The age old question, "should you wash your turkey?" is answered. Washing your turkey before cooking is a common mistake that could be dangerous.
Should You Wash Your Turkey? Here’s What You Need to Know
Updated on Apr. 26, 2024
Preparing the ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast is an hours-long process. You’ll want to scrub potatoes, soak the broccoli in salt water and re-wash the pre-washed lettuce. Because washing fruits and vegetables is the right way to avoid unwelcome bacteria, it only makes sense that you should wash your turkey as well, right?
It turns out washing your turkey is not the proper way to avoid bacteria. In fact, it actually makes the situation a whole lot worse.
Why Is Washing a Turkey Dangerous?
It may seem like a clean process, but washing a 15-pound turkey causes a lot of splashing near the kitchen sink. The backsplash coming off the turkey could mean contamination of food that will be placed on the counter later. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), any raw poultry can cross-contaminate other food with harmful bacteria and potentially cause food poisoning.
Check out this list of other foods you should never wash before cooking.
How to Prep Turkey Safely
Your Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to put the family at risk. It’s important to make sure your turkey is handled safely. The USDA makes the following recommendations:
- Disinfect your countertops with hot, soapy water before you prep the bird. Learn how to clean granite countertops.
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling the turkey. Use this expert-recommended hand-washing technique.
- Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and follow guidelines for cutting board care.
- Remove the giblets from the bird and pat the cavity dry with paper towels.
- Check for any feather quills that may still be connected to the turkey’s skin and pluck them out.
- Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, countertop or other surface that previously held raw turkey.
- Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing the bird.
It’s also smart to keep raw turkey away from other foods you are buying at the grocery store, and keep it separate from other foods when defrosting in the refrigerator. If you’re still itching to clean your turkey before roasting it, patting it dry with paper towels is a better route to take.
How to Cook Turkey Safely
It’s simple—cooking the turkey to the right temperature is the best way to keep people safe from food poisoning. Use a meat thermometer to make sure turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, which is high enough to kill the germs that would make people sick.
Make sure you test the turkey at its thickest part (usually the thigh), and if the bird is not quite cooked, make sure you wash your meat thermometer in hot, soapy water before testing again.
Still have questions about the bird? Follow our step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey!
Clever Ways to Use Turkey Leftovers
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Turkey Tetrazzini with Cream of Mushroom SoupTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, spaghetti, condensed cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese
Level: Easy
Pack this hearty, cheesy, saucy casserole with extra mushrooms by using both cream of mushroom soup and jarred sliced mushrooms. Use sauteed fresh mushrooms if you can't find ones in the jar.
"This recipe comes from a cookbook our church compiled. It's convenient because it can be made ahead and frozen. After the holidays, we use leftover turkey to prepare this dish for university students. They clean their plates!" —Recipe contributor Gladys Waldrop, Calvert City, Kentucky
Creamy Turkey SoupTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, onion, celery, peas, broth, milk
Level: Easy
This turkey soup has all the makings of a crustless potpie. The richness of the soup is offset with plenty of vegetables: celery, carrots and frozen peas.
"My mother always prepared a holiday turkey much larger than our family could ever eat in one meal so there'd be plenty of leftovers. That's one tradition I've kept up. This hearty soup uses a lot of turkey and is great after watching football games and raking leaves." —Recipe contributor Kathleen Harris, Galesburg, Illinois
Turkey MeltFor those days when you're rushing from work to home to evening activity, this turkey melt sandwich with green chiles is about to become your standby.
Turkey Wild Rice SoupTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, wild rice, mirepoix, broth
Level: Intermediate
We like wild rice for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you're making a wild rice stuffing to go with your Thanksgiving turkey, cook some extra rice to get a head start on this soup for the Friday after Thanksgiving.
"A dear friend brought me some of this soup when I was ill—and it instantly hit the spot. I asked her for the recipe and I've made it several times since, especially when I have leftover turkey to use up. Now I like to take it to friends when they're not feeling well. It's filling, and it really warms you up on a wintry day!" —Recipe contributor Doris Cox, New Freedom, Pennsylvania
One-Pot Thanksgiving DinnerTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, stuffing mix, green beans, turkey gravy
Level: Easy
You can have a fuss-free Thanksgiving-inspired dinner anytime, even on a weeknight. Top with some french-fried onions and serve with a side of cranberry sauce.
