The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a bounty of leftover turkey. But why settle for dry, reheated slices when you can create a whole new world of flavors and textures? From comforting casseroles to bold international twists, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of cooked turkey. Whether you’re looking for creative ways to use up last night’s dinner or seeking inspiration for this week’s meal prep, these ideas are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
In this article, we’ll dive into a wide range of dishes that highlight the star of the show: juicy, flavorful turkey. From classic comfort foods to innovative international flavors, our 20 delicious recipes will guide you in transforming leftover turkey into a culinary masterpiece.
Turkey and Cranberry Panini
Elevate your lunch game with this delicious Turkey and Cranberry Panini, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 2 oz. sliced turkey breast
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Spread one slice of bread with the cranberry sauce, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with sliced turkey breast, crumbled goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
5. Place the panini in the press or grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: A hearty and comforting meal perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nutty flavor of wild rice, all wrapped up in a creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the turkey, mixed vegetables, and wild rice in a little oil until the turkey is browned.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms
This rich and satisfying dish combines the flavors of roasted turkey, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy cheese sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add diced turkey to the cream mixture and stir to combine.
5. Roll out puff pastry sheet and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Spread turkey-cream mixture evenly over pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Top with mushroom mixture and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
A comforting twist on the classic pot pie, this recipe combines tender turkey and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with a flaky crust that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the turkey, mixed vegetables, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the turkey mixture.
4. Roll out remaining pie crust and use to cover the filling. Crimp edges to seal.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
This casserole brings together the flavors of Thanksgiving in one easy-to-make dish, perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering. With tender turkey, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 cups stale bread, cubed
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) turkey gravy
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add melted butter, bread, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until lightly toasted.
3. In a separate bowl, combine turkey, gravy, and peas and carrots.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer the casserole: stuffing mixture, turkey mixture, repeat.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Turkey Enchiladas
Add some heat to your taco Tuesday with these Spicy Turkey Enchiladas! This recipe combines the comfort of turkey and cheese with the bold flavors of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the turkey, chipotle peppers, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the turkey is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. Assemble the enchiladas by spooning the turkey mixture onto a tortilla, then rolling and placing seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and turkey mixture.
5. Top the enchiladas with cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey and Avocado Salad Wraps
A fresh and flavorful twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines the richness of turkey with the creaminess of avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 whole wheat tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Mix well.
2. Lay out a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the turkey-avocado mixture onto the center of the wrap.
3. Add any desired toppings.
4. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat package.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is quick and easy to prepare!
Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
This savory hash combines the flavors of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and crispy onions for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. Perfect for using up leftover turkey and sweet potatoes!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced cooked turkey
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 2 eggs, beaten (for a breakfast or brunch twist)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
4. Add cooked turkey to the skillet and stir to combine with onions.
5. Once sweet potatoes are done, add them to the skillet and stir to combine with turkey and onions.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired. If using eggs, pour over top of hash and cook until set.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
This classic comfort food dish combines tender turkey, crisp broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce with fettuccine pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb. cooked turkey breast, diced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add broccoli and cooked turkey; stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
4. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the turkey-broccoli mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Turkey Sliders with Coleslaw
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with these mouthwatering BBQ turkey sliders and refreshing coleslaw!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8-10 small patties.
4. Grill turkey sliders for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a patty on each bun. Top with coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and savory Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe. By combining cooked turkey, fresh spinach, and ricotta cheese with jumbo shells, you’ll create a deliciously comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook turkey until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until combined.
5. Stuff each shell with the turkey-spinach mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Corn Chowder
A hearty and comforting soup perfect for a chilly day, this Turkey and Corn Chowder combines the rich flavors of turkey, corn, and potatoes with a hint of smokiness from bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease behind. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the potatoes, corn, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked bacon. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Black Bean Quesadillas
Elevate your lunch or dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the savory taste of turkey, black beans, and melted cheese within a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the turkey, black beans, and cheese.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the turkey-bean mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey and Wild Rice Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines lean turkey with nutty wild rice and a hint of Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook turkey, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Stir in cooked wild rice, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each pepper with the turkey mixture and top with mozzarella cheese (if using).
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey and Mushroom Risotto
Rich and creamy risotto infused with the flavors of roasted turkey and earthy mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 pound roasted turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. After 20 minutes of cooking, stir in mushrooms and roasted turkey. Cook until heated through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Bacon Club Sandwich
A classic club sandwich gets a boost with crispy bacon and juicy turkey, all held together by toasted bread and creamy mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 pound of sliced turkey breast
– 6 slices of cooked bacon
– Lettuce
– Tomato
– Swiss cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lay two slices of bread on a flat surface.
3. Spread mayonnaise on each slice.
4. Add two slices of turkey breast, two slices of bacon, and one tomato slice on top of the mayonnaise.
5. Sprinkle lettuce and Swiss cheese on top.
6. Place the other two slices of bread on top to create a sandwich.
7. Cook in the panini press or grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the turkey is heated through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This quick and easy stir-fry recipe combines juicy turkey with a colorful medley of vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of water. Pour the mixture over the turkey and vegetables; stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Cheese Stuffed Croissants
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these flaky, buttery croissants filled with savory turkey and cheese. Perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy morning at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced cooked turkey breast
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread the turkey and cheese mixture evenly over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
6. Brush with softened butter and season with salt and pepper.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Lentil Curry
This hearty and flavorful curry combines the richness of turkey with the comforting warmth of lentils, making it a perfect dish for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, cook the turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onions, garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Turkey and Pesto Flatbread Pizza
This recipe combines the flavors of juicy turkey, creamy pesto, and crispy flatbread to create a delicious and easy-to-make pizza. Perfect for a quick dinner or game-day snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 oz cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the flatbread to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread pesto sauce evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with sliced turkey breast, mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftover turkey! Here are 20 delicious recipe ideas to transform last night’s dinner into a new culinary masterpiece. From savory soups and casseroles to satisfying sandwiches and wraps, we’ve got you covered. Discover unique twists on classic dishes like Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms, BBQ Turkey Sliders with Coleslaw, and Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or flavorful, these mouth-watering recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
