Turkey Risotto
Simply Delicious!
I think that risotto gets a bad reputation for being hard to cook but really it's simple. Risotto is one of the best recipes for turkey leftovers.
Turkey Thyme Risotto Recipe_ How to Make It
Add broth to a small pot and keep on warm. Get a small bowl and add chopped onion (1/2 cup) and mushrooms then set aside. Chop turkey and place in a small bowl then set aside. Mince garlic clove and place in a small prep bowl then set aside. Mince fresh thyme set aside.
Gather the rest of the ingredients and the following for measuring: 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1 tablespoon, and 1/4 teaspoon for easy measuring. Follow the recipe as directed. Enjoy!
I like to eat this with a side of roasted vegetable. If you are doing the same, preheat your oven and prepare your vegetables before you start prepping for the turkey risotto. Pick your vegetable, chop into 1 inch pieces, cover with 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper then bake at 425° F for 20 to 30 min. Stir half way through.
Turkey Tetrazzini
I enjoy taking leftover turkey and making different dishes. This is a very old casserole recipe that is simple tasting but a little effort to assemble. It is a great comfort dish. It is best with roasted vegetables on the side.
Turkey Mac & Cheese
I love Ina Garten’s mac and cheese and have modified it to use up leftover turkey. This recipe is a bit of work but totally worth it. The roasted vegetables really elevate the turkey in the mac and cheese.
Freeze option: Cool completely then place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour uncovered. Then cover with tin foil followed by plastic wrap.
Baking from frozen: Preheat oven to 375° F, remove plastic wrap leaving the tin foil in place. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove tin foil and bake for 15 more minutes. Temperature should read at least 165° in center.
Turkey Salad
Wash your favorite lettuce such as: romain, blended mix, baby spinach, iceberg, green leaf, red leaf, etc.
Top with your favorite salad toppings:
cucumber, olives, peppers, banana peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, hard boiled egg, green onion, red onion, carrot, tomato, sugar snap peas, avocado, cheese, bacon, celery, cranberries, beans, etc.
If you are feeling bold try roasting vegetables such as: butternut squash, onion, carrot, sweet potato, parsnip, carrots, etc. on a sheet pan covered in olive oil, salt and pepper. Chop the vegetables bite size about an inch except the onion. Cut the onion into wedges. Bake at 425° F for 30 minutes. Stir the vegetables after the first 15 minutes of cooking. I like to add dried cranberries and walnuts to the top.
I usually stick to 5 toppings but put as many or as little as you like! Don’t forget to add your turkey. I also love making my own salad dressing. Here are some Salad Dressing ideas.
Turkey Pot Pie
From my freezer to my oven!
For the crust: Measure the ingredients before you start. Add ice cubes to your water so it gets really cold while you are performing the other steps.
This recipe is not healthy but it is delicious. This one is one Andrew’s favorite recipes using leftover turkey. You can substitute any meat you like in this recipe or add different vegetables.
Freeze option: Cool completely then place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour uncovered. Then cover with tin foil followed by plastic wrap.
Baking from frozen: Preheat oven to 400° F, remove plastic wrap leaving the tin foil in place. Bake for 1 hour. Remove tin foil and continue to bake for 30 minutes. Temperature should read at least 165° in center and the crust golden brown.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Get a large bowl then chop all the vegetables and place them in the bowl set aside. Mince garlic and put in a small prep bowl then set aside. Chop turkey and leave on the cutting board for later. Gather the rest of the ingredients and the following for measuring: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon and 1 cup. Follow the recipe as directed. Enjoy!
Freeze option. Do not put noodles in the soup. Let soup cool down to room temperature then place in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Scoop soup into quart or gallon freezer bags.
Cooking from frozen: Get a 2 quart pot (if quart bag was used) or 4 quart pot (if gallon bag was used) then remove soup from bag and reheat on low until soup is thawed. Sometimes scissors are needed to remove the soup from the bag. Bring to a boil and then add egg noodles for 5 – 7 minutes.
Turkey Gravy Sandwich
This recipe is not healthy or budget friendly but it is a delicious and one of the classic recipes for turkey leftovers. I start by making Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy with Onions and Sage it is worth the time. I make this gravy every year for Friendsgiving.
Is there anything better than a sandwich made from fresh bread? My mouth waters a little just thinking about it because I love fresh bread. Nervous about making bread? Don’t be. Here is a great recipe that will not fail you: Egg Bread with Wheat Germ.
If you have leftover gravy from Thanksgiving this sandwich is quick to put together. Follow the recipe as directed. Enjoy!
I find it can be a challenge to use all of the remaining turkey after Thanksgiving. I started a notebook to keep track of the recipes I enjoyed. I hope these recipes for leftover turkey help you reduce waste without getting burned out on turkey!