"This meal-in-one tastes like a big holiday dinner without the work. It's a great way to use up leftover turkey, but I often use thick slices of deli turkey to prepare the dish any time." —Recipe contributor Lynne Hahn, Temecula, California
Turkey Dinner MuffinsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, flour
Level: Intermediate
We love to use muffin tins to create savory individual portions for snacks, dinner or parties. These sweet and savory muffins with turkey and cranberry sauce are ready in 30 minutes.
"I love experimenting in the kitchen. That's how I created these muffins that use up leftovers from a turkey dinner. Team them with a bowl of soup and some fresh fruit for a satisfying meal." —Recipe contributor Margaret Berardi, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Turkey Shepherd’s PieTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, turkey gravy, stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes
Level: Easy
You can relax after spending a day or two lovingly preparing a holiday meal. The day after, throw together our easy turkey version of shepherd's pie with your leftovers. It's ready to bake in just 10 minutes.
"We live out in the country and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I have become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes." —Recipe contributor Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine
Turkey SoupTotal Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, turkey carcass, canned chicken broth, mirepoix
Level: Intermediate
Don't throw out your leftover turkey carcass! Repurpose those bones by enriching store-bought chicken broth for this Thanksgiving-flavored soup. If you haven't already used the giblets and neck for a giblet gravy, throw them in with the bones for additional, mineral-rich flavor and to thicken the broth.
"I like making this soup around the holidays after a big turkey dinner. It's especially good on cold winter nights when it's snowing—which happens a lot where I live!" —Recipe contributor Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
Turkey Stew with DumplingsTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Carrots, celery, turkey, condensed beef consomme
Level: Intermediate
It's hard to resist the fluffy Southern dumplings that float atop our hearty turkey stew. For the lightest, airiest dumplings, let the batter rest a couple of minutes before dropping them into the stew—and don't lift the lid while they simmer.
"My husband and I love dumplings, and this mild-tasting, homey dish has flavorful ones floating on a tasty turkey and vegetable stew. It really hits the spot on chilly fall and winter days." —Recipe contributor Rita Taylor, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Turkey Lattice PieTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, refrigerated crescent rolls, condensed cream of chicken soup, cheddar or Swiss cheese
Level: Intermediate
Pop open some cans of crescent roll dough to make this savory turkey pie. You would never guess this impressive-looking pie can be made with leftovers and a couple of convenience items.
"With its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish is as appealing as it is tasty. It's easy to make too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough." —Recipe contributor Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Leftover Turkey TetrazziniTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, spaghetti, condensed cream of mushroom soup
Level: Intermediate
Our turkey tetrazzini is extra cheesy, with cheddar mixed into the mushroom sauce and a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. You can swap in any other gooey melty cheeses if you need to use leftovers from a holiday cheese board.
"This recipe turns our leftover turkey into a whole new meal! We look forward to having it after Christmas and Thanksgiving and other times when I roast a turkey for a family gathering." —Recipe contributor Susan Payne, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
Turkey Macaroni BakeTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup
Level: Easy
No need to wash multiple pots after making this super-easy baked mac and cheese. Canned cream of chicken soup and uncooked pasta makes this dish a breeze to throw together.
"A co-worker gave me this recipe when we were discussing quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey. The mild, cheesy casserole is a hit with my family. And it doesn't get much easier than this—you don't even have to cook the macaroni first!" —Recipe contributor Cherry Williams, St. Albert, Alberta
White Turkey ChiliTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey breast, cannellini beans, condensed cream of chicken soup, chopped green chiles
Level: Easy
This recipe is proof that chili doesn't need to be tomato-based: It uses white meat, beans and a base of creamy chicken soup. Serve a bowl of this turkey chili with a side of cornbread and a simple salad.
"Cut the fat and calories while savoring all the comfort, heartiness and flavor you love. This recipe makes it easy!" —Recipe contributor Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry SalsaTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, flour tortillas, cheddar, cranberries, jalapeno
Level: Intermediate
Dress up homemade cranberry sauce with jalapenos and pears to make this fresh cranberry salsa. Keep the jalapeno seeds in for extra heat, or leave them out for a milder version.
