14 Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey Breast

Everyone focuses on the initial feast, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because. But figuring out what to do with leftover smoked turkey is part of the fun, too!

You can feed your family for up to a week after you’ve cooked your turkey if you have enough leftovers, simplifying meal planning while helping you reduce waste and make the most of your bird.

The only tricky part is finding unique smoked turkey leftover recipes so you can keep things fresh – after all, eating the same turkey 5 days in a row can get pretty boring, even though our smoked turkey online is a one-of-a-kind, delicious variety!

Don’t stress – we’ve pieced together 8 of our favorite leftover smoked turkey recipes below to help you use every last bit of the bird, from the legs to the carcass.

Sure, sandwiches and soups are a classic choice – but we’ve got some really fun ideas to share with you, like pizzas, stir-fries, breakfast dishes, and more. First, though, we need to talk about storage so you can preserve the turkey in its best condition for as long as possible.

Leftover turkey breast is a common occurrence after the holidays. Whether you roasted a whole turkey or just a turkey breast, chances are you’ll have plenty of leftovers While turkey sandwiches are always an easy go-to, there are many more creative ways to use up leftover turkey breast

From casseroles and soups to salads and flatbreads, these recipes will help you get the most out of your holiday bird long after the festivities are over. With a combination of classic comfort foods and fun new twists, you may find that your favorite way to eat turkey is after Thanksgiving or Christmas!

1. Make Delicious Turkey Tetrazzini

This classic pasta dish combines turkey, noodles, mushrooms, and a creamy Parmesan sauce Simply toss together cooked spaghetti or linguine with diced turkey breast, sliced mushrooms, peas, and shredded cheese The mixture is then baked until bubbling and golden brown on top. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender turkey, this tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food.

2. Bake a Hearty Turkey Pot Pie

What better way to warm up than with a homemade pot pie? Make a simple sauce on the stovetop using butter flour, broth, and cream. Then add veggies like carrots celery, onions and cubed turkey breast. Top with a round of pie dough and bake until the crust is flaky. Serve it up with a side salad for a satisfying winter meal.

3. Whip Up Easy Cheddar Turkey Melts

For a quick lunch or light dinner, make these open-faced turkey melts. Simply top slices of bread with turkey breast, tomato slices, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The combination of hot turkey and melted cheese pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado.

4. Make Quick Turkey Quesadillas

Quesadillas are an easy weeknight dinner, and a tasty way to use up turkey. Place sliced or shredded turkey between flour tortillas with shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack. Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts, then slice and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

5. Simmer a Soothing Turkey Noodle Soup

Nothing beats a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening. Simmer turkey breast with veggies like carrots, celery, and onions in chicken or turkey broth. Add egg noodles, pasta shells or rice to the pot for a heartier soup. Finish with parsley and lemon juice for brightness. The turkey and noodles will soak up all the delicious flavors.

6. Make Classic Turkey Salad Sandwiches

Put leftover turkey breast to use in this classic salad. Dice or shred the turkey and toss it with mayo, celery, dried cranberries, pecans, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. For extra crunch, add chopped apples or bell peppers. Pile the salad onto bread, crackers or lettuce for a tasty and protein-packed light meal.

7. Cook Up a Savory Turkey Hash

Make the most of leftover roast turkey for breakfast with a flavorful turkey hash. Chop or shred turkey breast with potatoes, bell peppers and onions. Cook everything together in a skillet until the potatoes are slightly crispy. Season to taste with salt, pepper, paprika, parsley or any favorite spices. Top with a fried egg for extra protein.

8. Prepare Comforting Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie gets a holiday twist with leftover turkey. Cook diced turkey breast with onions, carrots, peas and corn. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, then top with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is lightly browned. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.

9. Enjoy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Make good use of both leftover turkey and stuffing with this creamy soup. Simmer diced turkey breast with onions, carrots, celery and wild rice. Before serving, stir in cubed stuffing and coconut milk or heavy cream for richness. Garnish with crisp fried sage leaves for beautiful presentation.

