The Thanksgiving holiday is over, and you may be left with a refrigerator full of leftover turkey. Instead of letting those leftovers go to waste, turn them into a variety of delectable meals! 

In this blog post, we'll share some of our favorite recipes for transforming your turkey leftovers into delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. 

Read on to find out how you can repurpose your turkey leftovers for lunch, dinner, and even dessert!

What to do with your turkey carcass

Don't toss your turkey carcass just yet! This is a golden opportunity to make some delicious homemade stock, which you can use as a base for soups, stews, gravies, and more.

Here's how to do it:

1. Remove any remaining meat from the bones, and save it for later use.

2. Break the carcass into pieces small enough to fit into a large stockpot.

3. Add water to cover the bones, along with some chopped onions, celery, and carrots, plus a few herbs and spices of your choice (bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and peppercorns work well).

4. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for several hours, stirring occasionally and skimming any foam or fat from the surface.

5. Once the stock is rich and flavorful, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or storage container, discarding the solids.

6. Let the stock cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in batches for longer-term storage.

Now you've got a rich, hearty base for all your favorite leftover turkey recipes!

Three recipes for leftover turkey

If you're tired of the classic turkey sandwich or soup, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to spice up your leftover turkey. Here are three delicious recipes to try out:

1. Turkey Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Shred your leftover turkey and mix it with black beans, corn, and your favorite enchilada sauce. 

Add the mixture to tortillas, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Top with more enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Turkey Pot Pie: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until tender. 

Add in your leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, and gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with a pie crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

3. Turkey Tetrazzini: Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. 

Add in chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Mix in your leftover turkey and cooked spaghetti. 

Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is crispy and golden brown.

These recipes are easy to make and a great way to switch up your turkey leftovers. Get creative and try different variations to find your favorite!

What to do with leftover gravy

After Thanksgiving dinner, you may find yourself with a bowl or two of leftover gravy. Instead of letting it go to waste, there are several ways you can repurpose it into new and delicious meals.

1. Use it as a sauce: Leftover gravy makes an excellent sauce for a variety of dishes. You can pour it over roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even use it to make a delicious pot pie.

2. Make a soup: Add some broth, vegetables, and shredded turkey to your leftover gravy to create a hearty soup. You can also add some noodles or rice to make it even more filling.

3. Make a sandwich: Spread a layer of gravy on your favorite bread and top it with some sliced turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Toast it up in the oven for a warm and satisfying sandwich.

4. Freeze it: If you don't have any immediate plans for your leftover gravy, consider freezing it in an airtight container. It will last for up to three months and can be thawed out whenever you need it.

Remember to always reheat your leftover gravy thoroughly before consuming. To avoid drying it out, heat it up in a pot on low heat and stir frequently. 

And if you're not sure how long your gravy has been in the fridge, always err on the side of caution and discard it if it looks or smells off.

Freezing and reheating tips

Once you have transformed your leftover turkey into delicious meals, you may find that you still have some leftovers. 

If you want to avoid food waste, freezing is a great option. However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to freezing and reheating your turkey leftovers.

When freezing your turkey leftovers, make sure they are completely cooled down before storing them in airtight containers or freezer bags. 

Label each container with the date and the contents, so you know what you are reheating later.

For the best quality, consume your frozen turkey within two to three months. To thaw your leftovers, take them out of the freezer and place them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. 

You can also thaw them in the microwave using the defrost setting, but make sure to use a microwave-safe container and check on them frequently to avoid overcooking.

When reheating your turkey leftovers, it's important to ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. 

You can reheat your leftovers in the oven, microwave, or on the stove. To avoid dryness, you can add some broth, gravy, or sauce to the dish while reheating.

Finally, make sure to avoid refreezing your turkey leftovers once they have been thawed and reheated. 

This can increase the risk of foodborne illness and affect the texture and flavor of the dish.

By following these freezing and reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftover turkey for weeks to come and avoid wasting any food.

FAQs

Q: How long can I keep my leftover turkey in the fridge before it goes bad?

A: Leftover turkey should be kept in the fridge for no longer than four days. After that, it's best to freeze it.

Q: Can I freeze leftover gravy?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover gravy. However, it may thicken or separate when reheated, so you may need to add some broth or water to thin it out.

Q: What other meals can I make with leftover turkey besides sandwiches?

A: You can make turkey pot pie, turkey soup, turkey chili, turkey enchiladas, turkey stir fry, and many other meals using leftover turkey.

Q: Can I use the turkey bones to make broth?

A: Yes, you can use the turkey bones to make a delicious broth. Just simmer the bones in water with some veggies and herbs for a few hours, strain, and you'll have a flavorful broth to use in soups, stews, or other recipes.

Q: How can I prevent my leftover turkey from drying out when reheating it?

A: Add a little bit of chicken or turkey broth to your leftover turkey before reheating it. This will help keep the meat moist and tender.