How to Make Delicious Creamed Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creamed turkey is a classic comfort food that is perfect for using up leftover turkey after the holidays. It’s creamy, savory, and so satisfying. If you’ve never made creamed turkey before, don’t worry – it’s actually quite easy! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make creamed turkey at home.

Overview of Creamed Turkey

Creamed turkey is a white gravy or sauce that is thickened with flour and butter or oil and then mixed with chunks of cooked turkey. It typically contains milk, chicken or turkey broth, seasonings and sometimes peas or other vegetables. The mixture is simmered until thickened and then served hot over toast biscuits, rice or mashed potatoes.

Some key tips for making delicious creamed turkey

• Use a combination of milk and broth for the liquid. This gives you the creaminess from the milk and savory flavor from the broth.

• Cook the flour and butter together first before adding the liquid. This prevents lumps and helps thicken the sauce.

• Stir the sauce frequently as it simmers to prevent scorching on the bottom.

• Season well with salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Onion and garlic powders are great choices.

• Fold in bite size pieces of turkey so they stay tender and don’t overcook.

• Serve immediately while hot. The sauce will thicken more upon standing.

Now let’s get into the step-by-step method!

Ingredients Needed

• 2-3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1⁄4 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Add 2 Tbsp of butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely.

Step 2: Whisk in the Flour

Once the butter is melted, whisk in the 2 Tbsp of flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. This will create a thick roux.

Step 3: Gradually Whisk in the Milk and Broth

While continuing to whisk, slowly pour in the 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of chicken or turkey broth. Whisk vigorously to fully combine and prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Allow the sauce to come up to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, whisking frequently, until nicely thickened.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to fully incorporate the seasonings. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Add the Cooked Turkey

Add the chopped or shredded cooked turkey to the sauce. Gently fold it in until well combined and heated through. Avoid over-stirring to prevent the turkey pieces from getting too shredded up.

Step 7: Simmer Just Until Heated Through

Let the creamed turkey mixture simmer gently for just 1-2 minutes to ensure the turkey is fully heated through.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Remove the creamed turkey from the heat. Taste once more for seasoning. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, over toast, biscuits, rice or mashed potatoes.

And that’s it – you’ve made creamed turkey! The flour and butter roux gives this sauce richness and body, while the milk and broth provide flavor. The herbs and spices add extra dimension. Feel free to play around with different seasonings to suit your tastes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy this delicious, budget-friendly classic!

Variations and Tips

• Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for an ultra-rich, decadent sauce.

• Add diced onions or shallots when cooking the roux for extra flavor.

• Stir in frozen peas, carrots or corn when adding the turkey for some veggies.

• Use chicken broth for a more versatile sauce to pair with chicken or turkey.

• For convenience, look for pre-chopped onions and bell peppers in the produce section.

• Swap out the thyme for sage, rosemary or your favorite herbs.

• Skip the toast and serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles instead.

• Garnish with extra chopped parsley or green onion for a pop of color.

• Let leftovers cool completely before storing to prevent condensation build up.

I hope these detailed steps help you feel confident making creamy, delicious creamed turkey at home. It’s such a comforting meal on chilly nights and the perfect way to use up leftover holiday turkey. Adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes and enjoy this classic!