Leftover Turkey Soup

Name: Leftover Turkey Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 ribs celery stalks (chopped); 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 8 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 1 cup egg noodles (uncooked); 0.5 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin it

You know those moments after a big holiday feast? The fridge is packed, everyone’s happily stuffed, but then… the existential question creeps in: what do I do with all that leftover turkey? For years, I’d just… well, I’d just have turkey sandwiches. Delicious, sure, but a little predictable, right? Then, one particularly chilly evening, staring at a mountain of roast bird, I had a revelation. It was time to transform that holiday star into something completely new, something comforting, something that felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. That’s how this incredible Leftover Turkey Soup was born, and let me tell you, it’s become an absolute lifesaver in my kitchen. It’s miles better than a plain old sandwich, and honestly, it’s so good, you’ll find yourself wishing for leftovers just so you can make it again. Think of it as the magical second act to your holiday turkey!

What is leftover turkey soup?

So, what exactly is this magical concoction? It’s essentially a hearty, deeply flavorful soup that takes the delicious essence of your roasted turkey and transforms it into something entirely new and utterly comforting. We’re not just tossing random things in a pot here; we’re building layers of flavor. It starts with a rich, savory broth, infused with aromatic vegetables, tender pieces of that glorious leftover turkey, and often, a delightful mix of grains or pasta to make it truly satisfying. Think of it as the ultimate culinary redemption for your Thanksgiving or Christmas bird. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book, or gather your family around the table for an impromptu, cozy meal. It’s less about following a rigid recipe and more about embracing the spirit of using what you have to create something wonderful.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this Leftover Turkey Soup has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to adore it too. First off, the flavor is just out of this world! That slow-cooked turkey, combined with the vegetables and herbs, creates a broth that’s so rich and satisfying, it’s like liquid gold. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly day, or honestly, any day you just need a little comfort. But what I really love about it is how incredibly simple it is to make, especially when you already have the turkey ready to go. It feels like a gourmet meal, but it comes together with surprisingly little effort, which is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. And can we talk about cost-efficiency? You’re essentially giving your leftover turkey a delicious second life, saving money and reducing food waste – a total win-win! Plus, it’s so versatile. I’ve made it with noodles, rice, barley, even little dumplings, and it’s always a hit. It’s the kind of dish that feels so personal and rewarding to make. It truly stands out from just reheating leftover meat because you’re building an entirely new, delicious experience from it.

How do I make leftover turkey soup?

Quick Overview

Making this soup is surprisingly straightforward! You’ll start by sautéing some aromatics, then add your turkey broth and the star of the show – your shredded or diced leftover turkey. Simmering it all together allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, we’ll add some veggies and maybe some grains or pasta for extra heartiness. The whole process is designed to be forgiving and adaptable, so don’t stress about perfection. It’s about creating a comforting, delicious meal with minimal fuss, and the result is always incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

For the Savory Base:
2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil you have on hand)
1 large onion, chopped (I usually just use whatever onion is looking good in the bin)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped (these add such a lovely sweetness!)
2 celery stalks, chopped (don’t skip the celery, it’s key for that classic soup flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
8 cups chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium is best so you can control the salt)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh if you have them)
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, but it really elevates the flavor)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (start small, you can always add more!)

For the Hearty Goodness:
3-4 cups shredded or diced cooked turkey (whatever’s left from your roast, bones removed!)
1 cup mixed vegetables, frozen or fresh (peas, corn, green beans are great options)
1/2 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo) or rice (optional, but makes it super filling!)

Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)
Crusty Bread, for dipping (this is non-negotiable in my house!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Grab a nice big pot or Dutch Oven – the kind that feels substantial. Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Don’t let it get smoking hot; we’re just looking for a nice, gentle shimmer. This is where the flavor foundation begins, so taking your time here is important.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Actually, we don’t have specific “dry ingredients” to mix separately in this recipe, but it’s important to have all your chopped vegetables prepped and ready to go in their respective piles. This “mise en place” makes the cooking process so much smoother. Having everything chopped before you start sautéing means you won’t be scrambling when things get hot.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

This step is more about preparing your liquids. Have your broth measured out and ready. If you’re using any fresh herbs, get those prepped too. The key here is organization, so when it’s time to add the broth, it’s a quick pour and you can move on to the next delicious step.

Step 4: Combine

Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the shimmering olive oil. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and the onion is becoming translucent. This is called building your “soffritto” or mirepoix, and it releases all those beautiful, sweet flavors. Now, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it gets bitter quickly!

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While your veggies are sautéing, make sure your leftover turkey is ready. If you haven’t already, shred or dice the cooked turkey meat into bite-sized pieces. If there are any particularly flavorful bits like crispy skin or dark meat, definitely toss those in too! If you’re using rice or pasta, have that measured out and ready to go. For the mixed vegetables, if using frozen, no need to thaw; they’ll cook right in the soup.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Pour in your chicken or turkey broth. Add the dried thyme and rosemary (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently bubble away for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all those lovely sautéed vegetable flavors to infuse into the broth. Now, add your shredded turkey and the mixed vegetables. If you’re adding pasta or rice, this is the time to stir it in too. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the pasta or rice is cooked through and tender, usually about another 10-15 minutes, depending on what you’re using. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Bake

