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Transform your Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers into delicious new meals with these 10 genius recipe ideas! From soups and casseroles to sandwiches and easy next-day dishes, you’ll never let leftover turkey go to waste again.

Turkey Soup in white bowls
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Don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! This is your go-to guide for turning extra turkey into fresh, flavorful meals your family will actually be excited to eat! From cozy soups and creamy casseroles to sandwiches and creative next-day twists, these easy recipes make the most of every last bite.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or wanting something totally different from your holiday feast, these smart ideas will help you stretch your leftovers into days of delicious, stress-free meals.

Why Save Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

  • Zero Waste – A smart way to use every last bit of Thanksgiving turkey and to save money.
  • Fast & Easy – Most recipes come together in 30 minutes or less which is perfect since you spent so much time in the kitchen preparing your Thanksgiving meal.
  • Budget Friendly – Make new recipes without buying more protein.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
  • Big Flavors – Each recipe transforms leftovers into something exciting and new.

1. Leftover Turkey Soup

This is a great recipe to use your leftover turkey. It cooks in a delicious broth with vegetables for a delicious meal idea.

A large pot filled with hearty leftover turkey soup and vegetables, featuring chunks of tomato, shredded turkey, carrots, spinach, and herbs in a clear broth. Slices of bread are visible on the side.
Leftover Turkey Soup
If you have Thanksgiving Leftovers make this Leftover Turkey Soup. It is loaded with flavor, easy to make and made with simple ingredients.
Leftover Turkey Soup

2. Turkey Pot Pie

Use your leftover turkey and gravy and create this delicious turkey pot pie. After our Thanksgiving dinner we always make this pot pie recipe.

An Easy Turkey Pot Pie with a golden-brown, flaky crust sits in a white ceramic dish on a marble surface, garnished with parsley leaves and a striped cloth nearby.
Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Easy Turkey Pot Pie is a classic recipe that is made with your leftover turkey. This easy, delicious and hearty pot pie is made with simple ingredients.
Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

3. Turkey Noodle Soup

After cooking the giblets and carcass to create a delicious turkey stock, make this noodle soup that is packed with flavor.

A bowl of Turkey Noodle Soup with carrots, celery, and egg noodles sits on a white surface beside a black and white napkin, a spoon, parsley garnish, crackers, and stacked empty bowls.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect recipe to use your leftover Thanksgiving Turkey. It is made from scratch and loaded with veggies, turkey and simple spices.
Turkey Noodle Soup

4. Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust

We always have a ton of stuffing and turkey leftovers and this is the perfect meal to make. It is packed with fresh herbs, veggies and turkey to create a meal everyone will love.

A close-up of a serving of Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust, featuring chunks of chicken, carrots, peas, corn, and a golden, crumbly stuffing topping on a white plate with a fork in the background.
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
Make Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust with all your holiday leftovers. It is a classic, comfort meal with tons of flavor.
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust

5. Turkey Cranberry Sliders

For your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce turn it into sliders!It is packed with flavor and perfect to serve if you still have family over,

Turkey Cranberry Sliders
If you are looking for ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers, make Turkey Cranberry Sliders. They are so delicious and easy to make. It is the perfect lunch to enjoy later in the week.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders

6. Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Dice up your ham and cook it with some beans for a flavorful soup idea! We love to freeze our ham hack for a delicious stews for cozy night in.

A bowl of hearty white bean and ham soup, a perfect crock pot recipe, is garnished with fresh herbs. Visible ingredients include chunks of ham, carrots, and beans. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, next to a plate of cornbread on the beige, textured tablecloth.
Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup
Try this hearty ham and bean soup crock pot recipe. Slow Cooker ham and bean soup is quick and easy. Crock pot ham and beans will be a hit with the family!
Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup

7. Leftover Ham Casserole

Take your leftover ham to a whole new level and make this ham casserole. It is simple, cheesy and loaded with leftover.

Leftover Ham Casserole
If you have holiday ham leftover make this Leftover Ham Casserole. It is loaded with noodles, ham, cheese and simple seasoning.
Leftover Ham Casserole

8. Mashed Potato Cakes

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is a great recipe to try! It is packed with flavor and so easy to make.

A stack of pancakes with sour cream and chives.
Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe
Have left over mashed potatoes? Make this easy mashed potato cakes recipe. Your family will love them and never know they were left overs. 
Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

9. Turkey Salad

Serve your turkey leftovers and make this Turkey Salad. Serve on croissants or tortillas with a side of Easy Homemade French Fries for a quick lunch the next day.

Three croissant sandwiches filled with the best chicken salad recipe is served on a white plate. A small sprig of fresh dill is visible in the background.
Turkey Salad
If you have leftover turkey meat use it to make this Turkey Salad Recipe. Perfect served as a sandwich or over lettuce for a delicious meal idea.
Turkey Salad

10. White Bean Turkey Chili

Making chili with turkey is a lighter version that the entire family will love!

A bowl of White Bean Turkey Chili topped with sour cream, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and a lime wedge. Visible ingredients include ground turkey, white beans, corn, and a creamy broth. A spoon, cheese, lime wedges, and herbs are nearby.
White Bean Turkey Chili
This White Bean Turkey Chili is hearty, creamy, and full of flavor! Lightened-up your chili recipe made with ground turkey, white beans, and delicious spices for the perfect weeknight dinner!
White Bean Turkey Chili

With these Genius leftover turkey recipes, you’ll never look at Thanksgiving extras the same way again. From cozy comfort foods to fresh flavor-packed meals, each dish gives your turkey new life long after the holiday is over. Whether you’re feeding the family or stocking your fridge with easy weeknight options, these recipes make the most of every tender, flavorful bite. So don’t toss that turkey, turn it into something delicious! For even more ideas, check out these 50+ The Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie Barnard — a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families — without the stress.

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