The holidays are often a time of indulgence, and when you’ve had your fill of the classic Thanksgiving feast-whether it’s turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce-there’s always one lingering question: What do you do with the leftover turkey? Instead of letting it sit in your fridge until it goes bad, why not turn it into a comforting bowl of homemade turkey soup?
Turkey soup is one of those dishes that not only makes great use of your leftovers, but also offers the perfect antidote to the cooler days that follow a festive season. The richness of turkey combined with savory vegetables and broth can transform even the most tired leftovers into something absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s versatile, healthy, and a breeze to make. So, whether you’ve got some leftover roasted turkey, turkey carcass, or a combination of both, turkey soup is a go-to solution that delivers flavor and satisfaction in every spoonful.
In this article, we’ll walk through a leftover turkey soup recipe that’s perfect for transforming your holiday remnants into something truly special. From ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions to ingredient insights, expert tips, and variations, we’ve got everything you need to create a bowl of comforting soup your whole family will love.
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
This leftover turkey soup is not just a quick fix for your turkey leftovers-it’s a nourishing and satisfying meal that will keep you cozy throughout the season. Whether you’re using the turkey you roasted or boiling down a carcass for a rich homemade stock, this soup brings out the full potential of your leftovers.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, we keep things simple, but flavorful. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, so it’s all about using what you have on hand to create something hearty and comforting.
- 2 cups cooked leftover turkey – shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 6 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth if you prefer) – This is the base of the soup and will infuse the flavors.
- 1 medium onion – chopped finely, to add depth and sweetness.
- 2 medium carrots – peeled and diced, providing a nice crunch and earthy sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks – chopped, for that signature soup flavor and crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic – minced, to add aromatic and savory notes.
- 2 cups potatoes – diced. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for creaminess, or russets for a bit of texture.
- 1 bay leaf – adds a subtle herbal fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – to complement the turkey with a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – adjust based on your taste and the saltiness of your broth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for a little heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the veggies.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Optional
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn – for extra color and texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – a splash at the end adds brightness to balance the richness.
Cooking Instructions
Making this leftover turkey soup is a relatively simple process, and it comes together in about 45 minutes to an hour. Here’s how you do it:
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Prepare Your Ingredients
- Begin by prepping your vegetables: peel and dice the carrots and potatoes, chop the celery, and mince the garlic.
- Shred or chop your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones or skin. You can even use a mix of light and dark meat for added flavor complexity.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will help release all those savory aromas into the soup.
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Add The Broth And Potatoes
- Pour in your turkey broth (or chicken broth if you prefer), followed by the diced potatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
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Add The Turkey And Optional Vegetables
- Stir in the shredded turkey and frozen peas or corn (if using). Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the turkey to heat through and the vegetables to cook through.
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Finish And Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this soup plays an important role in creating a rich and well-balanced flavor profile:
- Turkey: The star of the show! Using leftover turkey adds both richness and a savory depth of flavor. Whether you’ve got roasted turkey or boiled-down turkey carcass, the turkey meat is the base of your soup’s taste.
- Turkey Broth: If you’ve cooked your turkey with a carcass, the leftover bones and juices can be turned into a wonderfully flavorful broth. If you don’t have homemade broth, store-bought turkey or chicken broth works perfectly fine. It brings moisture and a savory backbone to the soup.
- Carrots & Celery: These classic soup veggies provide both flavor and texture. Carrots offer natural sweetness and color, while celery brings a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that adds balance to the soup’s richness.
- Potatoes: Potatoes create a creamy and comforting texture that rounds out the soup. They absorb the broth’s flavors, making every spoonful satisfying and hearty.
- Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, and garlic are the traditional choices for enhancing the flavor of turkey soup. Thyme pairs particularly well with poultry, and bay leaves add a subtle earthy undertone.
Expert Tips
To make your leftover turkey soup even better, try these expert tips:
- Make the broth from scratch: If you’ve got the time, boil the turkey carcass with water, vegetables, and herbs to create an incredible homemade broth. The richer the broth, the more flavorful your soup will be.
- Use a mix of turkey parts: If you have both dark and light meat left over, use a combination of both. Dark meat is richer in flavor and provides a depth that complements the lighter breast meat perfectly.
- Add some rice or pasta: If you want to stretch your soup further or add more texture, consider adding rice or pasta to the mix. Just make sure to cook the rice or pasta separately and add it to the soup right before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Make it creamy: For a creamy version of the soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking. You can even purée part of the soup for a velvety smooth texture.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh parsley or thyme adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about turkey soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Turkey Soup: Add a kick by incorporating red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth. This can take the flavor profile in a completely new direction, making it ideal for those who love a bit of heat.
- Turkey Soup with Dumplings: If you’re craving something extra comforting, add dumplings to the soup. They’ll soak up the broth and add a pillowy softness to each spoonful.
- Asian-Inspired Turkey Soup: Swap out the thyme and bay leaves for ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and throw in some noodles. This gives your soup a completely new direction, turning it into something bold and exciting.
- Turkey Tortilla Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and a handful of tortilla chips. Top with avocado and cilantro for a Tex-Mex twist.
Final Words
Leftover turkey soup isn’t just about using up what’s left in your fridge-it’s about transforming those leftovers into something amazing. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor, warmth, and nutrients. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable depending on what you have on hand and what flavor profiles you prefer.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Leftover Turkey Soup?
The basic ingredients for leftover turkey soup include leftover turkey meat (shredded or cubed), vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, chicken or turkey broth, herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves), salt, pepper, and optional add-ins like potatoes, corn, or peas.
How Do I Make Leftover Turkey Soup From Scratch?
To make leftover turkey soup, start by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a large pot until softened. Add your turkey meat, broth, and herbs. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve. Optional: add vegetables like potatoes, corn, or peas.
Can I Use Turkey Stock Instead Of Broth For Leftover Turkey Soup?
Yes, turkey stock is a great substitute for broth. It will add a richer flavor to the soup, especially if you have homemade turkey stock on hand. The stock will complement the turkey meat and create a more flavorful base.
How Can I Thicken Leftover Turkey Soup?
You can thicken leftover turkey soup by adding a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water, or by pureeing a portion of the soup with a blender. You can also add mashed potatoes or cooked rice to help thicken the broth.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Turkey Soup?
Leftover turkey soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool the soup completely before storing it.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey In Leftover Turkey Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey in your soup. If it’s already cooked, you can simply thaw it and add it to the soup. If you’re using raw turkey, cook it first before adding it to the soup.
Can I Make Leftover Turkey Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make leftover turkey soup in a slow cooker. Add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What Other Seasonings Can I Add To Leftover Turkey Soup?
In addition to thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, you can add other seasonings such as parsley, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. Experiment with your favorite spices to personalize the flavor.
Can I Add Pasta Or Rice To Leftover Turkey Soup?
Yes, both pasta and rice work well in leftover turkey soup. You can add uncooked pasta to the soup while it simmers, or cook rice separately and stir it into the soup at the end. Be mindful of cooking times, as pasta can become mushy if left in too long.
How Can I Make Leftover Turkey Soup More Creamy?
To make your turkey soup creamy, you can add heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk toward the end of cooking. Another option is to puree some of the soup and stir it back in to create a creamier texture.