10 Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes That Will Make You Forget About Thanksgiving Dinner

Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes: A Guide to the Best Ways to Use Up Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and celebration, and the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal is the smoked turkey. But what do you do with all that leftover turkey after the big day is over? Don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of delicious ways to use up your leftover smoked turkey, from soups and stews to sandwiches and casseroles.

In this guide, we’ll share some of our favorite leftover smoked turkey recipes, so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey all week long. Whether you’re looking for a simple and hearty meal or something a little more creative, we’ve got you covered.

So read on for some great ideas on how to use up your leftover smoked turkey!

| Recipe Title | Ingredients | Instructions |
|—|—|—|
| Smoked Turkey Tacos |
* Leftover smoked turkey
* Corn tortillas
* Shredded cheese
* Chopped lettuce
* Salsa
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
| 1. Heat the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
2. Fill each tortilla with shredded turkey, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
3. Serve immediately. |
| Smoked Turkey Chili |
* Leftover smoked turkey
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth
| 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the turkey in the olive oil.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the chili is thickened.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. |
| Smoked Turkey Soup |
* Leftover smoked turkey
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 bay leaf
* 10 cups chicken broth
| 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and parsley and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the smoked turkey and cook until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as crackers, croutons, or cheese. |

Introduction

Smoked turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a more elaborate holiday feast, there are plenty of ways to use up your leftover smoked turkey.

In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite recipes for leftover smoked turkey. We’ve got everything from main dishes to side dishes, so you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.

So next time you have leftover smoked turkey, don’t let it go to waste! Just follow one of our recipes and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Main Dishes

Smoked Turkey Sandwiches

These smoked turkey sandwiches are the perfect way to use up your leftover smoked turkey. They’re easy to make and they’re sure to satisfy everyone in your family.

To make these sandwiches, you’ll need:

* 1 pound of smoked turkey, shredded
* 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
* 4 slices of bread, toasted
* Lettuce leaves
* Tomato slices
* Pickle slices

To assemble the sandwiches, spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Then, layer the shredded turkey, lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices on top. Serve immediately.

Smoked Turkey Chili

This smoked turkey chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. It’s also very easy to make, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

To make this chili, you’ll need:

* 1 pound of smoked turkey, shredded
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 2 cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can of corn, drained
* 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
* 1 tablespoon of chili powder
* 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1 cup of chicken broth

To make the chili, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add the smoked turkey, kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the chili is thickened.

Serve the chili with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Smoked Turkey Soup

This smoked turkey soup is a delicious and comforting way to use up your leftover smoked turkey. It’s also very easy to make, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

To make this soup, you’ll need:

* 1 pound of smoked turkey, shredded
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup of chopped celery leaves
* 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
* 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil
* 1 quart of chicken broth
* 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
* 1 can of corn, drained
* 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add the smoked turkey, carrots, celery, celery leaves, parsley, and basil to the pot. Stir to combine.

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the soup is thickened.

Serve the soup with your favorite toppings, such as crackers, croutons, or cheese.

Smoked Turkey Pasta

This smoked turkey pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s also very easy to make, so it’s perfect for a busy family.

To make this pasta, you’ll need:

* 1 pound of smoked turkey, shredded

3. Appetizers

Smoked turkey sliders

Ingredients:

* 1 pound smoked turkey breast, shredded
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 8 slider buns, split

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, mayonnaise, onion, celery, and parsley.
2. Spoon the turkey mixture onto the slider buns.
3. Serve immediately.

Smoked turkey wings

Ingredients:

* 1 pound smoked turkey wings
* 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the turkey wings, barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Toss to coat the wings evenly.
4. Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Serve immediately.

Smoked turkey meatballs

Ingredients:

* 1 pound smoked turkey breast, ground
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped parsley
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to combine.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve immediately.

Smoked turkey dip

Ingredients:

* 1 pound smoked turkey breast, shredded
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, celery, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to combine.
3. Serve with crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Smoked turkey bruschetta

Ingredients:

* 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
* 2 cups smoked turkey breast, shredded
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, mayonnaise, onion, celery, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well to combine.
6. Top the bread slices with the turkey mixture.
7. Serve immediately.

