Have you ever wondered what can I make with all this leftover turkey?
This recipe has become a family favorite that we enjoy every time we have leftover turkey. In fact, each winter when we are craving something hearty and filling I sometimes prepare this dish with leftover roasted chicken when we don’t have any leftover turkey.
This meal is warm, creamy and delicious. Even those who don’t like dressing will enjoy the contrasting crunch that the top layer provides. Let me know what your family thinks of this one!
Have you ever wondered just what to do with all of that leftover turkey sitting in your refrigerator? Turkey really is a delicious and healthy protein source, especially if you’ve taken the time to raise your own.
Whether it’s store-bought or your own pastured turkey, the sheer size alone probably has you amazed at the bounty of meat you have from just one carcass.
Yes, I said carcass. Don’t even THINK about throwing away the rib cage and other bones from your holiday turkey. These calcium-rich, nutrient dense bones are perfect for making a healthy bone broth or for turning into an incredibly hearty turkey soup recipe.
How does turkey compare to chicken?
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between turkey and chicken? Let’s take a look at how a turkey fares when compared with it’s barnyard “cousin” the chicken.
- Size Comparison. On average a male turkey (tom) raised for meat will have a processed weight of 16-24 lbs, whereas a male chicken (rooster) will have a finished weight of about 5.7 pounds. Food for thought: this is over 4x the weight of chickens raised commercially just 60 years ago.
- Nutrition comparison. While the white meat protein values of chickens and turkeys are nearly identical, there is a difference found in the dark meat. Dark meat turkey brings more protein but has fewer calories than chicken when comparing thighs to thighs. When considering other nutrient levels, you will discover that turkey has higher zinc, niacin, and Vitamin B12. On the other hand, chicken has higher levels of Vitamin B6 and Pantothenic acid.
- Taste comparison. For some, it all comes down to taste. Personally, I find both meats a delicious option but here is what the rest of the population has to say. It is pretty obvious that turkey has a darker, richer flavor hands-down, especially if you have raised or wild-harvested your own. Some even mention a more gamey or wild taste. Obviously. Since roasting is a simple preparation method, it will allow the turkey flavor to shine through. Smoking a turkey (Heavenly!) certainly intensifies that deep, rich, smoky flavor which some find similar to pork.
- Price comparison. All things considered, the whole chicken is still cheaper than a turkey. Pound for pound chicken can be raised and harvested with less cost in a commercial setting. That is why most supermarkets have whole turkeys available only seasonally. For individual cuts of meat, the expense is passed on more clearly and boneless turkey breast is nearly impossible to find in most markets. This provides another excellent reason to raise your turkey at home.
What are some recipe ideas for leftover turkey?
When is comes to options for using up all that leftover turkey, the sky really is the limit. It really will depend on the quantity you have to work with and what your family’s taste preferences are. You may find you don’t really have any leftover turkey after all and you will have to brine and roast another bird just to make some of these delicious favorites!
Here are some of my best ideas for leftover turkey:
- Turkey Bone Broth
- Turkey Soup Recipe
- Turkey and Dressing Casserole (below).
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Turkey Tetrazzini (did I just hear you say YUM?)
- Turkey Salad on Toasted Sourdough
Are you feeling inspired yet?
What you will need for Delicious Leftover Turkey Casserole
The ingredients for this casserole are basic pantry staples that you are likely to have on-hand. If you are a scratch cook, you will be familiar with the ease of making a casserole since it is more of a method than a strictly measured recipe. Use what you have in your pantry to transform “leftovers” into a delicous and hearty meal that your family will love!
- Leftover Turkey – can use leftover chicken or boneless/skinless breast. You will need about 2 cups.
- Stuffing – if you have some from Thanksgiving, great. If not, use some Herb Seasoned Stuffing.
- Bone Broth – can use homemade chicken or turkey broth if you have some.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – here’s a recipe to make your own if you haven’t tried before, but the canned works too.
- Cheddar Cheese – shred a few cups of your favorite farmhouse cheddar ’cause cheese makes everything better!
Delicious Leftover Turkey Casserole
Ingredients
- 2-3 C Turkey just pull it from the carcass, white or dark meat.
- 2-3 C Dressing, prepared leftover or prepared fresh from mix
- 1 Recipe Cream of Mushroom Soup can substitute 1 can if you do not make your own
- 1 1/4 C Chicken Broth use juices from pan if you have them
- 2 C Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Shred or lightly chop turkey.
- Stir together soup, broth, meat and cheese.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
- Layer half of dressing in bottom of prepared casserole dish.
- Spread meat mixture over this layer.
- Top with remaining dressing.
- Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 35 mins or until heated through.
Let me know what your favorite way to use up leftover turkey is or, if you tried any of the above recipes, share that with me too! I’d love to hear all about it.