"These quesadillas stuffed with turkey and cheese get amped up when you add sweet-tart cranberry salsa. You might want to make extra; the salsa goes great with chicken or pork, too!" —Recipe contributor Jodi Kristensen, Macomb, Michigan
Turkey Noodle SoupTotal Time: 5 hours, 30 minutes + overnight chilling
Main Ingredients: Turkey neck and cooked carcass, wings, drumsticks, egg noodles
Level: Advanced
The base of this deeply-flavored soup is broth made with the turkey carcass and other bones picked clean. Note that the broth needs an overnight chill before the fat is skimmed.
"Make the most of leftover turkey with a delicious homemade soup. Roasting the turkey bones, garlic and vegetables adds a rich flavor without added fat." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Turkey Alfredo PizzaTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, prebaked pizza crust, Alfredo sauce, frozen spinach
Level: Intermediate
Rub the cut side of a fresh clove of garlic on the prebaked crust to impart a mild garlic flavor. Use Martha Stewart's hack of rubbing your fingers on stainless steel under running water to get rid of the garlicky smell.
"A longtime family favorite, this thin-crust pizza is both tasty and nutritious. It's an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, too." —Recipe contributor Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Anytime Turkey ChiliTotal Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, canned pumpkin, canned beans, chili powder, crushed tomatoes
Level: Easy
Take all the regular components of a bean-laden chili and then throw in pumpkin puree and brown sugar for some unexpected sweetness. We call for canned pumpkin to make it easy, but feel free to use homemade pumpkin puree instead.
"I created this dish to grab the voters' attention at a chili contest we held in our backyard. With pumpkin, brown sugar and cooked turkey, it's like an entire Thanksgiving dinner in one bowl." —Recipe contributor Brad Bailey, Cary, North Carolina
Slow-Cooked Turkey SandwichesTotal Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Velveeta, condensed cream of chicken soup and mushroom soup, buns
Level: Easy
This is a true one-pot meal that's perfect for casual gatherings and potlucks. Keep the creamy, cheesy turkey filling warm in the slow cooker and let everyone serve themselves.
"These sandwiches have been such a hit at office potlucks that I keep copies of the recipe in my desk to hand out." —Recipe contributor Diane Twait Nelsen, Ringsted, Iowa
Greens and Beans Turkey SoupTotal Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey carcass, frozen spinach, great northern beans
Level: Easy
You'll want to leave some extra meat on your turkey carcass for this soup. We like great northern beans for their delicate, nutty flavor, but cannellini beans are a good substitution.
"On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a steaming bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup." —Recipe contributor Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Turkey TetrazziniTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Turkey, spaghetti, mushrooms, milk, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs
Level: Intermediate
This is our classic tetrazzini recipe—no shortcuts here! We use fresh mushrooms, make a creamy, cheesy mornay sauce from scratch and top off the hearty casserole with buttery bread crumbs.
"This classic casserole is so easy to make and works well with either leftover turkey or fresh turkey cutlets. You can also substitute flavored bread crumbs for the plain ones and jarred, roasted red pepper for the fresh variety." —Recipe contributor Shannon Weddle, Berryville, Virginia
Thanksgiving CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Turkey, condensed cream of chicken soup, stuffing cubes, potatoes
Level: Intermediate
The secret to this casserole's five-star rating: cream cheese and sour cream in the mashed potatoes for richness, creaminess and a little tang. You can make the mashed potatoes from scratch as the recipe calls for, or thin leftover mashed potatoes with a bit of milk.
"This hearty, rich-tasting dish is sure to be a hit with your family. It's a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving turkey, and you can substitute 5-1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes for the 6 potatoes." —Recipe contributor Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
BLT Turkey SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, bacon, romaine lettuce, tomatoes
Level: Intermediate
You can cook bacon on the stovetop, in the oven or in the microwave for this recipe! Regardless of your preferred method, make sure the bacon is crispy enough to crumble. And save that leftover bacon grease for other uses.
"This variation of a BLT salad goes great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters." —Recipe contributor Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
Turkey PotpieTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, chicken broth, potatoes, pie crust
Level: Intermediate
We keep the seasoning in the filling simple with fresh parsley. Feel free to fancy it up with other fresh herbs like sage, thyme, chives and tarragon. This recipe makes two pies, so bake off one today and throw the other in the freezer for later.
"Ever since my sister-in-law shared this recipe with me, I haven't made any other kind of potpie. The crust is very easy to work with." —Recipe contributor Laureen Naylor, Factoryville, Pennsylvania
Turkey EnchiladasTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, rice, flour tortillas, green enchilada sauce, Mexican cheese blend
Level: Intermediate
Corn tortillas are traditionally used to make enchiladas, but we're using flour tortillas here because they're softer, more flexible and less likely to tear when assembling.
