28 Cozy Leftover Turkey Recipes That Beat the Usual Sandwich

If you’re wondering what to make with all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey, you’re in the right place. These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes bring fresh flavor to your table; no dry sandwiches here! From leftover turkey casseroles and cheesy pastas to cozy soups and quick skillet dinners, this collection makes it easy to reimagine your holiday bird into something new. These recipes turn leftovers into comfort food you’ll actually crave again, transforming the post-holiday fridge clean-out into a week of cozy, delicious meals.

Cozy Casseroles and Bakes to Stretch Your Leftovers

Turn your turkey leftovers into bubbly, oven-baked comfort with these hearty ideas. Each of these turkey casserole recipes combines rich sauces, golden cheese, and wholesome add-ins for the ultimate family meal. These leftover turkey freezer meals are perfect for when you want comfort food without too much prep.

Cozy Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

This cozy leftover turkey pot pie is the ultimate way to turn holiday leftovers into a comforting family dinner. With a creamy turkey and vegetable filling topped with golden refrigerated biscuits, this dish bakes into a bubbly, hearty meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme, then sprinkle in flour.
3. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, then slowly add stock and milk. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Add turkey and peas, season with salt and pepper, and transfer filling to a greased 9-inch baking dish.
5. Arrange biscuits evenly over the top of the filling. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Turkey Cottage Cheese Enchiladas (Slow Cooker)

These creamy slow cooker enchiladas are the easiest way to turn leftover turkey into something totally new. Soft corn tortillas are rolled with a cheesy cottage cheese filling and smothered in enchilada sauce before slow cooking until bubbly. Just skip browning and mix cooked turkey right into the filling. It’s one of those leftover turkey recipes that tastes like a brand-new meal.
Get the recipe: Turkey and Cottage Cheese Enchiladas.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping

This cozy classic turns leftover turkey into the ultimate comfort food. A savory mix of vegetables and herbs is topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling. To make it leftover-friendly, skip browning and fold in cooked turkey before assembling. It’s one of those leftover turkey recipes that make the holiday flavors stretch just a little longer.
Get the recipe: Turkey Shepherd’s Pie.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

This cozy bake layers sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes for a colorful dinner that feels comforting yet wholesome. To make it one of your favorite leftover turkey recipes, skip the browning step and mix in cooked turkey before baking. The flavors of paprika, oregano, and a touch of cinnamon turn holiday turkey into a dish that tastes brand new, perfect for weeknight family meals.
Get the recipe: Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole.

Creamy Turkey Alfredo Pasta Bake

This creamy turkey alfredo pasta bake is everything you want after a holiday feast: warm, cheesy, and comforting without feeling complicated. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey, baked into tender pasta with a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella on top. Serve it straight from the dish for an easy family dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, cooking until thickened. Add cooked turkey and half the mozzarella, then fold in the pasta.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Turkey and Cabbage Casserole

This easy baked casserole is comfort food at its simplest: tender cabbage, diced tomatoes, and herbs baked together with flavorful leftover turkey. To adapt it, just skip the browning step and fold in cooked turkey before baking. The cabbage turns soft and savory in the oven, making this one of those leftover turkey recipes that taste even better the next day.
Get the recipe: Turkey and Cabbage Casserole.

Turkey Tetrazzini with Parmesan Crumb Topping

This creamy turkey tetrazzini is the kind of comforting meal that feels made for chilly post-holiday evenings. Tender spaghetti and mushrooms are coated in a luscious cream sauce, layered with leftover turkey, and finished with a crisp Parmesan crumb topping. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the perfect way to reinvent your leftover turkey into something special.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 12 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2-3 minutes. Then add garlic and mushrooms and cook until softened.
3. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in stock, milk, and cream until smooth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
4. Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked turkey and spaghetti, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Stuffed Pepper and Turkey Casserole

This casserole takes all the flavors of stuffed peppers and turns them into an easy family bake. Bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes come together with melted cheese on top for a dish that’s hearty and colorful. As part of your leftover turkey recipes, simply skip the browning step and fold in cooked turkey before baking. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels comforting and fuss-free.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Pepper and Turkey Casserole.

