Turkeys are great for feeding a crowd. If you were lucky enough to score a turkey for free from all of the grocery store promotions {spend $100, get a free turkey sort of thing}, then you can potentially squeeze quite a few meals out of the leftovers, and slide into the holidays with a little extra money in your grocery budget. Even if you didn’t get it for free, it’s amazing how many recipes you can make from leftover turkey–which makes the initial cost waaay more affordable.
First off, leftover cooked turkey can be frozen, which means if you over-indulged {no judgement} on the Thanksgiving bird and need to put some distance between yourself and the incident, you can totally freeze it, and use it up when the memory is not so fresh. To freeze leftover turkey, take it off of the bone, slice or dice it, and then place it into freezer safe bags. The more air you can squeeze out of the bag, the better the turkey will store. Leftover turkey will keep in the freezer for 2-6 months, according to food safety guidelines.
Once you have removed the turkey from the bones so that you can freeze or use it, don’t throw the carcass away! It makes a great homemade broth that you can also freeze. Then, you can whip up homemade turkey gravy anytime your little heart desires. To make the broth, just toss the carcass into a crock pot, cover completely with water, add 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and toss in any leftover veggies and peels {I like carrots, celery, and onions}. Cook on low for 8-24 hours. Strain the broth from the carcass and veggie bits, and then place the broth into mason jars–leaving at least 1″ head space to allow for expansion during freezing. Transfer the mason jars to the freezer and use the broth as needed.
If you need some recipe inspiration for that leftover turkey, not to worry, I got you covered. I have tossed leftover turkey into just about everything. Here are my favorites:
These leftover turkey enchiladas are one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers, because they are completely different tasting than your standard holiday meal. You almost don’t even realize your still having turkey.
Pot pies are freakin’ delicious. They are the ultimate comfort food. As an added bonus, this is a great way to use up leftover gravy too.
This recipe is the perfect way to toss basically all of your leftovers into a pie dish and bake it into a casserole. It’s like a one dish Thanksgiving feast.
In case sweet potato frosting {listed above} isn’t your thing, here’s the same basic recipe with your regular mashed taters option: Turkey Casserole with Mashed Potato Topping.
How will you be using up your leftover turkey?
~Mavis
Laura T. says
Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family! Thanks for all of the great ideas!
Jeanie says
I had 31 people so no real leftovers but I did boil my turkey carcass and save enough meat for turkey soup. I also made Amberlina’s sweet potatoe casserole and it was practically licked clean. Everyone raved about it and I had even forgotten to get pecans so didn’t add those. It was delicious regardless!
Laura Z says
Turkey and sausage gumbo!
Linda Sand says
When throwing your veggies into the crockpot skip the potatoes if you want clear broth. Potatoes will turn it cloudy.
Mel says
I always find ways to use up turkey meat, but I usually don’t get around to making stock. I want to be sure I do this year. I also have other leftovers to figure out, like gallons of apple cider. I think I’m going to try making boiled cider since that reduces the quantity but still yields something useful.
Laura Z says
You can make good stock in a slow cooker. Makes it easy! I’ve made good apple cider jelly before. Makes good gifts.☺
Mel says
I considered the slow cooker, but I think our turkey carcass is too big for our crockpot. I could break it up, but the lid might still not fit. And, at some point it’s just as easy to do a big stock pot, but the mad dash to Christmas usually precludes me doing it. But, I remembered to grab extra onions, carrots, and celery in preparation this year, so I should be fine. I considered jelly for the cider as well, but I don’t think I’ll have time to can before Christmas either. Something to consider for next September, though!
Linda Noss says
Mavis, this is a little late, but how does your daughter do the turkey that tastes so fabulous. Mine was less than great this year. JUst wanting some tips.
Mavis Butterfield says
She refuses to let us in the kitchen while she is preparing the bird. It’s really pretty funny so it’s all a big mystery to us. Sorry.