10. Make Classic Turkey Club Sandwiches

You can’t go wrong with a traditional club sandwich featuring leftover turkey breast. Layer bread with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo. If you have cranberry sauce leftover, spread it on the bread for a sweet and tangy twist. Serve with chips or a salad for a hearty lunch or dinner.

11. Bake Mini Thanksgiving Pot Pies

This fun meal is so easy to whip up with Thanksgiving leftovers! Instead of one big casserole, make individual pot pies in ramekins, each topped with flaky puff pastry. Fill them with any leftovers like turkey, veggies or stuffing. Bake until the crust is golden. Kids will love these personal sized pies!

12. Stuff Turkey Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a delicious way to reinvent leftover turkey. Fill corn tortillas with shredded turkey, cheese, onions, cilantro and chili powder. Roll up and bake with enchilada sauce and cheese until everything is hot and melty. Top with favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole or sour cream.

13. Mix Up Turkey Cranberry Flatbreads

This seasonal flatbread has holiday flavors like leftover turkey, goat cheese, shredded Brussels sprouts, cranberries and pecans. Spread naan or pizza dough with cranberry sauce as the base. Top with the ingredients and bake until the crust is crisp. Serve it for a festive lunch or dinner.

14. Build Hearty Turkey Salad Bowls

Here’s a healthy way to use diced turkey, roasted veggies, apples, and wild rice. You can also add other fun mix-ins like crumbled goat cheese, almonds, kale, and balsamic dressing! Build a bowl with your favorite ingredients for an easy, nourishing meat.

With so many options for leftovers, you may look forward to turkey dishes long after the initial holiday meal. Get creative with soups, sandwiches, bakes and more to reinvent holiday favorites throughout the season. Don’t let that cooked bird go to waste – use these recipes to give your leftover turkey new life!

what to do with leftover turkey breast

Stir-Fries and Skillet Meals

Finally, here are a few last smoked turkey leftover recipes to consider when you’re in a rush and just want to throw a bunch of ingredients together for a quick, nutritious meal:

  • Turkey Stir-Fry: Sauté smoked turkey with a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables in a hot skillet. Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a flavorful and healthy meal that’s ready in minutes.
  • Turkey Fried Rice: Use leftover rice and smoked turkey to create a quick fried rice dish. Add peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil for a satisfying meal.
  • Smoked Turkey Skillet Dinner: Combine smoked turkey with potatoes, green beans, and a light gravy in a skillet. Cook until everything is heated through and the flavors are well combined.

First, Understand Proper Storage for Leftover Smoked Turkey

Proper smoked turkey storage will help you maintain the flavor, texture, and most important, safety of the meat so you can enjoy it to the fullest in the coming days. So, how long is smoked turkey good for?

There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to food safety, which is why understanding the signs of spoilage is so important. Watch out for changes in texture, smell, color, or taste.

That being said, 3-4 days is generally the rule of thumb in the refrigerator. This can be stretched up to a few months in the freezer. But, it all comes down to how you store the turkey.

3 AWESOME RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY

FAQ

What is a popular dish made from leftover turkey?

Turkey pho, turkey pot pie, turkey empanadas, turkey tamales (or do the skillet kind with turkey mix on the bottom and cornmeal on top), turkey red curry sweet potato soup, seriously google Thanksgiving leftovers and you’ll find a zillion.

How to eat leftover turkey breast?

I always shred the leftover turkey, slice some onions, bell pepper, chopped garlic and sautee- in a pan with olive oil. Add spices of your choice, some s&p and fresh lime juice. Comes out sooo good. I usually serve it with rice and a veggie. Good for throwing into quesadillas, wraps, and sandwiches as well.

How long is leftover turkey breast good in the fridge?

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days when kept refrigerated at 40°F or below (1).

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