"My family likes these enchiladas so much, they request a turkey dinner several times a year just so I'll make these with the leftovers. I usually double the recipe." —Recipe contributor Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington
Southwestern Turkey BakeTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, condensed cream of chicken soup, Monterey Jack cheese, nacho-flavored tortilla chips
Level: Easy
Add some crunch and extra umami to your layered casserole with nacho-flavored tortilla chips. Look for sturdy chips, not the ultra-thin ones. You can also swap them out with other flavored tortilla chips or corn chips.
"I make this as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their vegetables. This creamy entree will fill you up fast." —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York
Turkey-Vegetable SoupTotal Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, sweet red pepper, diced tomatoes and green chiles, orzo pasta
Level: Intermediate
This flavorful soup is chock-full of vegetables, herbs and spices. We call for rice-shaped orzo but any small pasta shape will work. Or leave the pasta out completely for a low-carb meal.
"The blend of flavors and colors in this hearty soup will bring everyone at the table back for more." —Recipe contributor Charlotte Welch, Utica, New York
Weeknight Turkey Tortilla SoupTotal Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped green chiles, tortilla strips
Level: Intermediate
Pop open a bag of store-bought tortilla strips for an easy topper for this soup. You can also make your own crunchy tortilla strips by frying corn tortillas or using an air fryer.
"This is now my family's most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or Andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste." —Recipe contributor Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
Turkey Biscuit SkilletTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey breast, refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, condensed chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots
Level: Intermediate
A golden crust made with refrigerated biscuits tops this comforting, creamy mixture. You can get a head start by baking the biscuits separately while you prep the rest of the dish.
"My mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top." —Recipe contributor Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
Bistro Turkey CalzoneTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, frozen pizza dough, cheddar cheese, bacon, apple
Level: Intermediate
If you're a fan of savory hand pies like pasties and empanadas, then you'll love wrapping this classic bistro sandwich filling in pizza dough.
"Turkey, cheddar, bacon and apple harmonize in a sandwich that's perfect for a harvest meal." —Recipe contributor DonnaMarie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla SoupTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn
Level: Intermediate
Salsa provides all the flavor in this festive soup. Whether you like your salsa mild or spicy, chunky or smooth, you can't lose when you choose one of our Test Kitchen's favorite store-bought salsa brands or make salsa from scratch.
"I'm always amazed that I can pull together such a delicious soup in less than half an hour!" —Recipe contributor Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
TLC (Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole)Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Turkey, stuffing cubes, cranberries, cream-style corn, pecans
Level: Intermediate
In only 20 minutes of prep time, you can throw together an easy casserole with all the flavors of a Thanksgiving meal. Serve this hearty dish with a nice big salad.
"Turkey, stuffing and veggie leftovers come together into a fabulous casserole. There's comfort in every bite." —Recipe contributor Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Turkey Enchiladas VerdesTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, corn tortillas, green enchilada sauce, condensed cream of chicken soup, Monterey Jack cheese
Level: Intermediate
Packaged corn tortillas can be dry and brittle. Soften them up by briefly frying in a little oil until they're pliable. The oil creates a barrier that allows the tortillas to soak up some of the sauce but not so much that they disintegrate.
"Planning a fiesta night? These authentic-tasting enchiladas in spicy green sauce will please the whole family. You'll be thankful for turkey leftovers!" —Recipe contributor Karyn Power, Arlington, Texas
Turkey-Sweet Potato SoupTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, sweet potatoes, cream-style corn, chicken bouillon granules
Level: Easy
Chicken bouillon granules are a great cost- and space-saving pantry staple. We recommend using a sodium-free version to control your salt intake. Bouillon granules can be used interchangeably with broth, bouillon cubes or concentrated broth paste (although you'll be hard-pressed to find a sodium-free option in the latter). To yield one cup of broth, dissolve one bouillon cube or one teaspoon of granules in one cup of boiling water. Note in this recipe that the granules go straight into the pot with cold water.
