My turkey noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, and the perfect way to repurpose roast turkey leftovers. Each year, our Thanksgiving table is full of delicious dishes, but making soup from leftovers is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the flavors of the holiday. I never throw out any turkey meat or bones because it makes for the most incredible and nutritious soup .
Whether you’re looking to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers or simply craving a cozy and wholesome meal, this turkey noodle soup recipe is a fantastic way to make the most of your leftover turkey while soothing your soul with each spoonful . Please give my recipe a try and let me know how you liked it in the comments .
Turkey noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. With tender turkey noodles carrots, celery, and onion simmered in a savory broth, every spoonful of this classic soup delivers warmth and satisfaction.
While turkey noodle soup can certainly stand on its own, serving it with complementary side dishes transforms the meal into a hearty balanced dining experience. The right sides can provide delicious contrast in terms of flavor texture, color, and nutrition.
After analyzing content from leading food websites, here are my top 25 recommendations for spectacular sides to serve with turkey noodle soup:
Fresh Breads
1. Crusty Bread
A crispy, crusty artisan bread is one of the best complements to turkey noodle soup. Each bite of the crackly crust and soft interior soaks up the savory broth wonderfully. French baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, and rye bread are all excellent options.
2. Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, warm dinner rolls are another fine choice. Butter or herb-infused rolls add richness, while jalapeño cheddar rolls provide a spicy kick. Either way, these small breads make perfect vehicles for sopping up every drop of tasty broth.
3. Cornbread
Savory cornbread with a hint of natural sweetness is a classic pairing, especially when made with cornmeal and studded with corn kernels. The crumbs blend deliciously into the soup.
4. Cheese Biscuits
Sharp cheddar or fresh chive biscuits deliver a wonderful savory, buttery flavor that enhances the soup. Their soft, flaky texture soaks up broth nicely.
Hearty Starches
5. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes provide the ultimate comforting complement to turkey noodle soup. Feel free to jazz them up with sour cream, garlic, cheese, or herbs.
6. Baked Potatoes
A baked russet or sweet potato is a hearty, wholesome side. Load baked potatoes up with butter, bacon, cheese, sautéed onions or mushrooms. The possibilities are nearly endless.
7. Rice
A bowl of steamy white or brown rice adds wholesome substance to balance the soup’s brothiness. Consider flavorful varieties like coconut rice, wild rice, or jasmine rice.
8. Pasta
Buttery noodles, farfalle, or orzo simmered in broth amp up the carb content in a delicious way. Pastas with fun shapes make a particularly kid-friendly pairing.
9. Quinoa
Protein-packed quinoa offers an exceptionally nutritious addition. Toss it with chopped veggies and a lemony vinaigrette for a bright, flavorful quinoa salad.
10. Barley
Nutty, chewy barley is a fiber-filled accompaniment that works well. Try cooking it in broth for extra flavor.
Crunchy Veggies
11. Green Salad
A fresh mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a light vinaigrette provides color and crunch. Top with croutons for extra texture.
12. Coleslaw
Cool, crisp coleslaw is a palate-cleansing pairing. Play with different dressings, like creamy poppyseed or tangy cider vinegar.
13. Steamed Vegetables
Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or carrots retain a pleasant crunch. Lemon and garlic add vibrancy.
14. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, beets, or cauliflower caramelize beautifully. Balsamic or herbs inject flavor.
Savory Add-Ons
15. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread infused with melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning is irresistible with soup.
16. Bread Bowl
Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with turkey noodle soup for an edible bowl that takes this pairing over the top.
17. Stuffing or Dressing
Plain or gourmet stuffing/dressing provides the ultimate turkey flavor booster.
18. Cranberry Sauce
A helping of tangy cranberry sauce contributes a pleasant tart fruity flavor and festive color.
19. Gravy
Rich turkey gravy, especially when made with pan drippings, ramps up the savory decadence of the meal.
20. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a universally loved accompaniment, especially when baked or topped with crispy fried onions.
Fresh Finishers
21. Fruit Salad
For a bright, sweet contrast, a colorful fruit salad with berries, pears, pineapple, or other fruit choices refreshes the palate beautifully.
22. Apple Slaw
Shredded apples, cabbage, celery, and onions tossed in a creamy poppyseed dressing provide crunch and a hint of sweetness.
23. Caprese Salad
Simple ingredients – juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – make a fantastic caprese salad, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
24. Greens with Vinaigrette
A lightly dressed kale, spinach, or arugula salad contributes a healthy punch.
25. Fruit and Cheese
For an easy finish, serve an assortment of fruits like grapes and berries alongside cheese wedges or slices.
With so many diverse, delicious options, you could enjoy turkey noodle soup night after night and never grow bored! From crispy, hearty breads to fresh produce and indulgent extras, these sensational sides will make your soup meals truly extraordinary.
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Why You’ll Love Turkey Noodle Soup:
This turkey noodle soup recipe is not only a brilliant way to transform your Turkey dinner leftovers into a delicious, hearty meal but also a way to reduce food waste while stretching the holiday festivities even further.
The rich, savory broth infused with the roasted turkey provides a delicious foundation for the soup, while the tender shreds of turkey meat are a perfect source of protein. The addition of hearty noodles brings a satisfying and comforting element to the dish, making it a perfect choice for chilly days during the fall season .
Moreover, this soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to suit your personal taste .
How to Prepare This Turkey Noodle Soup:
To prepare this heartwarming turkey noodle soup , start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, add in finely diced onions, carrots, and celery, and then sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to melt together.
Next, toss in minced garlic , stirring it in for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – those leftover cooked turkey bones . Pour in a mixture of water and broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Season generously with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper, then reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes allowing all those flavors to come together.
After the simmer, remove and discard the turkey bones , ensuring no stray bones remain in the broth. Add the pasta to the pot, along with the shredded or chopped leftover turkey meat. Don’t forget to also taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta reaches its desired level of doneness. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and, for an extra burst of flavor, serve with a squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