Family-Friendly Comfort Foods Kids Will Love

If you need meals from leftover turkey that kids will actually eat, these recipes are a win. These Ideas for leftover turkey prove that a little creativity goes a long way, especially when you can turn simple turkey meals into fun, melty, family-approved favorites.

Kid-Friendly Turkey Egg Muffins

These protein-packed egg muffins are the perfect way to make leftover turkey part of your morning routine. Whisk eggs with spinach, bell pepper, and cheese, then stir in chopped cooked turkey before baking. The result is a batch of fluffy, savory bites that store well for grab-and-go breakfasts or quick snacks. It’s one of those leftover turkey recipes that’s as easy as it is versatile.
Get the recipe: Turkey and Egg Muffins.

Baked Turkey Mac and Cheese Cups

These baked mac and cheese cups are the ultimate way to give leftover turkey a new life. Creamy macaroni is mixed with shredded turkey and two kinds of cheese, then baked into golden, bite-sized portions with crisp edges and soft, cheesy centers. They’re perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or snack-sized bites that make leftover turkey feel anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• 1½ cups leftover cooked turkey, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, leftover turkey, and the cheese sauce. Let cool slightly, then stir in the beaten egg.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, pressing lightly to help them hold shape.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Turkey Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Turn your leftover turkey into a gooey, golden grilled cheese layered with pesto and melty mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort sandwich: crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful inside, and ready in minutes. Perfect for lazy post-holiday lunches or a quick dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 4 slices sourdough or rustic sandwich bread
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto
• 4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Instructions

1. Spread pesto evenly over one side of each bread slice. Layer turkey and cheese on two slices, then top with the remaining bread, pesto side facing in. Butter the outsides of the sandwiches.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. Slice in half and serve warm.

Turkey and Cranberry Flatbread Pizzas

These turkey and cranberry flatbread pizzas bring the best post-holiday flavors together in one easy meal. Crispy flatbreads are topped with melted mozzarella, savory leftover turkey, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a quick lunch or dinner that feels festive but takes minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 2-3 flatbreads or naan rounds
• 1 cup shredded leftover turkey
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place flatbreads on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the flatbreads. Top with shredded turkey and small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, spacing them evenly. Season with salt and pepper, then finish with the remaining cheese.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the cheese is melted and golden. Top with more cranberry sauce and sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving. Slice and enjoy warm.

Leftover Turkey Breakfast Bowl

This hearty breakfast bowl turns leftover turkey into a satisfying morning meal. Instead of browning sausage, simply warm chopped turkey in a skillet with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Add fluffy scrambled eggs and wilted spinach for a wholesome, high-protein start to the day. It’s a quick, one-pan idea that proves leftover turkey recipes don’t have to wait until dinner.
Get the recipe: Turkey Breakfast Bowl.

Quick Weeknight Dinners Under 30 Minutes

When weeknights are busy but you still want something comforting, these easy recipes for leftover turkey make dinner simple. From creamy pastas to quick skillet meals, each one is flavorful, fuss-free, and ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for things to make with turkey leftovers that taste completely new, these recipes prove that quick can still feel cozy.

One-Pot Creamy Turkey Noodle Skillet Dinner

This one-pot creamy turkey noodle skillet is the definition of easy comfort food. Tender egg noodles, sweet peas, and shredded leftover turkey come together in a silky cream sauce that feels indulgent but only takes one pan and about 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner after the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
2. Sprinkle flour over and whisk constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth, then milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
3. Add the noodles and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in leftover turkey, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice with Ginger and Garlic

