Creative Uses for Leftover Turkey: From Soup to Pot Pie

Thanksgiving and Christmas are not just holidays for celebration and feasting; they bring with them piles of delicious leftovers. Instead of letting your leftover turkey go to waste, why not transform it into a multitude of tasty meals? From hearty soups to comforting pot pies, here are some innovative ideas to use your leftover turkey to its fullest extent.

Turkey Soup

Soup is the perfect way to utilize every last bit of your turkey. This recipe calls for simmering the turkey carcass to extract maximum flavor, making a rich and flavorful base for a hearty soup. You can easily adapt the recipe by adding extra spices or herbs for a unique twist. If you want a lighter option, omit the potatoes and keep it in the freezer for a quick and easy lunch or dinner by just adding the potatoes as needed.

How to make: Place the turkey carcass in a large pot, cover with water, and add peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour. Remove the carcass, let the broth cool, and gently pick the meat from it. Add the meat back to the broth. Store the broth in the freezer until you are ready to use it.

Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is the perfect comfort food for using every last bit of your leftover turkey. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly straightforward to make. You can use pre-made pastry and frozen mixed vegetables, or repurpose leftovers from your Christmas meal. Serve this pot pie with some lashings of hot gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans to make it feel like a mini Christmas dinner.

How to make: Simply combine the leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, and any sauces you like into a pastry-lined baking dish. Top with another pastry layer and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve with your favorite sides and a dollop of gravy for an indulgent, comforting meal.

Storing Leftover Turkey

Properly storing your leftover turkey can extend its usability for days or even weeks. For instance, after Thanksgiving, we set aside enough turkey for one more meal and prepare turkey sandwiches for one lunch. The remaining turkey is carefully frozen in containers large enough for meals. The carcass is then simmered to make a flavorful broth that can be used for soups or other recipes.

Broth Making Process: Place the turkey carcass in a large pot, cover with water, and add peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for an hour. Strain the broth, remove the carcass, and gently pick the meat from it. Return the meat to the broth. If you won't be using the broth within the next day or two, freeze it for future use.

Leftover Utilization Plan

While making new dishes is an option, we prefer to use our leftovers or freeze them for future meals. Here’s a typical leftover utilization plan for us:

Friday: Leftover turkey sandwiches, fruit pie, bowls of potatoes and gravy, or crab salad with crackers. Saturday: Everything is usually gone by Saturday, except for turkey gravy and pie. Sunday: If we have leftover turkey, we might use it to make chili, but this year I had to buy a smaller turkey or a bigger turkey. Leftover Gravy: Any leftover gravy is frozen for future use. Monday: It’s Cyber Monday, a great time to shop and eat out, reducing the urge to eat leftover meals.

Through these tips and recipes, you can make the most of your holiday turkey, ensuring nothing is wasted and meals are varied and delicious throughout the season.

Conclusion

No matter what the holidays bring, using leftovers creatively can help make your meals more interesting and save you both time and effort. Whether you're simmering a flavorful soup or baking a hearty pot pie, there are countless ways to enjoy your leftover turkey. So, let’s embrace the abundance and enjoy every last bite!