Easy Leftover Turkey Soup: A Comforting Post-Holiday Recipe
Transform holiday scraps into a warm, nourishing bowl that comforts chilly evenings.
After the excitement of Thanksgiving fades, there’s always one delicious question: What do you do with all the leftover turkey? Move beyond the classic turkey sandwich and create a soup that is comforting, nourishing, and perfect for chilly days. This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is ready in under an hour and is ideal for making the most out of every bit of your holiday bird.
Why Make Leftover Turkey Soup?
Thanksgiving dinner is wonderful, but the joy doesn’t have to end with the meal itself. Leftover turkey soup is a smart and satisfying way to enjoy every ounce of flavor from your roast bird. Instead of letting cooked turkey dry out or go to waste, you can transform it with fresh vegetables, savory broth, and tender pasta into soup—an ideal post-holiday meal that’s both light and filling.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe can be made in less than an hour from start to finish.
- Warm & Comforting: Just the thing for cool fall or winter nights.
- Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein.
- Flexible: Great for using up whatever vegetables and pasta you have on hand.
- Perfect for Crowds: Wonderful for feeding lingering out-of-town guests the day after Thanksgiving.
Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Soup
This leftover turkey soup recipe is built on pantry staples and Thanksgiving leftovers, making it both convenient and economical.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the broth)
- 8 cups chicken stock (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta (or other small pasta, see substitutions)
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons
- Pasta: Swap orzo for small shells, ditalini, or even rice if preferred. Adjust cook time as needed.
- Vegetables: Add peas, corn, diced potatoes, or bell peppers depending on what you have available.
- Greens: Substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach if desired.
- Broth: Turkey stock, chicken stock, or even vegetable broth works fine.
- Herbs: Use fresh thyme or parsley in addition to rosemary for extra flavor.
- Tang: The lemon juice at the end adds brightness but is optional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and green beans. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic & Flour:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a light roux—this helps thicken the soup’s base.
- Add Stock & Seasonings:
Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring, making sure to incorporate the flour. Add the rosemary, salt, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Orzo:
Stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to medium so the soup gently boils. Cook until the orzo is just tender, around 8–10 minutes.
- Add Turkey & Greens:
Stir in the cooked turkey, baby spinach, and lemon juice (if using). Cook until the spinach wilts and the turkey is heated through, about 1 minute.
- Season & Serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread: Serve with fresh-baked ciabatta, crusty baguette, or warm dinner rolls for hearty dunking.
- Salad: Pair with a Thanksgiving-inspired salad, such as one with cranberries, nuts, and mixed greens.
- Make a Meal: Add a cheese board or simple fruit tray for an easy crowd-pleasing lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfect Leftover Turkey Soup
- Use Homemade Stock: If you have the turkey carcass, simmer it with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs for 1–2 hours and strain. This makes a deeply flavorful broth and maximizes your leftovers.
- Don’t Overcook: Because the turkey is already cooked, add it at the very end to keep it moist.
- Brighten the Flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving brings freshness to the soup.
- Customize: This soup is forgiving. Add extra veggies, finish with cream for richness, or spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce as preferred.
What others are reading
Storing and Reheating Leftover Soup
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well. Ladle cooled soup into freezer containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.
- Pasta Tips: Pasta absorbs liquid over time; if making ahead or freezing, consider slightly undercooking the pasta or cooking and storing separately to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Potassium | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 14g | 16g | 6g | 40mg | 570mg | 375mg | 1g | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can you keep leftover turkey for soup?
Cooked turkey lasts for up to three to four days in the fridge if stored properly in airtight containers. Always make sure turkey has not sat at room temperature for more than two hours, according to the USDA recommendations.
Can you freeze leftover turkey soup?
Absolutely! Once cooled, leftover turkey soup can be frozen for up to three months. For best texture, slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze and reheat, as it will continue absorbing liquid.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour and orzo. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with gluten-free flour or leaving it out, and using gluten-free pasta or rice instead of orzo.
What vegetables can I add?
Almost any vegetables! Corn, peas, diced potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers are all great additions. Customize the veggies based on what you need to use up in your fridge.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, rotisserie or cooked chicken is a perfect stand-in for turkey in this soup. The directions and timing remain the same.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of Leftovers
- Flavor Boosters: Simmering the turkey bones with herbs and scraps enhances the broth.
- Prevent Overcooking: Add turkey meat just before serving to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add Greens Last: Stir in spinach, kale, or parsley right at the end so they retain color and freshness.
- Citrus Finish: Lemon juice adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the soup.
Variations and Make-Ahead Ideas
- Creamy Turkey Soup: Stir in a splash of cream or a scoop of sour cream for a luxurious finish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
- Herby Topping: Top each bowl with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill for color and fresh flavor.
- Slow Cooker Option: After sautéing the veggies, assemble all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
More Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
- Turkey Pot Pie: Combine turkey, veggies, and a creamy sauce under a golden crust.
- Turkey Noodle Casserole: Mix turkey, pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce for an easy bake.
- Turkey Salad Sandwiches: Chop turkey and toss with mayo, celery, and herbs for sandwiches.
- Turkey Fried Rice: Turn leftovers into a quick stir-fry with rice, veggies, and soy sauce.
Summary
Post-holiday meals should be just as memorable as Thanksgiving itself. This easy leftover turkey soup recipe turns abundant roast turkey into a nourishing soup that’s quick enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for cozy weekends. Enjoy the heart and comfort of a homemade meal that truly puts your leftovers to delicious use.
References
- https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-30-minute-turkey-noodle-soup/
- https://www.healthmarkfootandankle.com/blog/leftover-turkey-soup.cfm
- https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-turkey-noodle-soup/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37242637/leftover-turkey-soup-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgP09PtCzuo
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41982505/best-leftover-turkey-recipes/
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