Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes (20+ Great Ideas) (2024)

Recipes

August 7, 2023August 7, 2023

These delicious leftover smoked turkey recipes are a great way to continue the smoky flavor that you enjoyed at Thanksgiving dinner. Some may say that Thanksgiving leftovers are actually better than the holiday dinner itself. Once you see all of these creative ways to use up the leftover meat I’m sure you will agree.

Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes (20+ Great Ideas) (1)

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Delicious Leftover Turkey Recipes

You have to admit that leftovers are the best parts of the holiday, at least when it comes to the food part. These leftover recipes are all delicious ways to capture the amazing flavor of your smoked turkey and repeat it in leftover meals. Whether you are looking for a big meal like a casserole or a small dish like a sandwich, you are in the right place. What is the best leftover turkey recipe in your home?

Click here to Learn How to Smoke a Turkey

Make sure to check out our step by step process for How to Smoke a Turkey. Most of these recipes can be made with smoked turkey, regular turkey, and often even rotisserie chicken. So mix things up and enjoy.

Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes

Enjoy your turkey leftovers the next day with our favorite leftover turkey recipes.

TURKEY CRANBERRY SLIDERS

Photo Credit:blackberrybabe.com

Use your Thanksgiving leftovers for these Turkey Cranberry Sliders! These Hawaiian roll turkey sandwiches are made with turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese and baked to perfection with a butter drizzle.

15-Bean Soup Recipe

Photo Credit:nourishandnestle.com

When you make a big turkey dinner and have leftover turkey thighs this 15 Bean Soup Recipe is a great way to use up that leftover turkey leg meat. This amazing soup recipe with black beans includes instructions for making this soup in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

Paleo Turkey Chowder

Photo Credit:www.theroastedroot.net

This creamy dairy-free paleo turkey chowder made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey, and creamy broth is a delicious recipe that you will want to eat all year round.

Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey (great for leftover turkey!)

Photo Credit:dizzybusyandhungry.com

Brie Grilled Cheese and Turkey is a unique sandwich with creamy brie, tender turkey breast, and cranberry spread, stuffed between two pieces of sourdough bread and grilled until crispy.

Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Crust

Photo Credit:www.chelseadishes.com

Give your leftover turkey a makeover with this wholesome and savory turkey pot pie with puff pastry. This recipe is essentially a leftover turkey casserole, as it’s baked in a baking dish, making it fuss-free and great for feeding a crowd. This is very similar to a turkey shepherd's pie.

Smoked Turkey Chili Recipe

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This Smoked Turkey Chili Recipe is the perfect way to use any leftover turkey from holiday dinners.

How to Make the Best Turkey Bone Broth in the Ninja Foodi

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Turkey bone broth is so easy to make in the Ninja Foodi. You can make this turkey stock with your turkey carcass, and fresh vegetables.

Leftover Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

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Looking for leftover turkey sliders on Hawaiian Rolls that are packed with flavor then you’ve got to try these turkey and brie sliders with green apple.

Green Pea Soup with Smoked Turkey Wings

Photo Credit:www.garlicandzest.com

This easy, flavorful green pea soup is made with whole green peas and a smoked turkey wing to season the broth. Because this rich, creamy potage uses dried peas, you’ll need to soak them overnight before making the soup.

Easy Leftover Turkey Soup with Egg Noodles and Vegetables

Photo Credit:thegiftedgabber.com

This leftover turkey soup with noodles is the perfect recipe for leftover turkey. Make the Amish egg noodles and leftover turkey meat soup with veggies or without.

Savory Baked Turkey Crepes

Photo Credit:sustainmycookinghabit.com

These savory baked turkey crepes are both hearty and make for a delicious meal option for the whole family. This easy recipe will become a new family favorite in your house too.

Turkey Cranberry Crostini - Great Use of Turkey Leftovers

Photo Credit:www.biscuitsandburlap.com

Turkey Cranberry Crostini is a creative and elegant way to make good use of those Thanksgiving turkey leftovers.

Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe

Photo Credit:www.thefreshcooky.com

Transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into these flavor-packed and juicy Leftover Turkey Tacos with flour tortillas! These leftover turkey carnitas are perfectly seasoned with a balance of smoky, sweet, citrusy, and savory ingredients. It’s the perfect way to enjoy leftover turkey! A little fresh cilantro and hot sauce is the best way to enjoy turkey tacos.

{Leftover Turkey} Pesto Sliders

Photo Credit:thepeasantsdaughter.net

Use your leftover turkey meat to create these moist and tasty cheesy pesto sliders the next day. The pesto keeps the turkey from drying out making it the perfect solution for breast meat.