Smoked turkey empanadas

Ingredients:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 cup ice water
* 1 pound smoked turkey breast, shredded
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
* 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water and mix until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.

Q: What are some good ways to use leftover smoked turkey?

A: There are many delicious ways to use leftover smoked turkey. Here are a few ideas:

* Sandwiches: Make a classic turkey sandwich with your favorite bread, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Or, for a more creative twist, try a smoked turkey BLT, a turkey club sandwich, or a grilled cheese sandwich with smoked turkey and bacon.
* Soups: Leftover smoked turkey is a great addition to soups, such as chicken noodle soup, turkey chili, or tomato soup.
* Salads: Add shredded smoked turkey to your favorite salads for a protein boost. For a hearty salad, try a smoked turkey salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Or, for a lighter salad, try a smoked turkey salad with arugula, goat cheese, and cranberries.
* Stir-fries: Shredded smoked turkey is a great addition to stir-fries. Try a stir-fry with smoked turkey, vegetables, and rice.
* Quesadillas: Make quesadillas with shredded smoked turkey, cheese, and your favorite vegetables.
* Enchiladas: Make enchiladas with shredded smoked turkey, cheese, and your favorite sauce.
* Tortellini soup: Make tortellini soup with shredded smoked turkey, tortellini, vegetables, and broth.
* Pasta: Make pasta with shredded smoked turkey, your favorite sauce, and vegetables.
* Pizza: Top a pizza with shredded smoked turkey, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

Q: How long does smoked turkey last in the fridge?

A: Smoked turkey will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. To extend the shelf life of smoked turkey, you can freeze it. Frozen smoked turkey will last for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat leftover smoked turkey?

A: There are a few different ways to reheat leftover smoked turkey. Here are a few tips:

* Microwave: To reheat smoked turkey in the microwave, place the turkey on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes per serving.
* Oven: To reheat smoked turkey in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey on a baking sheet. Cover the turkey with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* Stovetop: To reheat smoked turkey on the stovetop, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: What are some tips for storing leftover smoked turkey?

A: Here are a few tips for storing leftover smoked turkey:

* Cool the turkey quickly. After you’ve finished eating your smoked turkey, let it cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place the turkey in an airtight container and refrigerate it.
* Don’t overcrowd the container. When storing leftover smoked turkey, make sure to leave some space in the container so that the turkey can cool evenly.
* Label the container. Be sure to label the container with the date so that you know how long it’s been stored.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when reheating leftover smoked turkey?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when reheating leftover smoked turkey:

* Not reheating the turkey enough. It’s important to reheat smoked turkey until it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Overheating the turkey. Overheating smoked turkey can make it dry and tough.
* Not storing the turkey properly. If you don’t store leftover smoked turkey properly, it can spoil quickly.

Q: What are some other ways to use smoked turkey besides the recipes listed above?

A: There are many other delicious ways to use smoked turkey. Here are a few ideas:

* Add shredded smoked turkey to your favorite casseroles.
* Use smoked turkey as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
* Make a smoked turkey sandwich with your favorite toppings.
* Add smoked turkey to soups, stews, or chili.
* Serve smoked turkey as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
* Use smoked turkey as a topping for pizza.
* Make a smoked turkey salad with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressing.
* Use smoked turkey as a main dish with your favorite sides.

leftover smoked turkey can be used to create a variety of delicious and flavorful dishes. From sandwiches and salads to soups and casseroles, there are endless possibilities for using up your leftover turkey. By following the tips in this article, you can easily transform your leftover turkey into a new and exciting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when cooking with leftover smoked turkey:

* Use a variety of leftovers. Don’t just use the same leftover turkey in every dish. Mix and match different parts of the turkey, such as the breast, thigh, and wings, to create different flavors and textures.
* Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are no rules when it comes to cooking with leftover turkey. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique dishes.
* Store leftover turkey properly. Make sure to store your leftover turkey properly so that it stays fresh and safe to eat.

With a little creativity and effort, you can easily transform your leftover smoked turkey into a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.