I love Turkey Dinner! Like, I love it. There are not enough turkey based occasions in my opinion. I certainly had my fill of turkey on Christmas Day and that’s when I start to look forward to repurposing the leftovers! For me, I find leftovers are great! It means I don’t need to cook for a few nights. But my husband is picky. He’ll eat leftovers for a day… maybe two! Then he’s bored and I need to get creative. So here are my go-to Turkey Leftovers! They’re all delicious and I may be looking forward to making these very soon!
1. Hot Turkey Sandwich
So, this has to be the easiest way to repurpose turkey. It makes a super-easy lunch on Boxing Day and uses up the turkey and gravy well. I like to use leftover homemade buns instead of commercial bread. I take two buns, open them up, toss reheated turkey on top and then drizzle (heavily) with gravy.
Now I’m an open-face hot turkey sandwich kinda gal! I want to see all the goods inside! But if you like a bit more carb with your carbs, certainly throw a lid on top of the sandwich and maybe even add more gravy!
Looking for a good recipe? Try this one.
2. Turkey Rice Soup
An absolute classic, turkey rice soup is so easy! I like to throw the turkey bones into a large crock pot with carrot, celery and onion overnight to simmer and make homemade broth. The next day filter the broth and get into making the soup. Sautee onions and garlic, add in your veggies (celery, carrots, etc) and then throw your shredded turkey in. The key here is the rice. Do not – I repeat – DO NOT – go overboard on the rice. I don’t know how many times I’ve ended up with casserole instead of soup because I added too much rice!
Looking for a good recipe? Try this one.
3. Quesadilla’s
These are so easy to make and they really feel like you’re eating something different then just “turkey dinner”. Dice up the leftover turkey, cut up some tomato, peppers, onion and shred some cheese. Add them in between two tortilla’s and throw it in a frying pan or you can bake it in the oven until the cheese gets nice and melty! If you’re a fan of dipping your quesadilla, you can certainly pair it with sour cream and salsa OR, why not make it gourmet!
Trade up and try turkey with brie inside your quesadilla and then dip into leftover cranberry sauce! I promise – it’s delicious!
Looking for a good recipe? Try this one.
4. Turkey and Stuffing Waffles
Ok – these are my FAVOURITE and the best way to use up Turkey Dinner Leftovers! First off, take your leftover stuffing and moisten it with some broth(some recipes call for an egg). Stuff it into a waffle press and let it get nice and toasty with a bit of a crust. Once it’s on your plate, top it off with leftover turkey, drizzle in gravy and add a nice dollop of cranberry sauce on top!
Trust me – this dish is amazing!!! I make it every time we have leftover stuffing and turkey (or sometimes even just chicken).
Looking for a good recipe? Try this one.
5. Turkey Cheese Dip
Cheese? – Check! Bread Bowl? – Check! Delicious? – Check!
If your sourdough bread trend is still going, here’s a unique way to use up an entire loaf! Hollow it out, fill it with leftover turkey, cheese and a smattering of other ingredients and make it all up. This is a great snacking dish for when you just want to put your feet up and watch re-runs on tv until reality sets back in. It’s also a great appetizer dish if you have family hanging out and you don’t want to do too much cooking.
Looking for a good recipe? Try this one.
So, now that I’ve made you hungry – what will you be making with those leftovers?
– Candice