the leftovers!). Use whatever bits you have to create this customizable pasta that’s *perfect* for lazy cooks. (via An Italian in My Kitchen)
Thanksgiving Turkey Gumbo
Whether you’re in the South or not, gumbo is a great way to use up your extra turkey. It reinvents leftovers without doing anything too crazy. Plus, if you still have guests lingering, they will absolutely love getting another home-cooked meal. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Turkey Corn Chowder
If you have turkey AND creamed corn leftover, you’re so lucky. You can use them both to make this chowder and you only have to dirty one pot. (via Diethood)
Turkey Tetrazzini
Mushrooms, egg noodles and Swiss cheese join your leftover turkey in this baked casserole dish. Add a generous amount of breadcrumbs on top for a buttery crunch in each bite. (via Simply Recipes)
Warm Turkey Sliders
If you have hungry kids running around all Thanksgiving weekend, these sliders will be a savior. You’ll get rid of all that turkey and everyone will stay well-fed and happy. (via Self Proclaimed Foodie)
Follow us on Pinterest for more leftover turkey recipes and holiday ideas!
This post has been updated.
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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
