By Kansas Living on October 10, 2018

7 recipes for turkey leftovers

family eating turkey leftovers

If your family didn't gobble up all the turkey, here are 7 recipes you can use for turkey leftovers.

Each recipe serves four and calls for fully cooked, leftover roast turkey. 

enchiladas with turkey leftovers

Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

Combine 2 cups shredded turkey with 1 cup cooked black beans, 1/2 cup corn, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; roll up inside 8 small flour tortillas and place into a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup green enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F., or until hot throughout. 

orzo soup with turkey leftovers

Turkey and Orzo Veggie Soup 

Simmer 3 sliced carrots and 1 stalk diced celery with 1/2 cup orzo pasta in 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in 2 cups shredded turkey, 1/2 baby peas, and 1 tsp. dried dill; heat just until hot throughout. 

hot turkey salad with turkey leftovers

Hot Turkey Salad 

In a greased baking dish, combine 2 cups chopped turkey, 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves, 3/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar; season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with 1/2 cup crushed potato chips and bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly throughout. 

turkey chili with turkey leftovers

Turkey and Chipotle Chili 

In a Dutch oven, sauté 1 yellow diced onion in olive oil until softened. Stir in one 28 oz. can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, two 14 oz. cans chili beans, 2 cups shredded turkey, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 - 1 tsp. minced chipotles, 1 tsp. chili powder and 1 tsp. ground cumin; simmer for 20 minutes. 

rueben with turkey leftovers

Grilled Turkey Reubens 

Spread 8 slices pumpernickel-rye bread with Thousand Island dressing. Top 4 slices of the dressed bread with sliced turkey, well-drained sauerkraut, and sliced provolone or Swiss cheese; top with 4 remaining slices of bread. Grill sandwiches on a buttered griddle until golden brown on both sides and hot throughout. 

waldorf turkey salad

Waldorf Turkey Salad

Mix 2 cups shredded turkey with 1 sliced celery stalk, 1 chopped Granny Smith apple, and 2 Tbs. chopped, toasted walnuts. Make a dressing of 2 Tbs. sour cream, 2 Tbs. mayonnaise, 1 Tbs. white wine vinegar, and 1 tsp. sugar; pour dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve topped with bleu cheese crumbles, if desired. 

pita pizza with turkey leftovers

Turkey Pita Pizzas 

Brush 4 pita breads with olive oil; top each one with a sprinkle of granulated garlic, red pepper flakes and 3 Tbs. shredded mozzarella each. Add slices of yellow bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, chopped fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bake pizzas at 375 degrees F. for 15-20 minutes or until pita bread crisped and cheese is melted.