10 Recipes for Holiday Turkey Leftovers
What is the best part of holiday turkey?
The leftovers!
How Long is Leftover Turkey Good For?
So, the holiday feast was a hit, and now you’ve got a turkey mountain in your fridge. The big question: How long can this leftover turkey party keep rocking? Fear not, my fellow festive foodie! We’re diving into the world of leftover turkey shelf life with a dash of playfulness and a sprinkle of practicality.
The Golden Window
You’ve got about 3-4 days of golden opportunity after the feast. That’s when the leftover turkey is at its prime, bursting with flavor and ready to shine in your post-holiday creations.
Freeze for Future Feasts
Extend the turkey fun by freezing those tasty leftovers. Tightly wrap portions in foil or plastic wrap, toss them in a freezer-safe bag, and boom—your future self just got the gift of ready-made turkey goodness.
Revive with Creativity
Even if your turkey has been hanging out for a while, fear not! Revive it with a dash of creativity. Turn it into soups, stews, or sandwiches—the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Trust Your Senses
Your senses are your holiday survival guides. If the turkey looks or smells a bit off, or if you’re giving it the side-eye, it might be time to bid adieu. Trust those instincts for a fresh and safe holiday experience.
Remember the Rule of Two
Whether you’re reheating or crafting new dishes, remember the rule of two: two hours for reheating and two days for those delicious reinventions. It’s like a simple and foolproof holiday equation.
So, there you have it—your leftover turkey can be the gift that keeps on giving, but like all good things, it has its limits. Keep these playful tips in mind, and you’ll be enjoying the holiday magic from the first feast to the last leftover bite!
How do I make leftover turkey moist again?
Alright, post-holiday kitchen maestro, let’s tackle a universal culinary quest: reviving leftover turkey to its juicy, flavorful glory. Whether your turkey’s been hanging out in the fridge or bravely faced the freezer, we’ve got some playful tricks up our sleeves to ensure every bite is as moist and delicious as the first festive feast.
Steamy Spa Retreat
Give your leftover turkey a luxurious spa day by reheating it with a steamy twist. Pop it in the oven with a splash of broth or water, covering it up like a cozy sauna for the ultimate moisture revival.
Saucy Splendor
Introduce your turkey to the saucy side of life. Create a flavorful sauce or gravy, and let your leftover turkey take a relaxing dip. The saucy embrace will add moisture and a burst of delightful flavor.
Moisture Magic Marinade
Transform your turkey with a moisture magic marinade. Whip up a simple concoction of olive oil, herbs, and a dash of citrus for a quick marinade that’ll infuse your turkey with that juicy goodness.
Bread Bed Bliss
Turn your leftovers into a cozy bread bed bliss. Craft a sandwich or wrap with your turkey as the star, adding moisture with condiments, veggies, or a slather of your favorite sauce for an instant moist makeover.
Low and Slow Reheating
Give your turkey the VIP treatment with a low and slow reheating approach. Pop it in the oven at a lower temperature, allowing the heat to work its magic gradually for a moist and tender revival.
With these playful tips, you’re armed and ready to transform your leftover turkey from a potential dry disaster to a moist marvel. Let the moisture revival games begin, and may your post-holiday turkey adventure be as juicy as your festive dreams!
10 Recipes for Holiday Turkey Leftovers
Get ready for a post-Thanksgiving and Christmas kitchen adventure that’s bursting with flavor and creativity! Dive into the joy of repurposing your holiday turkey leftovers with these playful and delicious recipes. From cozy soups to zesty tacos, each dish is crafted to turn those remnants into a festive feast that keeps the holiday spirit alive a little longer. Let’s embark on a culinary journey that’s both simple and exciting, making your leftover turkey the star of the show in these delightful and tasty creations!
1. Chicken Salad
from Simply Scratch
2. Turkey Tetrazzini
from The Pioneer Woman
3. Turkey Sliders
from The Novice Chef
4. Turkey Tortilla Soup
from Serious Eats
5. Turkey Cranberry Wreath
from Fantastic Family Favorites
6. Cranberry and Turkey Panini
from Following In My Shoes
7. Turkey Burritos
from Bon Appetit
8. Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
from Pillsbury
9. Turkey and Sausage Gumbo
from The Galley Gourmet
10. Turkey Croquettes
from The Cookie Rookie
For 16 years, I have been the creator & full-time blogger of Mom Spark. I’ve also created content for numerous outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, & Huff Post.
6 Comments on “10 Recipes for Holiday Turkey Leftovers”
All I can say is YUM YUM YUM! I am totally hungry now< LOL!
@Shop with Me Mama (Kim), There are SO many dishes you can make with turkey!
Great round-up of recipes. We have been enjoying our leftover turkey and trying to re-invent in several different ways.
All of these look just yummy! Thanks for sharing !!
@gingerlyspice, So glad you like them. 🙂
I tried to access the turkey (chicken) salad recipe featured here and it is no longer available. Can you send it to me?