Ultimate Leftover Turkey Breakfast Sandwich

Photo Credit:projectmealplan.com

I can’t imagine a better way to use up leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey than the Ultimate Leftover Turkey Breakfast Sandwich. Holiday turkey layered over a patty of mashed potatoes and stuffing melted provolone, and topped with a fried egg. This recipe idea simply can't be beat.

Smoked Turkey Quesadilla

Photo Credit:cookwhatyoulove.com

This real Texas-style Smoked Turkey Quesadilla is meaty, cheesy, and oh-so-good! Grab some salsa and sour cream, and a quick and tasty meal is just minutes away! These turkey quesadillas make for an easy lunch when you are short on time. Use flour or corn tortillas.

Smoked Turkey and Dumplings

Photo Credit:www.missinthekitchen.com

Smoked Turkey and Dumplings is the perfect comfort food recipe. Made with delicious smoked turkey, a creamy sauce vegetable soup base, and easy homemade dumplings.

Smoked Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash

Photo Credit:www.chilipeppermadness.com

Smoked Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash is a simple, flavor-packed meal that's loaded with protein and nutrients! Turkey (leftovers work very well) is cooked in just one skillet with sweet potatoes, Cajun seasoning, chili peppers, and more.

Leftover Smoked Turkey Salad

Photo Credit:www.smartypantskitchen.com

There's nothing better than leftover smoked turkey to make a delicious leftover turkey salad.

Creamy Smoked Turkey and Wild Rice Soup.

Photo Credit:www.thatsusanwilliams.com

Wondering what to do with leftover turkey? Creamy Smoked Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is just the ticket. It will help you make good DELICIOUS use of that leftover turkey carcass.

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Photo Credit:www.thismamacooks.com

Make this leftover turkey enchilada casserole when you have leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Leftover Turkey Risotto

Photo Credit:www.kitchensanctuary.com

This leftover turkey and mushroom risotto is rich, creamy, and comforting, and a great way to use up those leftovers from a holiday meal.

Tetrazzini Casserole With Leftover Turkey Or Chicken

Photo Credit:dancingthroughtherain.com

This Tetrazzini Casserole is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey or chicken.

Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes (20+ Great Ideas) (2024)

FAQs

How long is it safe to eat leftover smoked turkey? ›

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

What to do with dry leftover turkey? ›

Finally, if you've made a large turkey and have a lot left over, use it in recipes such as Turkey Pot Pie or a soup such as Turkey Wild Rice. Anything with broth or gravy in it will rehydrate the dry turkey pieces.

How long after Thanksgiving is it safe to eat turkey? ›

The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

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How do you reheat smoked turkey so it doesn't dry out? ›

Our advice is to set the oven to 325°F. This temperature is high enough to heat the turkey thoroughly without drying out the meat.

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How long can you keep a whole smoked turkey in the refrigerator? ›

Chill the smoked turkey in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Smoked turkey lasts a little longer than roasted turkey since the smoke helps preserve the meat. Since the turkey will dry out the longer it's stored, it's still best to use the meat soon after you smoke it.

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Why does leftover turkey taste different? ›

The flavor is variously described as "rancid," "stale," and like "cardboard," and even compared to "damp dog hair." Warmed-over flavor is caused by the oxidative decomposition of lipids (fatty substances) in the meat into chemicals (short-chain aldehydes or ketones) which have an unpleasant taste or odor.

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What is turkey tetrazzini made of? ›

Turkey tetrazzini is an extra-comforting, baked spaghetti casserole filled with turkey, mushrooms, and cheese. Like most casseroles, this tetrazzini is totally versatile: add in your favorite veggies or switch out the protein (chicken tetrazzini is one of our go-to choices).

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Can I freeze cooked turkey after 3 days? ›

If your turkey has been properly handled, you can refrigerate and eat it for up to four days. If you are planning to freeze it, it's best to freeze it within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after three days and it will be fine.

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Can you eat leftover turkey on the 5th day? ›

According to foodsafety.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the following foods are safe in the fridge: Turkey: 3-4 days. Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days.

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Is it safe to eat a turkey frozen for 2 years? ›

According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, you can keep a turkey stored in the freezer for up to two years, and it's still safe to cook. You might, however, end up dealing with a not-so-tasty bird keeping it that long. It's essential to store it correctly to avoid freezer burn.

How long is smoked turkey lunch meat good for? ›

After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. Keep your refrigerator at 40 °F or less). These meats can also be frozen for one to two months for best quality. Frozen foods are safe indefinitely (kept at 0 °F).

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How long can you keep a Greenberg turkey in the refrigerator? ›

Here are a few additional Greenberg Turkey tips: Turkey may be held in the refrigerator six to eight days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If heating the turkey, place in an oven bag.

Is it safe to eat cold smoked turkey? ›

Is it safe to eat cold smoked turkey without further cooking? Cold smoked turkey is not fully cooked during the smoking process, so it's important to finish cooking it before consumption. After cold smoking, the turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.

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