Innovative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes: Make the Most of Your Turkey

After enjoying a delicious 20 lb turkey on Thanksgiving, you might find yourself with more turkey than you know what to do with. From comforting pot pies to hearty turkey stuffing, here are some innovative recipes to help you utilize your left-over turkey. This guide is perfect for those who want to try out new and delicious ways to use up their remaining turkey while doubling as a resource for those looking for tasty and easy-to-make meals.

Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is a comforting and easy-to-throw-together dish that ensures you make use of every last bit of cooked turkey. You can easily assemble this hearty meal using pre-made pie crusts and a mix of frozen vegetables or leftover veggies from another holiday feast. Serve it with a generous helping of hot gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans for a meal that’s almost as good as your original Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe takes inspiration from the family-friendly adaptation found in the Age Times.

Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Ingredients: Pre-made pie crusts or homemade if you prefer Leftover turkey or cooked turkey meat ingredients Homemade or store-bought turkey gravy or chicken broth Frozen mixed vegetables or leftover Christmas Day veggies Mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the pre-made or homemade pie crusts as directed. In a large baking dish, layer the sliced turkey meat and then add the sliced onions on top. Pour the turkey gravy or chicken broth over the turkey and onions. Cover with sliced frozen vegetables or leftover veggies. Cover the dish with the prepared pie crusts and seal the edges. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy.

Sage Dressing

Our family recipe for Sage Dressing is crispy and savory, making it a perfect addition to your holiday meals. Here’s a recipe for making the dressing from scratch:

Sage Dressing Recipe

Ingredients: 1? loaves of bread, dried overnight 118 lb roasted turkey meat, cut into bite-sized pieces 30 to 40 fresh sage leaves, chopped 8 eggs, slightly beaten 2 chopped onions 6 ribs chopped celery 6 cups room temperature chicken stock, Better Than Bouillon brand is recommended Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and place in a large stock pot. Mince the onions and celery and sauté them in a large pan until soft and translucent. Stir in the beaten eggs and cooked onions and celery, followed by the chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the chicken stock and mix gently until the mixture is moist but not overly wet. Adjust with more stock if needed. Add the turkey meat and mix gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to a well-greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. To check if it's done, tap the top of the dressing with the back of a large spoon. It should sound hollow when it’s done. If it’s getting too brown, cover it with aluminum foil.

Other Creative Ideas

In the spirit of creativity and leftover utilization, let’s explore a few other tasty recipes:

Turkey Soup

Turkey soup is a classic way to use up left-over turkey, but if it's no longer your favorite option, consider trying a new twist on your usual recipe. Perhaps adding vegetables, beans, or herbs can give it a fresh flavor. Here’s a simple twist:

Ingredients: Leftover turkey Vegetables (chopped onions, carrots, celery) Herbs (thyme, rosemary) Water or chicken broth Spices (salt, black pepper)

Instructions:

Boil water or chicken broth in a large pot. Add chopped vegetables and herbs. Add the turkey and simmer until the broth is flavorful and the turkey is heated through.

Enchiladas and Divan

If you’re in the mood for something Mexican, enchiladas are a fantastic choice. For a classic turkey divan, you can use leftover turkey in a creamy casserole with broccoli, rice, and cheese. Alternatively, try a turkey tetrazini with pasta for a comforting dish.

Conclusion

There are countless ways to enjoy your leftover turkey beyond just making soup. Whether it’s a pot pie, stuffing, soup, enchiladas, or a creamy casserole, there’s no reason to let your turkey go to waste. Try a new recipe or stick to something familiar, and enjoy every last bit of your delicious Thanksgiving feast. Happy cooking!