As the holidays come to an end, many of us are left wondering what to do with the leftover turkey breast sitting in our fridge While turkey sandwiches are always an easy option, there are so many more creative and delicious ways to use up leftover turkey! In this article, I’ll share 12 of my favorite recipes for reinventing leftover turkey breast
1. Turkey Tetrazzini
This classic turkey casserole is comfort food at its finest. To make it, cook turkey, mushrooms, onions, celery, and spaghetti noodles in a creamy Parmesan and white wine sauce then top with breadcrumbs and bake. The tender turkey mixes perfectly with the crispy, cheesy topping. It’s an easy and delicious meal for using up holiday turkey.
2. Turkey Enchiladas
For a fun Mexican-inspired dish wrap shredded turkey breast cheese, onions, and cilantro in corn tortillas then cover with enchilada sauce and additional cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly. The savory green sauce complements the turkey beautifully. Serve with Spanish rice for a hearty meal.
3. Turkey Pot Pie
What better way to use leftover turkey than in a homemade pot pie! Make your filling by sautéing onions, carrots, peas, and celery then mixing in cubed turkey breast, chicken broth, flour, and cream Pour the filling into a pie shell, top with another pie crust, and bake. With its flaky crust and hearty filling, this pot pie is sure to be a hit
4. Turkey Curry
Add leftover turkey breast to a flavorful curry sauce for a simple weeknight dinner. Sauté onions and curry powder then add coconut milk, chicken broth, turkey, and vegetables like potatoes, peas, and cauliflower. Simmer until the veggies are tender. Serve over rice for a warm and comforting meal.
5. Turkey Soup
Soup is one of the easiest ways to sneak leftover turkey into a meal. For an Italian twist, make turkey minestrone with veggies, beans, pasta, and pesto. Or for a Southwestern flavor, try turkey tortilla soup seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and lime. The possibilities are endless for turning turkey into a hearty soup.
6. Turkey Salad Sandwich
For a light lunch or summery dinner, use shredded or diced turkey breast to make a tasty salad sandwich. Mix the turkey with mayo, chopped celery, cranberries, and nuts then pile it onto crusty bread. Add lettuce, tomato, and Swiss cheese for the perfect turkey salad sandwich.
7. Turkey Casserole
Bake turkey breast in a creamy sauce then top it with stuffing, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for the ultimate comfort food casserole. You can make it with broccoli and mushroom soup or switch it up with a cheesy Cajun twist. Either way, it’s a delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey.
8. Turkey Tacos
Spice up your leftover turkey by making it the star of a taco night! Dice or shred the turkey then sauté it with taco seasoning and salsa. Fill corn tortillas with the turkey, then load on toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado. Serve with chips and guacamole for a fun Mexican feast.
9. Turkey Stir Fry
Slice turkey breast into strips and stir fry it with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bean sprouts. Toss everything in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice for a quick and easy weekday meal.
10. Turkey Quesadillas
An easy dinner idea is to fill tortillas with cheese, salsa, and shredded turkey then cook them in a skillet until crispy. Kids and adults alike will devour these quick turkey quesadillas. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and tomato soup for a tasty Mexican-inspired meal.
11. Turkey Hash
Make turkey hash by sautéing diced turkey breast with potatoes, bell pepper, onions, garlic, and spices. Top with a fried egg for extra protein. This protein-packed dish makes a satisfying brunch, lunch, or dinner.
12. Turkey Chili
Last but not least, leftover turkey is fantastic in chili! Cook your turkey with beans, onions, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and tomato sauce. Top with shredded cheese, onions, and cilantro. This turkey chili is so flavorful and filling – perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey.
With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless for reinventing leftover turkey breast. Next time you have extra turkey on hand, try whipping up one of these delicious recipes. Your family will love these fun new ways to enjoy holiday turkey!
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
What is turkey breast good for?
What to eat with turkey breast?
What can I do with extra turkey parts?
Does turkey breast cook the same as chicken breast?
What to serve with turkey breast?
The best side dishes to serve with turkey breast are mashed potatoes and gravy, candied sweet potatoes, honey roasted carrots, and cranberry cornbread. For something a little different, try celeriac puree or ratatouille. And for an easy fresh side, you can’t beat a tossed salad. Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What can I make with smoked turkey breast?
Easy and quick ideas for your smoked turkey breast, including turkey soups, casseroles, ramen, crockpot turkey, and more!
What to eat if you have a turkey breast?
Cutlets made from turkey breast get the “chicken-fried” treatment in this fun twist on a Southern classic. Serve it up with mashed potatoes and plenty of gravy. Get the Chicken Fried Turkey recipe. This casserole dish is made from a creamy turkey and veggie filling and a golden topping of mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food.