Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and fabulous food—and, yes, plenty of leftover turkey. But let’s face it: eating cold turkey sandwiches or bland salads every day can get old. This year, why not breathe new life into your leftovers with creative turkey leftover recipes that will have everyone excited about them again? With ideas ranging from crunchy spring rolls to comforting chili, you’ll be able to transform your Thanksgiving turkey into brand-new dishes with amazing flavors.

Let’s dive into some unique ways to make turkey leftovers shine!

1. Crispy Turkey Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a refreshing way to enjoy turkey in a totally new format. These little bites are crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re highly versatile, so feel free to add in any extra veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups of shredded turkey
• 1 cup of julienned veggies (try carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• Spring roll wrappers

Instructions:

1. Sauté the turkey with soy sauce and hoisin, and toss with the veggies.
2. Place a small amount of filling in each wrapper, roll them tightly, and fry in oil until crispy.

Why You’ll Love It:

Turkey spring rolls bring a refreshing crunch and are perfect for a light lunch or snack. They’re quick to make and ideal for using up leftovers without feeling repetitive.

2. Spicy Turkey Chili

If the weather is cold, turkey chili is an ideal way to warm up while making the most of your leftovers. This recipe swaps ground beef for shredded turkey, bringing a deliciously smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. Combine turkey, tomatoes, beans, and spices in a pot.
2. Simmer for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld, then serve with toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Why You’ll Love It:

This chili is comfort food at its best and turns your turkey leftovers into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for family meals or casual gatherings.

3. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Craving comfort food? Transform your turkey into a shepherd’s pie that’s perfect for chilly days. With creamy mashed potatoes and a flavorful turkey filling, this dish is satisfying and simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup turkey gravy
• Mashed potatoes

Instructions:

1. Layer turkey, veggies, and gravy in a baking dish.
2. Top with mashed potatoes and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It:

This twist on the classic shepherd’s pie is rich, creamy, and comforting. It’s a great option if you have leftover mashed potatoes, and it uses up your turkey in a way that doesn’t feel repetitive.

4. Kung Pao Turkey

Give your lefover turkey an Asian-inspired twist with Kung Pao turkey! This recipe combines turkey with a spicy, savory sauce and crunchy peanuts for an exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups turkey chunks (or shredded turkey works well too)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the bell pepper until tender, then add turkey and peanuts.
2. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin, and sriracha, and cook until everything is warmed through.

Why You’ll Love It:

Kung Pao turkey brings bold, spicy flavors that are totally unexpected for leftover turkey. It’s a tasty way to make leftovers exciting again, especially if you’re craving something different.

5. Turkey Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a perfect way to turn leftover turkey into a Mexican-inspired dish. The tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce bring the flavors together for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 can enchilada sauce

Instructions:

1. Roll turkey and cheese into tortillas and place in a baking dish.
2. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It:

Enchiladas are fun to assemble, and the cheese and sauce give the turkey a whole new flavor. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to complete the dish.

6. Turkey Pot Pie

For a homestyle dish, try making a turkey pot pie. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with vegetables, creating a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 1 cup turkey gravy
• Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Combine turkey, veggies, and gravy in a baking dish.
2. Top with a pie crust and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It:

Pot pie is the ultimate comfort food and a great way to use turkey leftovers. The flaky crust and savory filling make this dish feel like a holiday all over again.

7. Turkey Fried Rice

This easy and tasty turkey fried rice is perfect for busy weeknights and makes your leftovers feel new and exciting.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups shredded turkey
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Sauté the turkey, rice, and veggies, then add soy sauce.
2. Scramble the egg into the rice mixture and cook until fully incorporated.

Why You’ll Love It:

Fried rice is quick, customizable, and delicious. This version uses turkey for a unique twist on a takeout favorite, and it’s ready in no time.

8. Turkey Hash with Sweet Potatoes

For a savory breakfast or brunch, try turkey hash with sweet potatoes. It’s filling, flavorful, and brings a comforting balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the sweet potato and onion until soft, then add turkey.
2. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until everything is heated through.

Why You’ll Love It:

Turkey hash is warm and satisfying, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s also a great way to use up sweet potatoes and turkey in one go.

With these leftover turkey recipes, you can enjoy dishes in totally new ways that your family will love. From crispy spring rolls to comforting pot pie, these dishes will bring fresh flavors to your table and help reduce waste. Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring—turn them into something amazing and enjoy them for days to come!

Looking for more fall recipes? It’s still fall and butternut squash is on sale in most supermarkets. Read on my post for delicious butternut squash recipes here.