"A batch of this soup brings the nostalgic flavors and heartwarming feel of the holidays at any time of year." —Recipe contributor Radine Kellogg, Fairview, Illinois
“Thanksgiving’s Not Over Yet” Enchilada SoupTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, green enchilada sauce, pumpkin puree, ranch salad dressing mix
Level: Easy
Green enchilada sauce can have a base of either fresh green chiles or tomatillos. Both will work in this soup. If you're concerned that the tomatillo-based sauce will result in a soup that's too tart, use the green chile version and swirl in some salsa verde to taste.
"Pumpkin adds a unique richness to this warm soup. You certainly can include Thanksgiving leftovers, but it's a good recipe any time you have extra turkey." —Recipe contributor Denise Pounds, Hutchinson, Kansas
Turkey CrepesTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Turkey, flour, eggs, milk, frozen peas and carrots
Level: Intermediate
Make these crepes for a post-holiday brunch. You can prep both the crepes and filling ahead of time. Just bring the crepes to room temperature and warm up the filling before assembling.
"This savory crepe recipe has been passed down through many generations in my family. You can also use the turkey filling to make a potpie." —Recipe contributor Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Crispy Mashed Potato & Stuffing PattiesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, eggs
Level: Intermediate
These delicious patties can be a little finicky if your mashed potatoes and stuffing are on the wet side, so make a test patty first. If it falls apart while cooking, add a little flour to the mixture to absorb the excess moisture. It can also be helpful to chill the mixture in the fridge before frying.
"Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year." —Recipe contributor Kellie Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona
Stuffing Crust Turkey PotpieTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, frozen broccoli florets, Swiss cheese
Level: Intermediate
This potpie is easier than it looks. The turkey filling and mashed potato topping can be prepped while the stuffing crust bakes. If you find the crust is getting too dark, protect it with a pie crust shield.
"Here's a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy." —Recipe contributor Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois
Butternut Turkey SoupTotal Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, butternut squash, red potatoes, chicken broth, whole cloves
Level: Intermediate
Tying whole spices in a bundle of cheesecloth makes it easier to fish out when the soup is done. You can also substitute with ground spices, tasting and adjusting the amount of spices as you go.
"Although hearty with lots of nutritious vegetables and turkey, this soup is also light and luscious." —Recipe contributor Denise LaRoche, Hudson, New Hampshire
Turkey Avocado SandwichWith this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Turkey CroquettesTotal Time: 20 minutes + 10 minutes/batch
Main Ingredients: Turkey, mashed potatoes, Parmesan and Swiss cheese, panko bread crumbs
Level: Intermediate
Cook these croquettes in an air fryer for a snack that's crispy yet light. Serve them with leftover gravy, cranberry sauce, a chunky applesauce or an herbed sour cream dip.
"I grew up with a family that looked forward to leftovers, especially the day after Thanksgiving. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like this one. Serve three per plate along with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal." —Recipe contributor Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
Grandma's Thanksgiving Leftover RollsTotal Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes + rising
Main Ingredients: Turkey, yeast, flour, bulk pork sausage, cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese
Level: Intermediate
If you're pressed for time, swap out the active dry yeast with instant yeast. You can skip the proofing step and add the yeast straight into the flour mixture. The smaller grain size of the yeast allows it to dissolve in the moisture of the dough. Another plus is that instant yeast can be frozen for several years, so you can avoid rushing out to the store at the last minute if you realize your active dry yeast has expired.
"Grab that leftover turkey and roll it up with some sausage, cheese and vegetables to make a savory roll. Eat it for dinner, breakfast or just as a snack. To add an over-the-top touch, drizzle with turkey gravy." —Recipe contributor Kellie Braddell, West Point, California
Turkey Corn ChowderTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey, bacon, frozen corn, shredded hash brown, condensed cream of chicken soup
Level: Intermediate
What's the difference between chowder and soup? Soups are either brothy or pureed and some can be served cold. Chowders are thick, rich and creamy, full of chunky stuff and served hot. (The outliers are New England clam chowder, which should be thin and milky, and Manhattan clam chowder…don't even get me started on that one.)
"This recipe uses Thanksgiving leftovers to create a rich and creamy turkey chowder. My grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder, which gave it a nice richness." —Recipe contributor Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Leftover Turkey Recipes FAQ
What do I do with dry leftover turkey?
You can rejuvenate your dry turkey scraps by gently reheating them in a bit of broth or stock. Or, throw the leftover meat directly into soups and saucy casseroles and potpies to allow the meat to soak up the surrounding liquid.
How long is leftover turkey good for?
Use up refrigerated leftover turkey within four days.
