5 Simple Ways to Use Up Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and chances are you’ve got a lot of turkey left over. But how long is that turkey good for, and what are some creative ways to use it up? Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
How Long Does Turkey Last?
Typically, cooked turkey will last in the fridge for three to four days or in the freezer for two to six months. But if you want to get a little more mileage out of your turkey, there are some things you can do. One option is to shred the meat and freeze it in smaller portions so that it’s easy to thaw and use later on. Another is to make turkey soup or stock with the carcass. And if you’re really feeling creative, you could even try using the leftover turkey to make enchiladas or a pot pie.
Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey
1. Leftover Turkey Soup
As mentioned above, one great way to use up leftover turkey is to make soup. Start by stripping the meat from the bones and then simmering the carcass in water for several hours. Once the broth has flavored, remove the carcass and add any vegetables, rice, or pasta that you like. Season to taste and enjoy!
2. Enchiladas
Put that shredded turkey meat to good use by making enchiladas! Start by sautéing some onions and peppers, then add the shredded turkey and a jar of your favorite enchilada sauce. Once everything is heated through, spoon the mixture into tortillas, roll them up, and place in a baking dish. Top with more sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. Serve with a side of sour cream and enjoy!
3. Pot Pie
Another great way to use up leftover turkey is in a pot pie. Start by making a roux, then add some chopped celery, carrots, and onion and cook until softened. Stir in some flour, chicken broth, milk, thyme, and pepper. Add the cubed turkey meat and frozen peas and carrots (thawed), then pour into a pie dish. Top with a pre-made pie crust or make your own, then bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving hot!
Our family version of pot pie is to add any leftover veggies (we usually have Brussel sprouts and carrots). If I have any gravy left over, I pour that over the turkey and vegetables instead of a roux and then take the cold left over mashed potatoes and spread that over the dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until gravy is bubbly and potatoes are brown on the edges.
4. Turkey Chili
Turkey chili: This is a great way to use up those extra cans of beans you have in the pantry. Just add them to your chili along with some chopped turkey, tomatoes, and spices. Top with shredded cheese and enjoy!
5. Pizza
This one might sound strange, but it’s actually really good! Just put your favorite pizza toppings on a store-bought or homemade crust, then top with shredded turkey instead of chicken or sausage.
There are lots of delicious ways to use up Thanksgiving leftovers! Whether you make soup, enchiladas, or pot pie with your leftovers, your family is sure to enjoy every last bite. So don’t let that Turkey go to waste—put it to good use and enjoy!
For some really creative Thanksgiving leftovers recipes, I’d check out this page – Ahead of Thyme‘s post of 15 Leftover Turkey Recipes.
Here’s a throwback to a tweaked casserole dish I made and posted on my original blog 12 years ago. Boy, how things have changed, both in my writing style and design. If you do check it out, I apologize for the the cluttered layout.
Recipe Tuesday – Chicken Casserole a la Zeemaid
Have you seen my new children’s Christmas book The Search for the Christmas Present?
