After the big Thanksgiving feast, there’s always plenty of turkey left, and that’s a good thing! These easy, family-friendly recipes turn those leftovers into cozy, comforting meals everyone will love.
From casseroles and soups to quick sandwiches and simple lunches, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy that turkey all weekend long. Plus, I’ve included a few tips to help you store, freeze, and reheat your leftovers so every bite stays tender and delicious.
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Storing & Reheating Turkey
Leftover turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat slices gently with a splash of broth or gravy to keep the meat tender and flavorful.
Now that your leftovers are ready to go, let’s put them to good use with a few quick and easy meal ideas.
Quick & Easy Ways To Use Leftover Turkey
If you’re looking for something fast, these simple ideas make it easy to turn leftover turkey into quick, satisfying meals (no formal recipe required). Think of them as little kitchen shortcuts for comforting post-holiday lunches and snacks the whole family will love.
Try one of these easy ideas:
Simple Turkey Sandwiches
Layer slices of turkey on soft rolls with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. For extra comfort, dip them into warm leftover gravy. You can even use your turkey to make a club sandwich!
Turkey & Cranberry Sliders
Spread cranberry sauce on slider buns, add turkey and Swiss cheese, then bake until the cheese melts and the tops are golden.
Turkey Gravy Bowls
Spoon shredded turkey over leftover mashed potatoes or stuffing, drizzle with gravy, and you’ve got a warm, five-minute meal.
Turkey Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with chopped turkey and shredded cheese, cook in a skillet until crisp and golden, and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Turkey Salad
Combine diced turkey with mayonnaise, celery, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a quick salad that’s perfect on crackers or croissants. Or use my Southern Chicken Salad Recipe and substitute with turkey instead.
If you’re craving something warm and baked instead, these hearty casseroles are a great way to give your turkey new life.
Comforting Turkey Casseroles
When the weather’s chilly and your family’s still craving comfort food after the holidays, a cozy casserole is the best way to use up leftover turkey. These family-friendly, oven-baked meals come together fast, feed a crowd, and make your whole kitchen smell amazing.
A creamy, classic pasta casserole that combines leftover turkey, mushrooms, and noodles in a rich sauce. No need to boil the pasta first! Just stir everything together, bake, and dinner’s done.
This old-fashioned family favorite pairs noodles and cream of mushroom soup for a quick, comforting meal that takes advantage of the extra meat from your holiday feast — with just 15 minutes of prep!
A quick dump-and-bake dinner that takes advantage of Thanksgiving leftovers (or a box of Stove Top stuffing mix).
An easy way to stretch leftovers! Combine turkey with rice, veggies, and a simple sauce for a kid-friendly meal that’s creamy, hearty, and freezer-friendly.
Give your leftovers a twist by layering mashed potatoes on top of turkey and vegetables, then baking until golden and bubbly.
A reader favorite! Replace the chicken with your leftover turkey and enjoy a buttery, crunchy topping that makes this dish extra comforting.
Each one of these casseroles can be assembled ahead and baked when you’re ready. They’re perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later.
Cozy Soups and Stews
A pot of soup simmering on the stove is one of the easiest (and coziest) ways to use up leftover turkey. These warm, family-friendly recipes are perfect for the weekend after Thanksgiving or anytime you want a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself.
A flavorful favorite loaded with tender turkey, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables. It’s nourishing, freezer-friendly, and easy to make ahead.
Light, healthy, and full of color — this broth-based soup uses simple pantry staples and comes together quickly for a wholesome family meal.
Classic comfort in a bowl! This hearty soup is filled with egg noodles, tender turkey, carrots, and celery for the perfect cold-weather dinner.
A hearty, protein-packed option that’s perfect for game day or meal prep. It freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Add the cooked turkey at the end instead of starting with raw chicken.
Most of these soups freeze well; just let them cool completely before storing. They’re perfect for stocking your freezer with quick, comforting meals that make busy nights a little easier.
Turkey-for-Chicken Swap Ideas
Here’s a little secret: almost any recipe that calls for cooked chicken works just as well with leftover turkey! It’s an easy way to stretch your Thanksgiving bird a little further while enjoying some of your favorite family dinners in a whole new way.
A comforting classic — just swap the chicken for turkey and you’ll have a hearty dinner that tastes like Thanksgiving in a crust.
→ Also Try: If you’re craving something handheld, my Turkey Pot Pie Pockets recipe has all the same yummy flavors wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.
This easy, Southern-style casserole bakes up creamy and satisfying with turkey and a buttery cornbread topping.
Use turkey instead of chicken in this crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex bake layered with cheese, tortillas, and sauce.
Swap in leftover turkey for a flavorful, hearty twist on this spicy, family-favorite soup.
Wrap up leftover turkey in tortillas with cheese and sauce for an easy weeknight meal that freezes beautifully.
→ Quick Tip: If a recipe calls for cooked chicken, you can substitute turkey one-for-one (no adjustments needed).
Other Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas
Still staring at containers of cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or gravy in the fridge? These easy ideas show how to pair those extras with your turkey recipes above, so nothing goes to waste and dinner still feels fresh.
- For a Sweet Twist: Spoon cranberry sauce over your favorite turkey casseroles or sandwiches for a bright, tangy flavor boost.
- Stretch It with Sides: Serve leftover turkey with a side of mashed potato cakes or stuffing muffins for an easy meal that feels brand new.
- Make Gravy Work Harder: Use leftover gravy as a sauce for casseroles or pour it over turkey pot pie filling for extra richness.
- Freeze Smart: Portion stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes separately. They’ll reheat beautifully and can be mixed into future meals.
- Breakfast Bonus: Turn leftover rolls or biscuits into mini breakfast sandwiches with turkey, cranberry sauce, and eggs.
→ Quick Tip: Thanksgiving leftovers are perfect for freezing. Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does leftover turkey last in the fridge?
Leftover turkey will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in airtight containers. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of serving to keep it safe.
Can you freeze leftover turkey?
Yes! Cooked turkey freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice or shred the meat first, then place it in labeled freezer bags or airtight containers. Press out as much air as possible before sealing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do you reheat leftover turkey without drying it out?
Reheat slowly over low heat (in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave) and add a splash of broth or gravy to keep the meat moist. Cover with foil or a lid to help trap steam.
If you’re reheating a full dish like a casserole, cover it loosely and bake at 325°F–350°F until warmed through.
Can I use leftover turkey in recipes that call for chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey is an easy one-for-one substitute in most chicken recipes, from casseroles and soups to salads and pot pies. It’s a simple way to give family favorites a holiday twist.
Enjoy Every Bite Of The Holidays
No matter how you use it, leftover turkey is one of the best parts of the holiday season. From cozy casseroles and hearty soups to simple sandwiches and creative twists, these recipes make it easy to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors all over again (without the extra work).
Save this list for the weekend after the big feast (or pin it for next year!) so you’ll always have quick, family-friendly ideas to turn leftovers into something special.
If you try one of these recipes, I’d love to hear which one your family enjoyed most!
Find More Family Or Holiday Recipes
Looking for more easy, family-friendly ideas? Browse these collections to keep the inspiration going:
- Turkey Recipes – Find even more crowd-pleasing ways to use turkey throughout the year.
- Chicken Recipes – Quick, reliable dinners that work perfectly with turkey, too.
- Thanksgiving Recipes – Classic dishes, sides, and desserts for every holiday gathering.
- Freezer Meals – Easy make-ahead recipes to keep dinner stress-free all season long.