This leftover turkey fried rice is the perfect way to turn extra holiday turkey into a quick and flavorful meal. With fragrant garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, every bite tastes like a cozy takeout night at home; ready in 20 minutes and made entirely in one pan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
• 1½ cups shredded leftover turkey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil or vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ½ cup each of diced carrots and frozen peas
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in carrots and peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Push vegetables to the side and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling gently until just set.
3. Add the remaining oil, then stir in the cooked rice and leftover turkey. Pour soy sauce and rice vinegar over the top, mixing well to combine.
4. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the rice crisp slightly at the bottom. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Turkey Egg Roll In A Jar

This quick and colorful meal brings all the flavor of takeout egg rolls, without the wrapper. To make it one of your go-to leftover turkey recipes, simply skip browning and toss chopped turkey in the skillet with garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha until coated and warm. Layer it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers for an easy meal-prep lunch that’s fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor.
Get the recipe: Egg Roll In A Jar.

Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These buffalo turkey stuffed sweet potatoes are a spicy, cozy way to use up leftover turkey. Sweet roasted potatoes are filled with shredded turkey tossed in creamy buffalo sauce, then drizzled with ranch and topped with green onions for a bold flavor contrast. It’s a fun, protein-packed meal that feels fresh but still delivers classic comfort.

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake for 45-50 minutes, until tender.
2. Let cool slightly, then slice in half lengthwise and fluff the centers with a fork.
3. In a small bowl, mix shredded turkey with melted butter and buffalo sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture into the sweet potato halves. Drizzle with ranch dressing and top with green onions before serving.

BBQ Turkey Pizza with Red Onion and Cilantro

This BBQ turkey pizza turns leftover turkey into the ultimate easy weeknight meal. A crisp golden crust is topped with smoky barbecue sauce, gooey cheese, and thin slices of red onion, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness. It’s fast, flavorful, and the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and cheesy.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pizza crust or flatbread
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce
• 1½ cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Olive oil spray or brushing, for the crust

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place the pizza crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle half the cheese, then layer on shredded turkey and red onion slices. Top with the remaining cheese.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cilantro before slicing. Serve warm.

Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

This recipe captures all the flavors of the season in a single dish. Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a festive mix of wild rice, cranberries, and herbs, then baked until everything is warm and fragrant. To make it leftover-friendly, replace the ground turkey with cooked turkey and fold it into the rice mixture before stuffing. It’s a colorful, cozy way to turn holiday turkey into a stunning dinner centerpiece.
Get the recipe: Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Global Flavors to Reimagine Holiday Turkey

Take a flavorful detour with leftover turkey ideas that go beyond the usual. These leftover turkey recipes prove you really can reinvent your holiday feast with global flair.

Leftover Turkey Curry with Coconut Milk

This leftover turkey curry is the kind of cozy comfort meal that revives holiday leftovers in the best possible way. The creamy coconut sauce is rich yet light, and the tender shredded turkey soaks up the fragrant blend of ginger, garlic, and curry spices. Served with steamed rice and a squeeze of lime, it’s the perfect quick dinner when you’re ready for something a little different from the usual post-holiday sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons yellow or red curry paste
• 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking just until fragrant. Add the curry paste and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth, stirring well to combine. Add the shredded turkey, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the turkey absorbs the curry flavor.
4. Stir in lime juice, taste, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with steamed rice.

Leftover Turkey Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg

Turn your post-holiday leftovers into a cozy bowl of comfort with this leftover turkey ramen with soft-boiled egg. Tender shredded turkey, umami mushrooms, and crisp bok choy come together in a flavorful broth that tastes like it simmered all day. The jammy egg and squeeze of lime make it feel extra special, proving that quick comfort food can still look beautiful on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard seasoning)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 baby bok choy, halved
• 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking just until fragrant.
2. Pour in broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in shredded turkey and simmer another 5 minutes until warmed through. Add ramen noodles and bok choy, cooking until the noodles are tender.
4. Divide into bowls, top each with a soft-boiled egg, and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.

