11 Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey

If your fridge is full of leftover Thanksgiving turkey and you’re wondering what to do with it all, you’re in the right place. From cozy soups to cheesy enchiladas, these recipes turn those leftovers into dishes you’ll actually look forward to eating. Think comforting, simple, and totally delicious ideas that make the most of every last bite of turkey.

Creamy Turkey and Noodles

When you’re fresh off the holiday turkey train, you can swap in leftover Thanksgiving turkey for the rotisserie chicken and turn this cozy classic into comforting turkey and noodles. It’s rich and creamy, loaded with thick egg noodles, and finished with fresh herbs for a pop of brightness – the perfect way to give your leftovers a delicious second life.

Cranberry Turkey Melts with Cauliflower Soup

If you’re still craving Thanksgiving flavors, this soup-and-sandwich combo delivers. Swap the turkey lunch meat for your leftover holiday turkey and layer in that extra cranberry sauce for a next-day turkey melt grilled cheese. The cauliflower soup is optional, but it’s silky, savory, and echoes all the comfort of mashed potatoes. All in all, it’s the perfect day-after lunch to keep the turkey-day vibes going.

photo of a turkey grilled cheese on a plate with a bowl of cauliflower soup

Turkey Tortilla Soup

This turkey tortilla soup is another day-after win. Made mostly with pantry ingredients and ready in under an hour, it’s an easy way to turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into something fresh and flavorful. Load it up with your favorite tortilla soup toppings and you’ve got a hearty, comforting bowl that transforms the leftovers into something new.

BBQ French Bread Pizza

Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken and combine it with BBQ sauce, cheese, and French bread to make super simple French bread pizzas. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for all the football games happening over Thanksgiving weekend.

Mini Green Chile Turkey Melts

More leftover turkey sandwiches – this time turned into turkey melt sliders with green chile and melty cheese. These little bites are quick, delicious, and perfect for the weekend after the holiday when you want something easy (and tasty!) without doing much cooking.

Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed peppers with a Southwest twist are a great way to transform your leftover turkey into a brand new dinner that feels fresh. Use turkey instead of chicken and keep the rice, enchilada sauce, pepper jack cheese and peppers. You’ll love them!

a stuffed pepper being lifted from the pan.

Club Sandwich

Another sandwich idea, but this time we’re making a turkey club sandwich. Toasted bread, crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and mayo. It’s a classic for a reason and a great way to repurpose the leftover turkey.

Fajita Nachos

If we’re settling in for a long holiday weekend with lots of football, there better be nachos on the menu! These fajita nachos are loaded with fresh peppers, onions, and a super simple cheese sauce. Just add your leftover turkey and – voila – you get the perfect snack.

Creamy Poblano Enchiladas

Another great way to use up leftover turkey is in enchiladas, and these creamy poblano enchiladas are a must-try. Roll shredded turkey into warm tortillas and smother them in a rich, creamy poblano sauce. It’s an easy, irresistible way to turn leftovers into something so, so good.

Easy Creamy Enchilada Soup

Or take that enchilada craving and turn it into enchilada soup! This is my favorite creamy enchilada soup recipe made with beans, tomatoes, cream cheese, and masa harina. It has the best silky texture and is incredibly cozy and comforting. It’s perfect for using leftover turkey in a totally new way.

Santa Fe Salad

If you’re craving something lighter but still filling, this Santa Fe salad is the answer. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, beans, cheese, and a super-simple Southwest ranch dressing. Just swap the chicken for your leftover Thanksgiving turkey and you’re good to go!

More Recipe Collections

However you’re using up your leftovers, I hope these ideas bring a little ease (and a lot of deliciousness) to the days after the holiday. Here’s to cozy meals and stretching that turkey just a little further.

Happy cooking,