Leftover Turkey Recipe
Transform your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a hearty and comforting soup or casserole with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover turkey shredded (white and dark meat mix works best)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan spread for dairy-free)
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced (Vidalia or sweet onion adds a mellow flavor)
- 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks celery stalks thinly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (sub with 2½ tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (I like Imagine brand for consistency)
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt (Fage Full-Fat or dairy-free soymilk yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh thyme adds extra brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (classic Thanksgiving vibe)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup leftover stuffing or breadcrumbs (optional, but scrumptious)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until veggies soften and the kitchen smells like Thanksgiving morning—about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly to avoid browning. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then add shredded turkey, Greek yogurt, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let it bubble gently for 10 minutes. Add peas in the last 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
- Transfer soup to a baking dish, top with stuffing or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
Notes
Choose lean turkey meat without skin for a healthier option. Let chilled turkey sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to the soup to prevent rapid cooling.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal
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