Thanksgiving is over, the dishes are done, and now you’re staring at a pile of leftover turkey in your fridge. Wondering what to do with it all? This Easy Leftover Turkey Soup is your solution! It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Not only is this soup a great option for using up turkey, but it’s also versatile—you can make it with sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, or even throw it into the crockpot for a hands-free cooking experience. Whether you’re craving a light soup recipe or something rich and creamy, this one checks all the boxes. Let’s dive in and make something magical with those Thanksgiving leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
- Efficient Use of Leftovers: Turn that pile of leftover turkey into a flavorful soup that feels like a whole new meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Got leftover sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, or extra veggies? Toss them in!
- Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together easily on the stovetop or can be adapted for the crockpot.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze for later.
Ingredients for Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need for this creamy and satisfying soup. Feel free to substitute based on what’s in your fridge!
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups milk (or cream for a richer texture)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (or swap with sweet potatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Leftover vegetables from Thanksgiving (green beans, corn, or peas work great)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (if you want extra creaminess)
- A sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Base Ingredients
In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to prevent burning.
2. Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and stir. Add the diced potatoes (or sweet potatoes for a twist). Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Tip: For a healthier, lighter soup, you can use a combination of broth and water.
3. Stir in Turkey and Seasonings
Add the shredded turkey to the pot along with thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or cream. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of milk to form a slurry, and whisk it into the soup. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Crockpot Version: Add all ingredients except milk/cream to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the milk or cream during the last 30 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Turkey Soup
- Experiment with Sweet Potatoes: If you’re a fan of rich, slightly sweet flavors, try making a Turkey and Sweet Potato Soup variation. It adds a unique twist!
- Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy, chili-like flavor. You’ll end up with a Creamy Turkey Chili vibe that’s irresistible.
- Lighten It Up: If you’re watching your calories, substitute the cream with unsweetened almond milk or use a mix of broth and Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
- Prep Ahead: Dice all your veggies the day before and store them in the fridge for an even quicker cooking process.
- Use Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh thyme or parsley can elevate the soup’s flavor to the next level.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
This is an estimate based on using milk and regular potatoes. Adjust according to your ingredient choices!
Thanksgiving Dinner Leftover Ideas
If you’re still swimming in holiday leftovers, here are a few other ideas to help you repurpose them:
- Creamy Turkey Chili: Add beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty one-pot meal.
- Turkey Pot Pie: Use your turkey, leftover gravy, and veggies for a classic pie.
- Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash: A quick and easy breakfast skillet!
- Soup Recipes Turkey: Make a lighter turkey soup with more broth and veggies if creamy isn’t your thing.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs beautifully with fresh biscuits, a side salad, or toasted sourdough bread.
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Leftover Tip: If the soup thickens too much when reheating, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Turkey Soup Crockpot: Toss everything into the crockpot for a no-fuss version.
- Soup Recipes Light: Skip the cream and use extra broth for a light, broth-based turkey soup.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap turkey with chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Leftover Turkey Soup is everything you need after a big Thanksgiving feast. It’s comforting, simple to make, and an excellent way to use up those leftovers. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—perfect for anyone looking for easy Thanksgiving leftover ideas.
Whether you’re curling up with a warm bowl on a chilly day or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is a must-try. Enjoy the satisfaction of turning leftovers into a masterpiece!