Soups & Skillets Perfect for Cold Nights

When the weather cools down, nothing beats a warm skillet or simmering pot of soup made from leftover turkey. These leftover turkey meals are easy to freeze, reheat, and enjoy again; the kind of freezer meals that save the day after a long week.

Instant Pot Turkey and Lentil Soup

This hearty Instant Pot soup is packed with lentils, veggies, and herbs, making it one of the most satisfying leftover turkey recipes you can make. Just skip browning and add cooked turkey before sealing the lid. It cooks down into a rich, protein-packed broth that’s perfect for cold-weather dinners. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Lentil Soup.

Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili

This hearty chili gets a cozy upgrade with chunks of sweet butternut squash, beans, and warm spices. To make it leftover-friendly, simply skip the browning step and stir in cooked turkey along with the beans and broth. The roasted turkey blends right in, adding richness that pairs perfectly with the tender squash. It’s the kind of recipe that makes leftover turkey feel brand new, perfect for chilly evenings after the holidays.
Get the recipe: Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs

This turkey and sweet potato hash brings new life to leftover turkey in the most satisfying way. Sweet potatoes roast up tender and caramelized, colorful bell peppers add brightness, and those sunny-side eggs make it feel like a cozy weekend brunch. This skillet comes together quickly and turns post-holiday leftovers into something you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 1 large)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
• 1 ½ cups diced or shredded leftover turkey
• ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika and garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3-4 eggs

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften.
2. Stir in onion and bell pepper, cooking until fragrant and lightly caramelized. Add the leftover turkey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and cook for 3-4 more minutes until heated through.
3. Make small wells in the hash and crack the eggs into them. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Leftover Turkey Baked Potato Soup with Greek Yogurt

This creamy baked potato soup gets a cozy twist from Greek yogurt, cheddar, and bits of turkey bacon. To make it a true leftover turkey recipe, just stir in chopped cooked turkey near the end for extra protein and flavor. It’s thick, comforting, and perfect for chilly days when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Get the recipe: Baked Potato Soup with Turkey.

Leftover Turkey Taco Soup (Slow Cooker)

This high-protein taco soup transforms leftover turkey into a zesty, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s loaded with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and warm chili spices, all slow-cooked until rich and flavorful. Just skip browning and mix in cooked turkey before setting the slow cooker. It’s one of those leftover turkey recipes that tastes even better the next day.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Soup.

Fun Party-Ready Appetizers and Snacks

Leftovers can totally be party food, and these Thanksgiving leftover recipes prove it. They’re the kind of meals from leftover turkey that make entertaining effortless. These ideas turn extras into festive favorites, and if you’ve ever asked, “Can you can leftover turkey?” the answer is, you’ll never need to once you’ve tried these creative recipes.

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

These cranberry BBQ turkey sliders are the best way to turn leftover turkey into something party-worthy. Sweet cranberry sauce meets smoky BBQ for a tangy, finger-licking combo layered inside buttery brioche rolls. They’re easy to assemble and even easier to devour. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or an easy next-day dinner after Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup cranberry sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 12 slider buns or small brioche rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for brushing tops)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a skillet, combine shredded turkey with BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce over medium heat. Stir until warmed through and saucy.
3. Slice slider buns in half horizontally (keeping bottoms connected) and place them in a baking dish or on a lined tray. Spoon the warm turkey mixture evenly over the bottom halves, then add the tops.
4. Brush with melted butter if desired. Bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the buns are lightly toasted and everything is heated through. Garnish with thyme and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side.

Turkey Pizza Dip with Greek Yogurt Base

This creamy, cheesy pizza dip is an easy way to turn leftover turkey into a fun party snack. Greek yogurt and cream cheese form the base, topped with marinara, mozzarella, and bits of turkey, baked until bubbly. To use leftover turkey, simply chop it finely and mix it into the marinara layer or sprinkle it on top before baking. Serve it with toasted baguette rounds or garlic pita chips for a quick crowd-pleaser that fits right into your leftover turkey recipes lineup.
Get the recipe: Pizza Dip with Turkey.