13 leftover turkey creations your family will look forward to more than the main event

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Leftovers don’t have to feel like an afterthought, and this list proves it with recipes that bring fresh energy to your table. These turkey dishes offer something for every craving, making sure the days after the big feast are just as exciting as the main event. With these 13 options, you’ll keep everyone looking forward to what’s next.

A serving of Turkey Divan from a baking dish onto a black plate.
Turkey Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After a big holiday meal, finding a fresh way to enjoy the leftovers can be challenging. Turkey & Apple Panini breathes new life into your turkey stash, combining it with crisp apple for a crunchy, savory lunch option. It’s an easy fix for a weekend meal and ensures nothing goes to waste. You’ll be surprised how a simple sandwich can transform into something you’ll want to make again, even without the leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Steak & Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup in a black bowl.
Steak & Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup. Steak & Potato Soup uses your leftover steak in a way that makes it feel like an entirely new meal. This soup is a cozy, warm-up-your-soul kind of dish, perfect for those cooler evenings. Gather your family around the table for this comforting classic; it might just become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Entertaining doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema offers a brilliant way to repurpose leftover pork tenderloin into elegant appetizers. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also quick to assemble, making your prep work a breeze. Impress your guests with these bite-sized wonders at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties in a black dish.
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers with Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties for a fun and flavorful breakfast. This recipe turns surplus into a crispy, comforting dish that’s ideal for lazy morning brunches. It’s a creative twist that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Who knew leftovers could lead to a meal that everyone wakes up looking forward to?
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cold days call for warm bowls of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when you can add a twist using leftover chicken. It’s a soothing, heartwarming dish that brings back memories of home with every spoon. Quick to prepare, it’s perfectly suited for hectic evenings when a nourishing meal is needed. This soup is proof that simple ingredients can create the most memorable meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding pie in a white glass dish.
Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your Sunday dinner leftovers into a weekday wonder with Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding. This creative reuse not only minimizes waste but also offers a deliciously unique meal that’s bound to impress. It’s an ingenious way to enjoy roast beef in a different form. Home cooks will appreciate the simplicity and flair of this delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give your leftover chicken an exciting makeover with Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Its robust flavors make for a comforting meal that’s both light and satisfying. This soup is a wonderful option for those looking to spice up their meal routine. Pair it with a warm blanket and your favorite book for the ultimate comfort experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a quick and exciting dinner option, turn to Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. They are super easy to whip up and offer a fantastic way to use leftover steak. It’s a casual, fun meal that everyone can customize to their liking. This recipe is a reminder that some of the best dishes come from improvising with what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brisket Fried Rice is your answer to repurposing leftover brisket into a flavorful, Asian-inspired dish. It’s an original take on fried rice that introduces a hearty, meaty component. Perfect for a laid-back dinner, this dish promises to be a hit with both kids and adults. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how leftovers can be the start of something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brighten up your lunch routine with Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. This dish is a lovely blend of savory and sweet, offering a refreshing twist to leftover chicken. It’s a wholesome choice for those afternoons when you crave something different yet fulfilling. This salad could easily become your go-to for quick and nutritious meals.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Switch up your Mexican night with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s an ingenious way to repurpose last night’s steak into today’s mouthwatering meal. Ideal for a busy weekday dinner, this dish is both delicious and convenient. Get ready to add a new favorite to your family’s dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who needs takeout when you can create your own Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito at home? This recipe offers a satisfying way to use leftover chicken while recreating a fast-food favorite. It’s a win-win for both flavor and ease of preparation. Surprise your family with this homemade twist on a beloved classic tonight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Turkey Divan

A serving of Turkey Divan from a baking dish onto a black plate.
Turkey Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

With Turkey Divan, you’ll find an elegant way to use up leftover turkey. This dish is about bringing comfort and sophistication to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that feels special but is straightforward to make. Let this be the recipe that makes post-holiday meals exciting again.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Divan

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