Don't ruin your leftovers by making them dry! Our methods for reheating turkey will keep the bird as juicy and moist as it was for Thanksgiving dinner.
How to Reheat Turkey While Keeping It Juicy
Updated on Oct. 06, 2024
It’s so hard to estimate the right amount when you’re cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving. With all the filling side dishes and desserts looming in the background, sometimes the main dish earns a smaller-than-expected portion on the plate.
The good news is that turkey leftovers taste great—we can think of all kinds of clever ways to enjoy them. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overcook leftover turkey, resulting in a dry and unappetizing bite. You don’t have to suffer from this sad fate, though, if you know the best ways to reheat turkey.
Here’s how to reheat other Thanksgiving leftovers.
How to Reheat Turkey Without Drying It Out
To not dry out a turkey, you need to add moisture when you reheat the meat. You’ll see in our reheating methods that we add homemade gravy, chicken stock or butter to the turkey before heating it up low and slow. This ensures that juices in the turkey won’t escape as steam when they’re exposed to heat. Cutting the meat into smaller pieces also helps.
We also recommend covering turkey as it reheats. Use an aluminum foil pouch in the oven or a microwave-safe dish in the microwave. If the juices stay in the turkey instead of evaporating off into your kitchen, the leftovers will taste so much better!
How to Reheat Turkey in the Oven
This is our preferred reheating method because leftovers almost always taste best when they’re reheated using the original cooking method. That said, you won’t want to turn the oven up as high as you did for the original roasting. When reheating large pieces of turkey, it’s a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to make sure each piece reaches 165°F.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 300°—low enough to prevent the heat from drawing moisture away from the meat, but high enough that it won’t take hours to reheat.
Step 2: Add moisture
Place your leftover portions in aluminum foil and add a few spoonfuls of gravy or chicken stock over the meat. Add a pat of butter and close the foil tightly. Alternatively, you can use a casserole dish, but make sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the steam from escaping.
Step 3: Reheat the turkey
Cook the turkey for 30 to 45 minutes, until it’s warmed all the way through.
How to Reheat Turkey in the Microwave
This method is great if you’re reheating one or two servings of turkey. It’s really best to cut the turkey into bite-size pieces first, which decreases the chances of the outside drying out before the inside heats all the way through.
Step 1: Put turkey in container
Place the turkey pieces in a microwave-safe container.
Step 2: Add chicken stock
Add a few spoonfuls of chicken stock and a pat of butter. Cover the container with a lid.
Step 3: Reheat the turkey
Cook the turkey on 70% power for one minute for each reheated pound.
Turkey Reheating FAQs
How do you store turkey properly?
Don’t just toss it on a plate and stash it in the refrigerator; exposing the meat to air overnight is the quickest way to create a dry crust on the surface. Once cooled, keep leftover turkey tightly covered or—better yet—in a sealed container. If you’re looking to keep it in the fridge longer, turkey is also luckily one of those Thanksgiving leftovers you can freeze.
How many times can you reheat turkey?
It’s not a good idea to reheat turkey more than once. Technically, as long as it reaches 165° each time, it’s safe to eat. That said, it’s a food safety hazard to some degree, since every time you heat and cool food, it passes through the danger zone (between 40° and 140°). Bacteria thrive in this range, and giving them multiple opportunities to grow just isn’t a good idea. It’s best to err on the side of caution and reheat leftover turkey only once.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving, go ahead and roast the turkey and let it rest like normal, or use our flavorful method for grilling turkey. Then, carve it and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it using one of the methods above, and dinner is served.
The oven method works best here, mostly because it fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cooked turkey. Your dinner guests will think you spent all morning cooking!
Our Best Ideas for Leftover Turkey
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
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
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.
