Don’t let your holiday turkey go to waste! Leftover Turkey Soup is a simple, comforting, and flavorful way to use up your leftover turkey meat after Thanksgiving or Christmas. Packed with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup is the perfect remedy for chilly days and post-feast leftovers. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create the perfect leftover turkey soup, offer delicious variations, and share helpful tips for making this recipe your own.
What is Leftover Turkey Soup?
Leftover Turkey Soup is a classic way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a warm, hearty dish. Made with shredded turkey, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is both comforting and nourishing. It’s a great way to stretch your leftovers and create a meal that the whole family will love.
For more ideas on repurposing leftovers, check out these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls for a fun appetizer twist.
Why You’ll Love Leftover Turkey Soup
Warm and Comforting
Perfect for chilly days, this soup is a cozy bowl of comfort and nostalgia.
Quick and Easy
Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe makes meal prep a breeze after a busy holiday.
Healthy and Nutritious
Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and herbs, it’s a healthy way to enjoy leftovers.
Versatile and Customizable
Add your favorite veggies, herbs, or grains to make it your own.
For another comforting and versatile meal, try this classic Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup.
Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Soup
For the Soup:
- Leftover Turkey: 3 cups shredded or diced turkey meat (white or dark)
- Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Broth: 6 cups turkey or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa
Added Flavor:
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon for brightness
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for garnish
For another hearty meal, explore this Savory Cornbread Stuffing recipe — a perfect holiday side dish!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Leftover Turkey Soup
1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2: Add the Broth and Herbs
- Pour in 6 cups of turkey or chicken broth.
- Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
3: Add the Leftover Turkey
- Add the shredded turkey to the pot and stir to combine.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Delicious Variations of Leftover Turkey Soup
Turkey and Rice Soup
Add 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice for a hearty, grain-filled variation.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Add 2 cups of cooked egg noodles for a comforting twist on the classic chicken noodle soup.
️ Spicy Turkey Soup
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Pair it with these Jalapeño Popper Mummies for an extra fiery meal.
Creamy Turkey and Potato Soup
Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half and add diced potatoes for a creamy, comforting version.
Vegetable-Packed Turkey Soup
Boost the nutrition by adding spinach, peas, green beans, or broccoli florets. For another veggie-rich dish, try this Healthy Spring Roll Salad.
Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Soup
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have leftover turkey bones, make a rich, flavorful homemade broth.
- Don’t Overcook: Add the turkey towards the end to avoid it becoming dry or tough.
- Brighten the Flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can add brightness to the soup.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for extra flavor.
For more tips on using leftovers creatively, check out these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls.
More Delicious Variations for Leftover Turkey Soup
Leftover Turkey Soup is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect base for countless variations. Here are some creative ideas to keep your post-holiday meals fresh and exciting:
Kale and White Bean Turkey Soup
- Add 2 cups of chopped kale and 1 can of drained white beans (like cannellini beans) to boost the nutrition and make it heartier.
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.
Wild Rice Turkey Soup
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked wild rice for an earthy, nutty flavor.
- Wild rice adds a wonderful texture and makes the soup even more filling.
Sweet Potato Turkey Soup
- Replace regular potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
- The sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the savory broth and turkey.
Tomato-Based Turkey Soup
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and a tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth for a richer, tomato-based flavor.
- Add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a Mediterranean flair.
️ Mexican-Inspired Turkey Soup
- Add black beans, corn, jalapeños, and a dash of cumin and chili powder.
- Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
- Serve alongside these Air Fryer Old Bay Potatoes for a flavorful combo.
Creamy Turkey and Broccoli Soup
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half and add broccoli florets.
- The creaminess makes this soup extra comforting and indulgent.
Tips for Perfecting Your Leftover Turkey Soup
Follow these expert tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time:
Use a Rich Broth
- A homemade turkey or chicken broth adds depth and richness to your soup. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the salt levels.
Don’t Overcook the Turkey
- Add the turkey toward the end of the cooking process to avoid it becoming dry or tough.
Brighten It Up
- A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can elevate the flavors and cut through the richness.
Add Grains for Heartiness
- Ingredients like rice, barley, or pasta make the soup more filling and satisfying.
Boost Flavor with Aromatics
- Add a bay leaf, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
For more tips on creating hearty, flavorful meals, check out this guide on Spicy Sausage Cavatappi.
Serving Suggestions for Leftover Turkey Soup
Make your leftover turkey soup a complete meal with these delicious sides and accompaniments:
Bread Options
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of sourdough or French bread for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Try this indulgent Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread for a cheesy, garlicky side.
Salads
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the savory soup.
Biscuits and Rolls
- Serve with warm, buttery biscuits or dinner rolls. These make the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious broth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftover Turkey Soup
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
- Microwave: Heat in 2-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
For more meal-prep and storage ideas, explore this Easy Mini Meatloaf and Potato Bake recipe.
FAQs About Leftover Turkey Soup
❓ Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then add them to the slow cooker with the broth and turkey. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
❓ How Do I Make the Soup Gluten-Free?
Ensure your broth and any added grains are gluten-free. Use rice or quinoa instead of pasta.
❓ What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Soup?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or mash a few of the potatoes in the soup for a thicker texture.
❓ Can I Use Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken works just as well in this recipe.
Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Soup is a warm, comforting, and resourceful way to make the most of your holiday leftovers. With tender turkey, nutritious vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your post-holiday table. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, serve it with tasty sides, and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness.
For more delicious recipes and creative meal ideas, visit AM Recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Leftover Turkey Soup!