This recipe is a stovetop wonder, so no baking is required! We’re letting those flavors meld beautifully right in the pot.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate. If it tastes a little flat, a tiny pinch of salt can make all the difference. If you’re using fresh parsley for garnish, chop it up now and have it ready.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh parsley, if you like. And please, for the love of all that is delicious, serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up every last drop of that wonderful broth. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This Leftover Turkey Soup is practically a meal in itself, but there are so many delightful ways to round it out! For a true breakfast of champions (especially on a chilly morning after a big holiday!), I love serving a smaller bowl alongside some buttery toast or a flaky croissant. The warmth of the soup just wakes you up beautifully. When it comes to brunch, this soup is fantastic as a lighter starter before the main event, or even as part of a buffet. I like to serve it in pretty little mugs, maybe with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for an elegant touch. As for dessert, well, the soup itself is so comforting, you might not even need anything else! But if you’re craving something sweet, a light fruit tart or some simple cookies would be lovely. For those moments when you just need a cozy snack that feels substantial, a generous bowl of this soup with a side of garlic bread or some cheese crackers is pure bliss. My family also has a tradition of having this soup after a particularly stressful day; it just feels like a culinary hug. We’ll often pair it with some homemade cornbread muffins – the slight sweetness of the cornbread is just divine with the savory soup.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Leftover Turkey Soup

I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make it shine. When it comes to your veggies, don’t be afraid to chop them relatively small and uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly and distribute nicely throughout the soup. If your carrots are older and a bit tough, a quick blanch in boiling water before adding them to the pot can help them soften up faster. For the turkey itself, I find shredding it gives you more tender, flavorful bites throughout the soup compared to dicing, but either works! Make sure you’ve removed all the bones and cartilage, though – nobody wants to find those in their soup! When it comes to the broth, using a good quality chicken or turkey broth is really important for flavor. If you happen to have some homemade turkey stock from your roast, even better! Don’t be shy with the herbs – thyme and rosemary are classic pairings with turkey, but I’ve also experimented with a pinch of sage, especially if I have any leftover from stuffing. And for the pasta or rice, I always add it towards the end of cooking. If you add it too early, it can get mushy. My kids are super picky about textures, so I’ve learned that cooking the pasta just until al dente is key. If you’re planning on having leftovers (which is a good idea!), I actually prefer to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy in the stored soup. Trust me on this one, it’s a game-changer for reheated soup! If you don’t have a lot of turkey meat, or want to bulk it up, adding a can of white beans or some chickpeas is a fantastic way to add protein and fiber without altering the flavor too much. And lastly, that final taste and adjustment of salt and pepper is crucial. It’s what wakes up all the other flavors and brings the soup to life. Don’t skip it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this Leftover Turkey Soup is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week. If you have any soup left (which is rare at my house!), I usually let it cool down completely on the counter for about an hour. Once it’s cooled, I transfer it to airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it should last for a good 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld even more overnight, which is pretty wonderful! When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This is my preferred method because it ensures the soup heats evenly without scorching. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If you find the soup has become a little too thick after refrigeration, just add a splash more broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully! I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can easily last for 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as you normally would. The glaze, if you decide to add any finishing touches like fresh herbs, is best added *after* reheating to maintain its freshness and vibrant color. I generally avoid freezing soup with pasta or rice already in it, as they can become a bit too soft. Instead, I’ll freeze the soup base and add cooked pasta or rice when reheating individual servings. This keeps the texture much better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Making this Leftover Turkey Soup gluten-free is super simple. Just skip the pasta or rice, or opt for gluten-free pasta or rice alternatives. There are some fantastic gluten-free rice blends and even small gluten-free pastas like quinoa or lentil-based shapes available these days that would work wonderfully. You could also add extra vegetables or even some cooked quinoa or millet for a hearty boost without any gluten. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free, as some can contain hidden gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this particular recipe, but if you were thinking of adding it, I’d say it’s entirely optional! Leaving the skin on zucchini adds a bit of color and extra fiber. It softens up beautifully during cooking. If you prefer a smoother texture or are worried about any slight bitterness from the skin, then peeling is definitely an option. Personally, for soups, I usually leave the skin on to get the most nutritional benefit and a lovely visual appeal.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This is a soup recipe, so making it into muffins would be quite a transformation! However, if you’re looking for a way to use up leftover turkey in a baked good, you might be thinking of something like turkey pot pie muffins or savory turkey muffins. This specific soup recipe isn’t really designed to be adapted into a muffin batter. You’d need a completely different set of ingredients and ratios for a baked item.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

The natural sweetness in this soup comes primarily from the carrots and onions as they cook down. If you find you prefer it a little sweeter, you can add an extra carrot or two, or even a small diced sweet potato or butternut squash along with the other vegetables. A tiny pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey stirred in at the end can also do the trick, but I usually find the vegetables are enough. Taste as you go, and let your palate guide you!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

This recipe doesn’t call for a glaze, but if you’re referring to a topping or garnish, I love finishing it with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for brightness. Other great options include a swirl of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy tang, a few fresh dill sprigs, or even some crunchy croutons. For a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce is always a good idea! The goal is just to add a little something extra that complements the savory flavors of the soup.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my go-to recipe for transforming those holiday leftovers into something truly special. This Leftover Turkey Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a testament to how delicious and resourceful cooking can be. I hope you’ll give it a try, especially after your next big feast. It’s so satisfying to see that turkey go from the star of a holiday table to the hero of a comforting, everyday meal. It proves that even the most ordinary leftovers can become extraordinary. If you love cozy soups, you might also want to check out my [Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe](https://everydaycookingtips.com/hearty-chicken-noodle-soup) or my [Creamy Tomato Basil Soup](https://everydaycookingtips.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup). They’re all about bringing warmth and flavor to your table! I can’t wait to hear how your Leftover Turkey Soup turns out, so please leave a comment below and tell me your favorite additions or any fun variations you’ve tried. Happy cooking, everyone!

No ratings yet